After the exquisite quietism of this farewell, it is distracting to come precipitately upon the fine gentleman with the great wig and the Frenchified airs. This is nothing against "hearty, cheerful Mr. Cotton's strain" of which, in Walton's own setting and in his own poetical issues, I am a sufficient admirer. Cotton was a clever literary man, and a fine engaging figure of a gentleman, but, save by the accident of friendship, he has little more claim to be printed along with Walton than the gallant Col. Robert Venables, who, in the fifth edition, contributed still a third part, entitled "The Experienc'd Angler: or, Angling Improv'd. Being a General Discourse of Angling," etc., to a book that was immortally complete in its first. While "The Compleat Angler" was regarded mainly as a text-book for practical anglers, one can understand its publisher wishing to make it as complete as possible by the addition of such technical appendices; but now, when it has so long been elevated above such literary drudgery, there is no further need for their perpetuation. For I imagine that the men to-day who really catch fish, as distinguished from the men who write sentimentally about angling, would as soon think of consulting Izaak Walton as they would Dame Juliana Berners. But anyone can catch fish--can he, do you say?--the thing is to have so written about catching them that your book is a pastoral, the freshness of which a hundred editions have left unexhausted,--a book in which the grass is for ever green, and the shining brooks do indeed go on forever. _RICHARD LE GALLIENNE_. [Frontispiece Text: The Compleat Angler or the Contemplative Man's Recreation. Being a Discourse of FISH and FISHING, Not unworthy the perusal of most Anglers. Simon Peter said, I go a fishing; and they said. We also wil go with thee. John 21.3. London, Printed by T. Maxes for RICH. MARRIOT, in S. Dunstans Churchyard Fleet Street, 1653.] To the Right Worshipful JOHN OFFLEY Of MADELY Manor in the County of _Stafford_, Esq, My most honoured Friend. SIR, I have made so ill use of your former favors, as by them to be encouraged to intreat that they may be enlarged to the patronage and protection of this Book; and I have put on a modest confidence, that I shall not be denyed, because 'tis a discourse of Fish and Fishing, which you both know so well, and love and practice so much. You are assur'd (though there be ignorant men of an other belief) that Angling is an Art; and you know that Art better then any that I know: and that this is truth, is demostrated by the fruits of that pleasant labor which you enjoy when you purpose to give rest to your mind, and devest your self of your more serious business, and (which is often) dedicate a day or two to this Recreation.