THE GUDGEON. 327 



added, if they want him. I verily believe that the poets 

 calmly and continuously go through all the letters of 

 the alphabet in search for rhymes, while the "general 

 public " think they come by " inspiration " ! 



You see, good reader, and " gentle " angler (and 

 perhaps "ungentle " critic), how much there is to be said 

 about so insignificant a fish as the gudgeon, whom I have 

 introduced under the humble heading of " Small Fry." 

 I must leave it to you to determine how I have said it. 

 At least you will admit I have found sufficient matter to 

 justify my giving the gudgeon a Note " all to himself." 

 If you think he requires a more lengthy discourse, 

 encourage me and my publisher to issue " a second 

 edition " of these Memoranda, and I will " let you have 

 it " to your heart's content. 



