The complete Angler or the Contemplative Man's Recreation.  
Being a Discourse of FISH and FISHING, Not unworthy the perusal of most Anglers.  
Simon Peter said, I go a fishing: and they said, We also will go with thee. John 21.3.  
London, Printed by T. Maxey for RICH. MARRIOT, in S. Dunstan's churchyard, Fleetstreet, 1653.   
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 'tis a discourse of Fish and Fishing, which you both know so well, and love and practice so much.  
You are assured (though there be ignorant men of an other belief) that Angling is an Art; and you know that Art better than any that I know: and that this is truth, is demonstrated by the fruits of that pleasant labour which you enjoy when you purpose to give rest to 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 atainable by common capacities.  
Sir, this pleasant curiosity of Fish and Fishing (of which you are so great a Master) has been thought worthy the pens and practices of divers in other Nations, which have been reputed men of great Learning and wisdom; and amongst those of this Nation, I remember Sir Henry Wotton (a dear lover of this Art) has told me, that his intentions were to write a discourse of the Art, and in the praise of Angling, and doubtless he had done so, if death had not prevented him; the remembrance of which hath often made me sorry; for, if he had lived to do it, than the unlearned Angler (of which I am one) had seen some Treatise of this Art worthy his perusal, which (though some have undertaken it) I could never yet see in English.  
But mine may be thought as weak and as unworthy of common view: and I do here freely confess, that I should rather excuse myself, then censure others, my own Discourse being liable to so many exceptions; against which, you (Sir) might make this one, That it can contribute nothing to your knowledge; and lest a longer Epistle may diminish your pleasure, I shall not adventure to make this Epistle longer than to add this following truth, That I am really, Sir,  
Your most affectionate Friend, and most humble Servant,  Iz. Wa.  
TO THE Reader of this Discourse: But especially, To the honest ANGLER. 
I Think fit to tell thee these following truths; that I did not undertake to write, or to publish this discourse of fish and fishing, to please myself, and that I wish it may not displease others; for, I have contest there are many defects in it. And yet, I cannot doubt, but that by it, some readers may receive so much profit or pleasure, as if they be not very busy men, may make it not unworthy the time of their perusal; and this is all the confidence that I can put on concerning the merit of this Book.  
And I wish the Reader also to take notice, that in writing of it, I have made a recreation, of a recreation; and that it might prove so to thee in the reading, and not to read dull, and tediously, I have in several places mixed some innocent Mirth; of which, if thou be a severe, sour complexioned man, than I here disallow thee to be a competent Judg. For Divines say, there are offences given; and offences taken, but not given. And I am the willinger to justify this innocent Mirth, because the whole discourse is a kind of picture of my own disposition, at least of my disposition in such days and times as I allow myself, when honest Nat. and R. R. and I go a fishing together; and let me add this, that he that likes not the discourse, should like the pictures of the Trout and other fish, which I may commend, because they concern not myself.  
And I am also to tell the Reader, that in that which is the more useful 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 entreat him to know, or rather note, that several countries, and several Rivers alter the time and manner of fishes Breeding; and therefore if he bring not candour 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 than Hales, that in his printed Book 
* Called the private Schoo of defence.  undertook by it to teach the Art of Fencing, and was laughed at for his labour. Not but that something useful 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, than 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 flies 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 days in almanacs, and be no surer: for doubtless, three or four flies rightly made, do serve for a Tront all Summer; and for Winter-flies, all Anglers know, they are as useful as an almanac 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 for thy sake be glad to correct what is faulty, or by a conference with any to explain or enlarge what is defective: but for this time I have neither awillingness nor leisure to say more, then wish thee a rainy evening toread this book in, and that the east wind may never blow when thou goest a fishing. farewell.  Iz. Wa.  

Because in this Discourse of Fish and Fishing I have not observed a method, which (though the Discourse be not long) may be some inconvenience to the Reader, I have therefore for his easier finding out some particular things which are spoken of, made this following Table.  


