PREFACE. Vn 



haue but lytyll knowlege of it . . but well 1 

 wote that the redde worme and the menow ben 

 good batys for hym at all tymes as I haue herde 

 saye of persones credyble & also founde wryten 

 in bokes of credence." 



Some of these " bokes of credence '' may still 

 be extant, unnoticed among the manuscripts of 

 Continental libraries. The more likely, seeing 

 that, enthusiastic fishers as are the French, the 

 literary side of the sport has scarcely presented 

 itself to that practical people. Perhaps some one 

 may be incited to search among the tracts on 

 '' Venerie," for in their company may some on 

 fishing yet be found. 



We cannot conclude without expressing our 

 thanks for the valuable aid rendered by the 

 Rev Professor Skeat in the preparation of the 

 Glossary that follows the text. 



T. S. 



Downshire Hill, 



August 8, 1883. 



