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_ offered to thy view and censure; I
with thee as much in the perusal of it, and so might 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