PREFACE, 



Since the days of good old Izaak, the common father, figuratively 

 speaking, of all piscators, the art of Angling has improved to 

 such a degree that his " Complete Angler," — although it does, 

 and shall ever, occupy a prominent position in English literature 

 for the purity of its style — is not now regarded as a " guide, 

 philosopher, and friend" in matters relating to the gentle craft. 

 In fact, the book has long been considered as affording more 

 amusement than instruction ; and during the two hundred years 

 that have elapsed since Walton wrote, many works have appeared 

 to correct the errors which he fell into, and to disseminate, what 

 the writers conceived to be, a better and more reliable knowledge 

 of the art. In the belief that many of these have promulgated 

 unsound views, and that the piscatorial directions given by them 

 are generally erroneous, I have ventured to submit to the public, 



