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 favours, as by them
to be encouraged to entreat 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 denied, because
it is a Discourse of Fish and Fishing, which you know so well,
and both love and practise so much.

You are assured, though there be ignorant men of another
belief, that Angling is an Art; and you know that Art better
than others; and that this truth, is demonstrated by the fruits
of that pleasant labour which you enjoy when you purpose
to give rest fo your mind, and divest yourself of your more
serious business, and, which is often, dedicate a day or two to
this recreation.

At which time, if common Anglers should attend you, and
be eye-witnesses of the success, not of your fortune but your
skill, it would doubtless beget in them an emulation to-be like
you, and that emulation might beget an industrious diligence to
be so; but I know it is not .attainable by common capacities.
And there be now many men of great wisdom, learning, and
experience, which love and practise this Art, that know I
speak the truth.