1825.
TO HIS INGENIOUS FRIEND THE AUTHOR,
ON HIS
ANGLING IMPROVED.
Honoured Sir,
Though I never, to my knowledge, had the happiness to see your face, yet accidentally coming to a view of this discourse before it went to the press; I held myself obliged in point of gratitude for the great advantage I received thereby, to tender you my particular acknowledgment, especially having been for thirty years past, not only a lover but a practiser of that innocent recreation, wherein by your judicious precepts I find myself fitted for a higher form; which expression I take the boldness to use, because I have read and practised by many books of this kind, formerly made public; from which, although I received much advantage in the practice, yet, without prejudice to their worthy Authors, I could never find in them that height of judgment and reason, which you have manifested in this, as I may call it, epitome of Angling; since my reading whereof I cannot look upon some notes of my own gathering, but methinks I do puerilia tractare. But lest I should be thought to go about to magnify my own judgment, in giving yours so small a portion of its due, I humbly take leave with no more ambition than to kiss your hand, and to be accounted
Your Humble and
Thankful Servant,
ISAAC WALTON.
MEMOIR
OF
COL. ROBERT VENABLES.