PREFACE. Vli 



\vliich are established by long prac- 

 tice, and every one thinks his own 

 mode the best merely because he has 

 been accustomed to it. Being fond of 

 retirement and rural scenes, I have 

 had frequent opportunities in my 

 walks by the River Trent, of observ- 

 ing the absurd methods of angling, 

 not only in the choice of hooks and 

 baits, but in places and at times im- 

 proper for the diversion, and which 

 must have been productive of dis- 

 appointment, and vexation, and 

 which have given rise to the many 

 jokes and sarcasms bestowed on the 

 angler. This induced me to attempt 

 a* short treatise on the subject, ap- 

 propriated to the use of those who 

 were not proficients in the amuse- 

 ment, and to such I flatter myself it 

 will not be unacceptable. 