The first Chapter is spent in a vindication or commendation of the Art of Angling.   

In the second are some observations of the nature of the otter, and also some observations of the chubb or Cheven, with directions how and with what baits to fish for him.   

In chapt. 3. are some observations of Trouts, both of their nature, their kinds, and their breeding.   

In chap 4. are some direction concerning baits for the Trout, with advise how to make the Fly, and keep the live baits.   

In chap. 5. are some direction how to fish for the Trout by night; and a qucstion, Whether fish hear? and lastly diroction bow to fish for the Umber or Greyling.   

In chap. 6. are some observations concerning the Salmon, with direction how to fish for him.   

In chap. 7. are several observatiens 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 perch, with some directions with what baits to fish for them.   

In chap. 10. are several observations of the nature and breeding of eels, 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 gudgeon and Bleak.   

In chap. 12. are general directions how and with what baits to fish for the ruff 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 show himself courteous in mending or passing by some few errors in the Printer, which are not so many but that they may be pardoned.   

(Ay) The Complete ANGLER. OR, The contemplative man's RECREATION.  


Piscator.   

Viator.    Piscator. 
You are well overtaken Sir; a good morning to you; I have stretched my legs up Tottenham Hil to overtake you, hoping your business 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 Hodsdess (three miles short of that Town) I will 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 thatched 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 thatched house very well: I often make it my resting place, and taste a cup of Ale there, for which liquour 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 the shorter.  Viat. 
It may do so Sir, with the help of good discourse, which (Methinks) 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 openhearted, 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 business hath 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 than any hunting whatsoever:) and having dispatched a little business this day, my purpose is to morrow 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 judgement, all men that keep Otter dogs ought to have a Pension from the Commonwealth to encourage 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 doubtless they do as much mischief as the Otters.  Pisc. 
Oh Sir, if they do, it is not so much to me and my fraternity, 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?  Pis. 
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 of my Brotherhood.  Viat. 
Sir, to be plain with you, I am sorry you are an Angler: for I have heard many grave, serious men pity, and many pleasant men scoff at Anglers.  Pisc. 
Sir, There are many men that are by others taken to be serious grave men, which we contemn and pitic; men of sour complexions; mony-getting-men, that spend all their time first in getting, and next in anxious care to keep it: men that are condemned to be rich, and always discontented, or busy. For these poor-rich-men, we Anglers pity them; and stand in no need to borrow their thoughts to think ourselves happy: For (trust me, Sir) we enjoy a contentedness above the reach of such dispositions.  
And as for any scoffer, qui mockat mockabitur. Let me tell you, (that you may tell him) what the witty Frenchman says in such a 
The Lord Mountagne in his Apol. for Ra. Scbond.  Case. When my Cat and I entertain each other with mutual apish tricks (as playing with a garter,) who knows but that I make her more sport than she makes me? Shall I conclude her simple, that has her time to begin or refuse sportiveness as freely as I myself have? Nay, who knows but that our agreeing no better, is the defect of my not under standing her language? (for doubtless Cats talk and reason with one another) and that she laughs at, and censures my folly, for making her sport, and pits me for understanding her no better? To this purpose speaks Mountagne concerning Cats: And I hope I may take as great a liberty to blame any Scoffer, that has never heard what an Angler can say in the justification of his Art and Pleasure.  
But, if this satisfy not, I pray bid the Scoffer put this Epigram into his pocket, and read it every morning for his breakfast (for I wish him no better;) he shall find it fixed before the Dialogues of Lucian (who may be justly accounted the father of the Family of all Scoffers:) And though I owe none of that fraternity so much as good will, yet I have taken a little pleasant pains to make such a conversion of it as may make it the fitter for all of that Fraternity.  

