Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB

and other fish, which I may commend, because they concern not my self.

And I am also to tel the Reader, that in that which is the more usefull part of this discourse; that is to say, the observations of the nature and breeding, and feafons, and catching of fish, I am not fo fimple as not to think but that he may find exceptions in fome of thefe; and therefore I must intreat him to know, or rather note, that feverall Countreys, and several Rivers alter the time and manner of fishes Breeding; and therefore if he bring not candor to the reading of this Discourse, he shall both injure me, and poffibly himself too by too many Criticisms.

Now for the Art of catching fish; that is to say, how to make a man that was none, an Angler by a book: he that undertakes it, shall undertake a harder task then Hales,

that

* Called inat in his printed Book* underthe private took by it to teach the Art of School of Fencing, and was laught at for

defence.

his labour. Not but that fomething usefull might be observed out of that Book; but that Art was not to be taught by words; nor is the Art of Angling. And yet, I think, that most that love that Game, may here learn something that may be worth their money, if they be not needy: and if they be, then my advice is, that they forbear; for, I write not to get money, but fo: pleasure; and this discourse boasts of no more: for I hate to promise much, and fail.

But pleasure I have found both in the fearch and conference about what is here offered to thy view and cenfure; I wish thee as much in the perufal of it, and fo might here take myleave; but I will stay thee a little longer by telling thee, that whereas it is faid by many, that in Fly-fishing

for

for a Trout, the Angler muft obferve his twelve Flyes for every Month; I say, if he observe that, he shall be as certain to catch fish, as they that make Hay by the fair dayes in Almanacks, and be no furer: for doubtless, three or four Flyes rightly made, do ferve for a Trout all Summer; and for Winter-flies, all Angters know, they are as useful as an Almanack out of date.

Of these (because no man is born an Artist nor an Angler) I thought fit to give thee this notice. Imight fay more, but it is not fit for this place; but if this Discourse which follows fhall come to a second inpreffion, which is poffible, for flight books have been in this Age observed to have that fortune; Ishall then for thy fake be glad to correct what isfaulty,or by a conference with anytoexplain or enlargewhat is defective:but for this time I have neither

awillingness nor leasure to fay more, then with theearainy evening toread this book in, and that the east wind may never blow when thou goeft a fishing. Farewel

Iz. WA.

B

Ecaufe in this Difcourfe of Fiband Fishing I have not observedamethod, which (though the Discourse be not long) may befome inconvenience to the Reader, I have therefore for his easier finding out fome particular things which are spoken of, made this following Table.

The first Chapter is spent in a vindication or commendation of the Art of Angling.

In the fecond are fome obfervations of the nature of the Otter, and alfo fome obfervations of the Chub or Cheven, with directions how and with what baits to fish for him.

In chapt. 3. are fome obfervations of Trouts,beth of their nature, their kinds, and their breeding.

In chap. 4. are some direction concerning baits for the Trout, with advise how to make the Fly, and keep the live baits.

In chap. 5. are fome direction how to fish for the Trout by night; and a question, Whether fifo bear? and lastly, fome direction how to fish for the Umber or Greyling.

In chap. 6. are fome obfervations concerning the Salmon, with direction how to fish for him.

In chap.7.are feveral obfervations concerning the Luce or Pike, with fome directions how and with what baits to fish for him.

In chap.8.are feveral obfervations of the nature

and

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »