274 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. PART II. 



pretender to the angle, and, doubtless, a Trout affords 

 the most pleasure to the angler of any sort of fish what- 

 ever; and the best Trout s must needs make the best 

 sport : but this brook, and some others I have met with 

 upon this way, are too full of wood for that recreation. 



Pise. This, Sir! why this, and several others like it, 

 which you have past, and some that you are like to pass, 

 have scarce any name amongst us : but we can shew you 

 as fine rivers, and as clear from wood or any other incum- 

 brance to hinder an angler, as any you ever saw ; and for 

 clear beautiful streams, Hantshire itself, by Mr. Izaac 

 Walton's good leave, can shew none such ; nor I think 

 any country in Europe. 



Vint. You go far, Sir, in the praise of your country 

 rivers, and I perceive have read Mr. Walton's Complete 

 Angler, by your naming of Hantshire; and I pray what 

 is your opinion of that book ? 



Pise. My opinion of Mr. Walton's book is the same 

 with every man's that understands any thing of the art of 

 angling, that it is an excellent good one ; and that the 

 fore-mentioned gentleman understands as much of fish 

 and fishing as any man living. But I must tell you, fur- 

 ther, that I have the happiness to know his person, and 

 to be intimately acquainted with him ; and in him to know 

 the worthiest man, and to enjoy the best and the truest 

 friend any man ever had : nay, I shall yet acquaint you 

 further that he gives me leave to call him Father, and I 

 hope is not yet ashamed to own me for his adopted Son. 

 [Swp.261.] 



Viat. In earnest, Sir, I am ravished to meet with a 

 friend of Mr. Izaac Walton's, and one that does him so 

 much right in so good and true a character: for I 

 must boast to you, that I have the good fortune to know 

 him too, and came acquainted with him much after the 

 same manner I do with you ; that he was my master, who 