Lucian well skilled in scoffing, this has writ,  
Friend, that's your folly which you think your wit:  
This you vent oft, void both of wit and fear,  
Meaning an other, when yourself you jeer,   
But no more of the Scoffer; for since Solomon says, he is an abomination to men, he shall be so to me; and I think, to all that love virtue and Angling.  Viat. 
Sir, you have almost amazed me: for though I am no Scoffer, 
Pro. 24.9.  yet I have (I pray let me speak it without offence) always looked upon Anglers as more patient, and more simple men, than (I fear) I shall find you to be.  Piscat. 
Sir, I hope you will not judge my earnestness to be impatience: and for my simplicity, if by that you mean a harmlesness, or that simplicity that was usually found in the Primitive Christians, who were (as most Anglers are) quiet men, and followed peace; men that were too wise to sell their consciences to buy riches for vexation, and a fear to die. Men that lived in those times when there were fewer Lawyers, for then a Lordship might have been safely conveyed in a piece of Parchment no bigger than your hand, though several skins are not sufficient to do it in this wiser Age. I say, Sir, if you take us Anglers to be such simple men as I have spoken of, then both myself, and those of my profession will be glad to be so understood. But if by simplicity you meant to express any general defect in the understanding of those that profess and practise Angling, I hope to make it appear to you, that there is so much contrary reason (if you have but the patience to hear it) as may remove all the anticipations that Time or Discourse may have possessed you with, against that Ancient and laudable Art.  Viat. 
Why (Sir) is Angling of antiquity, and an Art, and an art not easily learned?  Pis. 
Yes (Sir:) and I doubt not but that if you and I were to converse together but till night, I should leave you possessed with the same happy thoughts that now possess me; not only for the antiquity of it, but that it deserves commendations; and that 'tis an Art; and worthy the knowledge and practice of a wise, and a serious man.  Viat. 
Sir, I pray speak of them what you shall think fit; for we have yet five miles to walk before we shall come to the thatched house. And, Sir, though my infirmities are many, yet I dare promise you, that both my patience and attention will endure to hear what you will say till we come thither: and if you please to begin in order with the antiquity, when that is done, you shall not want my attention to the commendations and accommodations of it: and lastly, if you shall convince me that 'tis an Art, and an Art worth learning, I shall beg I may become your scholar, both to wait upon you, and to be instructed in the Art itself.  Pisc. 
Oh Sir, 'tis not to be questioned, but that it is an art, and an art worth your Learning: the question will rather be, whether you be capable of learning it? For he that learns it, must not only bring an enquiring, searching, and discerning wit; but he must bring also that patience you talk of, and a love and propensity to the art it self: but having once got and practised it, then doubt not but the Art will (both for the pleasure and profit of it) prove like to virtue, a reward to itself.  Viat. 
Sir, I am now become so full of expectation, that I long much to have you proceed in your discourse: And first, I pray Sir, let me hear concerning the antiquity of it.  Pisc. 
Sir, I will preface no longer, but proceed in order as you desire me: And first for the Antiquity of Angling, I shall not say much; but only this; Some say, 
J. Da.  it is as ancient as Deucalion's flood: and others (which I like better) say, 
Jer. Mar.  that Belus (who was the inventor of godly and virtuous Recreations) was the inventor of it: and some others say, (for former times have had their Disquisitions about it) that Seth, one of the Sons of Adam, taught it to his sons, and that by them it was derived to Posterity. Others say, that he left it engraven on those Pillars which he erected to preserve the knowledge of the mathematics, music, and the rest of those precious Arts, which by God's appointment or allowance, and his noble industry were thereby preserved from perishing in Noah's flood.  
These (my worthy Friend) have been the opinions of some men, that possibly may have endeavoured to make it more ancient than may well be warranted. But for my part, I shall content myself in telling you, That Angling is much more ancient than the incarnation of our Saviour: For both in the Prophet Amos, 
Chap. 4.2.  and before him in Job, 
Chap. 41.  (which last Book is judged to be written by Moses) mention is made of fishhooks, which must imply Anglers in those times.  
