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thing a neater dress, but that I was surprized with the 

 sudden news of a'sudden new edition of your Complete 

 Angler; so that, having but a little more than ten days 

 time to turn me in, and rub up my memory, (for in truth, 

 I have not, in all this long time, though I have often 

 thought on't, and almost as often resolv'd to go presently 

 about it), I was forced, upon the instant, to scribble what 

 I here present you: which I have also endeavoured to 

 accommodate to your own method. And, if mine be clear 

 enough for the honest brothers of the angle readily to 

 understand, (which is the only thing I aim at,) then I have 

 my end; and shall need to make no further apology; a 

 writing of this kind not requiring, (if I were master of any 

 such thing), any eloquence to set it off, or recommend it; 

 so that if you, in your better judgment, or kindness rather, 

 can allow it passable, for a thing of this nature, you will 

 then do me honour if the Cypher fix'd and carv'd in the 

 front of my little fishing-house, may be here explained : 

 and to permit me to attend you in public, who, in private, 

 have ever been, am, and ever resolve to be, 



SIR, 

 Your most affectionate 



Son and Servant, 



CHARLES COTTON. 

 Bcrisford, 10th 

 of March, 107. 



