Betucatton. 



TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL 



JOHN OFFLEY, 



OF MADELEY MANOR, IN THE COUNTY OF STAFFORD, ESQ. 



MY MOST HONOURED FRIEND, 



SIR, I have made so ill use of your former favours as by them 

 to be encouraged to entreat that they may be enlarged to the patronage 

 and protection of this book. And I have put on a modest confidence 

 that I shall not be denied, because it is a Discourse of Fish and 

 Fishing, which you know so well, and both love and practise so much. 



You are assured, though there be ignorant men of another belief, 

 that Angling is an art, and you know that art better than others ; and 

 that this truth is demonstrated by the fruits of that pleasant labour 

 which you enjoy, when you purpose to give rest to your mind, and 

 divest yourself of your more serious business, and (which is often) 

 dedicate a day or two to this recreation. 



At which time, if common anglers should attend you, and be eye- 

 witnesses of the success, not of your fortune but your skill, it would 

 doubtless beget in them an emulation to be like you, and that 

 emulation might beget an industrious diligence to be so ; but I know 

 it is not attainable by common capacities. And there be now many 

 men of great wisdom, learning, and experience, which love and practise 

 this art, that know I speak the truth. 



