6 INTRODUCTORY. 



more, it is unnecessary, as the ground in this respect 

 is already fully occupied ; and if any one wishes to 

 have all the joys of angling set forth in genuine old 

 English style, let him read Izaak Walton, " being 

 a discourse on fish and fishing not unworthy the 

 perusal of most anglers." Here may be found a 

 conglomeration of fertile meadows, crystal brooks, 

 meandering streams, milk-maids' songs, and moral 

 reflections, which must prove irresistible ; and also, 

 if a man of tender conscience, be able to satisfy him- 

 self that angling is not a cruel amusement, though 

 it must be admitted that some of Izaak's injunctions, 

 such as putting a hook " through a frog tenderly, as 

 though you loved him," seeing that the said tender- 

 ness is to be evinced, not for the sake of saving the 

 frog's feelings, but of prolonging its wretched life 

 do savour a little of harshness, and seem to justify 

 Lord Byron's lines : 



'* The quaint old cruel coxcomb in his gullet 

 Should have a hook, and a small trout to pull it. " 



Never having had any scruples of this sort our- 

 selves, we have not studied the subject, and there- 

 fore leave the defence of it to Walton and a cele- 

 brated Doctor of Divinity who has taken it in hand ; 

 but if any one has any scruples, or thinks angling 

 slow and stupid, or has any other objections, let 

 him keep clear of it by all means. There are plenty 

 of anglers already, and every year adds to the list a 

 number, who are not to be deterred either by the 

 sneers of this world, or by terror of the punishment, 



