Preface. 



the hiftory of angling literature, which has yet to be 

 written, would be neither an unprofitable nor un- 

 tempting tafk, beckoning the ftudent, as it does, away 

 from the more beaten path of letters, and pointing to 

 fequeftered nooks, of the frefhnefs and quaintnefs of 

 which the uninitiated are little aware. Let us hope 

 that at no diftant epoch, fome capable and perfevering 

 pioneer may undertake that pilgrimage, and fummon 

 us to tell our beads at fhrines that have been too long 

 forfaken. 



It only remains for me to add, that I truft my little 

 work may prove an ufeful manual to the Waltonian 

 collector, to whofe indulgence I appeal, as a fhield for 

 its fhortcomings. 



T. W. 



May-day, 1864. 



XV 



