The Complete Angler | Page 5

several observations concerning the Luce or Pike, with
some directions how and with what baits to fish for him.
In chap. 8. are several observations of the nature and breeding of
Carps, with some observations how to angle for them.
In chap. 9. are some observations concerning the Bream, the Tench,
and Pearch, with some directions with what baits to fish for them.
In chap. 10. are several observations of the nature and breeding of
Eeles, with advice how to fish for them.
In chap. 11 are some observations of the nature and breeding of
Barbels, _with some advice how, and with what baits to fish for them;
as also for the_ Gudgion and Bleak.
In chap. 12. are general directions how and with what baits to fish for
the Russe or Pope, the Roch, the Dace, _and other small fish, with
directions how to keep_ Ant-flies and Gentles _in winter, with some
other observations not unfit to be known of Anglers_.
In chap. 13. are observations for the colouring of your Rod and Hair.
These directions the Reader may take as an ease in his search after
some particular Fish, and the baits proper for them; and he will shew
himselfe courteous in mending or passing by some errors in the Printer,
which are not so many but that they may be pardoned.

The Complete ANGLER.
OR, The contemplative Mans RECREATION.
| PISCATOR | | VIATOR |

Piscator. You are wel overtaken Sir; a good morning to you; I have
stretch'd my legs up Totnam Hil to overtake you, hoping your businesse
may occasion you towards Ware, this fine pleasant fresh May day in the
Morning.
Viator. Sir. I shall almost answer your hopes: for my purpose is to be at
Hodsden (three miles short of that Town) I wil not say, before I drink;
but before I break my fast: for I have appointed a friend or two to meet
me there at the thatcht house, about nine of the clock this morning; and
that made me so early up, and indeed, to walk so fast.
Pisc. Sir, I know the thatcht house very well: I often make it my resting
place, and taste a cup of Ale there, for which liquor that place is very
remarkable; and to that house I shall by your favour accompany you,
and either abate of my pace, or mend it, to enjoy such a companion as
you seem to be, knowing that (as the Italians say) Good company
makes the way seem shorter.
Viat. It may do so Sir, with the help of good discourse, which (me
thinks) I may promise from you, that both look and speak so cheerfully.
And to invite you to it, I do here promise you, that for my part, I will be
as free and open-hearted, as discretion will warrant me to be with a
stranger.
Pisc. Sir, I am right glad of your answer; and in confidence that you
speak the truth, I shall (Sir) put on a boldness to ask, whether pleasure
or businesse has occasioned your Journey.
Viat. Indeed, Sir, a little business, and more pleasure: for my purpose is
to bestow a day or two in hunting the Otter (which my friend that I go
to meet, tells me is more pleasant then any hunting whatsoever:) and
having dispatched a little businesse this day, my purpose is tomorrow
to follow a pack of dogs of honest Mr. ---- ----, who hath appointed me
and my friend to meet him upon Amwel hill to morrow morning by day
break.
Pisc. Sir, my fortune hath answered my desires; and my purpose is to
bestow a day or two in helping to destroy some of those villainous

vermin: for I hate them perfectly, because they love fish so well, or
rather, because they destroy so much: indeed, so much, that in my
judgment, all men that keep Otter dogs ought to have a Pension from
the Commonwealth to incourage them to destroy the very breed of
those base Otters, they do so much mischief.
Viat. But what say you to the Foxes of this Nation? would not you as
willingly have them destroyed? for doubtlesse they do as much
mischief as the Otters.
Pisc. Oh Sir, if they do, it is not so much to me and my Fraternitie, as
that base Vermin the Otters do.
Viat. Why Sir, I pray, of what Fraternity are you, that you are so angry
with the poor _Otter_?
Pisc. I am a Brother of the Angle, and therefore an enemy to the Otter,
he does me and my friends so much mischief; for you are to know, that
we Anglers all love one another: and therefore do I hate the Otter
perfectly, even for their sakes that are