WALTON TO THE READER. xlix 



we are certain, that in Thames and Trent, and in 7nost 

 other rivers, they be in season the six hotter months. 



Now for the Art of catching fish, that is to say, How to 

 make a man that was none, to be an angler by a book ; he 

 that undertakes it, shall undertake a harder task than Mr. 

 Hales, a most valiant and excellent fencer, who in a printed 

 book called, A private School of Defence, undertook to 

 teach that art or science, and was laughed at for his labour. 

 Not but that many useful things might be learnt by that 

 book: but he was laughed at because that art was not to 

 be taught by words, but practice: and so must angling. 

 And note also, that in this discourse I do not undertake to 

 say all that is known, or may be said of it, but I undertake 

 to acquaint the reader with many things that are not 

 usually known to every angler ; and I shall leave gleanings 

 and observations enough to be made out of the experience 

 of all that love and practise this recreation, to which I shall 

 encourage them. For angling may be said to be so like 

 the mathematics, that it can never be fully learnt; at least 

 not so fully, but that there will still be more new experi- 

 ments left for the trial of other men that succeed us. 



But I think all that love this game may here learn some" 

 thing that may. be worth their money, if they be not poor 

 and needy men ; and in case they be, I then wish them to 

 forbear to buy it; for I write not to get money, but for 

 pleasure, and this discourse boasts of no more; for I hate 

 to promise much, and deceive the reader. 



And however it proves to him, yet I am sure I have found 

 a high content in the search and conference of what is here 

 offered to the reader's view and censure : I wish him as 

 much in the perusal of it, and so I might here take my 

 leave ; but will stay a little and tell him, that whereas it 



