TO THE READER. 5 



And I wish the Reader also to take notice, that in writing of it, I have 

 made myself a recreation of a recreation ; and that it might prove so to 

 him, and not read dull and tediously, I have in several places mixed 

 (not any scurrility, but) some innocent, harmless mirth, of which, if thou 

 be a severe, sour-complexioned man, then I here disallow thee to be a 

 competent judge ;■ for divines say, there are offences given, and offences 

 not given, but taken. 



And I am the willinger to justify the pleasant part of it, because, though 

 it is known I can be serious at seasonable times, yet the whole Discourse 

 is a kind of picture of my own disposition in such days and times, 

 as I allow to myself, when honest Nat. and R. R. and I go a-fishing 

 together. 



And let me add this, that he that likes not the book, should like the 

 picture of the Trout, and the other fish, which I dare commend, because 

 they concern not myself. 



Next, let me tell the Reader, that in that which is the more useful part 

 of this Discourse; that is to say, the observations of the nature, and 

 breeding, and seasons, and catching of fish, I am not so simple as not to 

 know, but that a captious reader may find exceptions against something 

 said of some of these ; and therefore I must entreat him to consider, that 

 experience teaches us to know, that several countries alter the time, and I 

 think almost the manner, of fishes' breeding, but doubtless, of their being 

 in season ; as may appear by three rivers in Monmouthshire, namely, 

 Severn, Wye, and Usk, where Camden * observes, that in the river Wye, 

 Salmon are in season from September to April, and we are certain, that 

 in the other two, and in Thames and Trent, and in most other rivers, they 

 be in season the six hotter months. 



Now for the Art of catching fish, that is to say, how to make a man that 

 was none, to be an Angler by a book ; he that undertakes it shall under- 

 take a harder task than Mr Hales, that in a printed book, called "The 

 Private School of Defence," undertook to teach the science or art of fencing, 

 and was laughed at for his labour. Not but that many useful things might 

 be observed out of that book ; but that the art was not to be taught by words : 

 nor is the Art of Angling ; nor have I undertaken to leave out nothing 

 that might be said of it, but to acquaint the Reader with many things that 

 are not usually known to every Angler ; and I shall leave gleanings and 

 observations enough to be made out of the experience of all that love and 

 practise this recreation, to which I shall encourage them. For Angling 

 may be said to be like the Mathematics, that can never be fully learnt ; at 

 least, not so fully, but that there will still be more new experiments left 

 for the trial of other men that succeed us. 



But I think all that love this game may here learn something that may 

 be worth their money, if they be not poor and needy men ; and in case 

 they be, I then wish them to forbear to buy it ; for I write not to get 

 money, but for pleasure, and this Discourse boasts of no more ; for I hate 

 to promise much, and fail. 



But pleasure I have found both in the search and conference about what 

 is here offered to the Reader's view and censure ; I wish him as much in 

 the perusal of it, and so might here take my leave : but must stay a little 



* Britannia, fol. 633, edition 1637, which is the one quoted by Walton throughout the 

 work. 