But (my worthy friend) as I would rather prove myself to be a Gentleman, by being learned and humble, valiant and inoffensive, virtuous and communicable, then by a fond ostentation of riches; or (wanting these virtues myself) boast that these were in my Ancestors; [And yet I confess, that where a noble and ancient Descent and such Merits meet in any man, it is a double dignification of that person:] and so, if this antiquity of Angling (which, for my part, I have not forced) shall, like an ancient family, be either an honour, or an ornament to this virtuous Art which I both love and practise, I shall be the gladder that I made an accidental mention of it; and shall proceed to the justification, or rather commendation of it.  Viat. 
My worthy Friend, I am much pleased with your discourse, for that you seem to be so ingenuous, and so modest, as not to stretch arguments into hyperbolical expressions, but such as indeed they will reasonably bear; and I pray, proceed to the justification, or commendations of Angling, which I also long to hear from you.  Pisc. 
Sir, I shall proceed; and my next discourse shall be rather a Commendation, than a Justification of Angling: for, in my judgement, if it deserves to be commended, it is more than justified; for some practices that may be justified, deserve no commendation: yet there are none that deserve commendation but may be justified.  
And now having said thus much by way of preparation, I am next to tell you, that in ancient times a debate hath risen, (and it is not yet resolved) Whether Contemplation or Action be the chiefest thing wherein the happiness of a man doth most consist in this world?  
Concerning which, some have maintained their opinion of the first, by saying, [That the nearer we Mortals come to God by way of imitation, the more happy we are:] And that God enjoys himself only by Contemplation of his own Goodness, Eternity, Infiniteness and Power, and the like; and upon this ground many of them prefer Contemplation before Action: and indeed, many of the Fathers seem to approve this opinion, as may appear in their Comments upon the words of our Saviour to 
* Luk. 10. 41,42.  Martha.  
And contrary to these, others of equal Authority and credit, have preferred Action to be chief; as experiments in physic, and the application of it, both for the ease and prolongation of man's life, by which man is enabled to act, and to do good to others: And they say also, That Action is not only. Doctrinal, but a maintainer of human Society; and for these, and other reasons, to be preferred before Contemplation.  
Concerning which two opinions, I shall forbear to add a third, by declaring my own, and rest myself contented in telling you (my worthy friend) that both these meet together, and do most properly belong to the most honest, ingenious, harmless Art of Angling.  
And first I shall tell you what some have observed, and I have sound in myself, That the very sitting by the river's side, is not only the fittest place for, but will invite the Anglers to Contemplation: That it is the fittest place, seems to be witnessed by the children of Israel 
* Psal. 137. , who having banished all mirth and music from their pensive hearts, and having hung up their then mute Instruments upon the Willow trees, growing by the Rivers of Babylon, sat down upon those banks bemoaning the ruins of Zion, and contemplating their own sad condition,  
And an ingenuous Spaniard says, [That both Rivers, and the inhabitants of the watery Element, were created for wise men to contemplate, and fools to pass by without consideration. And though I am too wise to rank myself in the first number, yet give me leave to free myself from the last, by offering to thee a short contemplation, first of Rivers, and then of Fish: concerning which, I doubt not but to relate to you many things very considerable.  
Concerning Rivers, there be divers wonders reported of them by Authors, of such credit, that we need not deny them an Historical faith.  
As of a River in Epirus, that puts out any lighted Torch, and kindles any Torch that was not lighted. Of the River Selarus, that in a few hours turns a rod or a wand into stone (and our Camden mentions the like wonder in England:) that there is a River in Arabia, of which all the Sheep that drink thereof have their Wool turned into a Vermilion colour. And one of no less credit than Aristotle, 
In his Wonders of nature.  tells us of a merry River, the River Elusina, that dances at the noise of music, that with music it bubbles, dances, and grows sandy, but returns to a wonted calmness and clearness when the music ceases. 
This is confirmed by Ennius and Solon in his holy History.  And lastly, (for I would not tire your patience) Fosephus, that learned Few, tells us of a River in Fudea, that runs and moves swiftly all the six days of the week, and stands still and rests upon their Sabbath day. But Sir, lest this discourse may seem tedious, I shall give it a sweet conclusion out of that holy Poet Mr. George Herbert his Divine Contemplation on God's providence.  

