pictures the _Trout_ 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 _seasons_, and _catching of fish_, I am not so
simple as not to think but that he may find exceptions in some of these;
and therefore I must intreat him to know, or rather note, that severall
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 possibly 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 in his printed Book*
[*Called the private School of defence] undertook by it to teach
the Art of Fencing, and was laught at for his labour. Not but that
something 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 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 thy view and censure; I wish thee as much in
the perusal of it, and so might here take my leave; but I will stay
thee a little longer by telling thee, that whereas it is said by many,
that in _Fly-fishing_ for a _Trout_, the Angler must observe 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 surer: for doubtless, three or four _Flyes_ rightly
made, do serve for a _Trout_ all _Summer_, and for _Winter-flies_, all
_Anglers_ know, they are as useful as an _Almanack_ out of date.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. I might say more, but it is not fit for
this place; but if this Discourse which follows shall come to a second
impression, which is possible, for slight books have been in this Age
observed to have that fortune; I shall then fo