Lord, who hath praise enough, nay, who hath any?  
None can express thy works, but he that knows them;  
And none can know thy works, they are so many,  
And so complete, but only he that owes them.   

We all acknowledge both thy power and love  
To be exact, transcendent, and divine;  
Who dost so strangely, and so sweetly move,  
Whilst all things have their end, yet none but thine.   

Wherefore, most Sacred Spirit, I here present  
For me, and all my fellows, praise to thee;  
And just it is that I should pay the rent,  
Because the benefit accrues to me.   
And as concerning Fish, in that Psalm, wherein, for height of Poetry and Wonders, the Prophet David 
Psal. 104.  seems even to exceed himself; how doth he there express himself in choice Metaphors, even to the amazement of a contemplative Reader, concerning the Sea, the Rivers, and the Fish therein contained. And the great naturalist Pliny says, [That Natures great and wonderful power is more demonstrated in the Sea, then on the Land] And this may appear by the numerous and various Creatures, inhabiting both in and about that Element: as to the Readers of Gesner, Randelitius, Pliny, Aristotle, and others is demonstrated: But I will sweeten this discourse also out of a contemplation in Divine Dubartas, who 
Dubartas in the fifth day.  says,  

God quickened in the Sea and in the Rivers,  
So many fishes of so many features,  
That in the waters we may see all Creatures;  
Even all that on the earth is to be found,  
As if the world were in deep waters drowned.  
For seas (as well as Skies) have Sun, Moon, Stars;  
(As well as air) Swallows, Rooks, and Stares;  
(As well as earth) Vines, Roses, Nettles, Melons,  
Mushrooms, Pinks, gillyflowers and many million  
Of other plants, more rare, more strange than these;  
As very fishes living in the seas;  
And also Rams, Calves, Horses, Hares and Hogs,  
Wolves, Urchins, Lions, Elephants and Dogs;  
Yea, Men and Maids, and which I most admire,  
The Mitred Bishop, and the cowled friar.  
Of which examples but a few years since,  
Were shown the Norway and Polonian Prince.   
These seem to be wonders, but have had so many confirmations from men of Learning and credit, that you need not doubt them; nor are the number, nor the various shapes of fishes, more strange or more fit for contemplation, than their different natures, inclinations and actions: concerning which I shall beg your patient ear a little longer.  
The cuttlefish will cast a long gut out of her throat, which (like as an Angler does his line) she sendeth forth and pulleth in again at her pleasure, according as she sees some little fish come near to her; and the cuttlefish (being then hid in the gravel 
Mount. Essays: and others affirm this. ) lets the smaller fish nibble and bite the end of it; at which time she by little and little draws the smaller fish so near to her, that she may leap upon her, and then catches and devours her: and for this reason some have called this fish the SeaAngler.  
There are also lustful and chaste fishes, of which I shall also give you examples.  
And first, what Dubartas says of a fish called the Sargus; which (because none can express it better than he does) I shall give you in his own words, supposing it shall not have the less credit for being Verse, for he hath gathered this, and other observations out of Authors that have been great and industrious searchers into the secrets of nature.  

The Adulterous Sargus doth not only change,  
Wife's everyday in the deep streams, but (strange)  
As if the honey of Sea-love delight  
Could not suffice his ranging appetite,  
Goes courting She-Goats on the grassy shore,  
Horning their husbands that had horns before.   
And the same Author writes concerning the Cantharus, that which you shall also hear in his own words.  

But contrary, the constant Cantharus,  
Is ever constant to his faithful Spouse,  
In nuptial duties spending his chaste life,  
Never loves any but his own dear wife.   
Sir, but a little longer, andI have done.  Viat. 
Sir, take what liberty you think fit, for your discourse seems to be music, and charms me into an attention.  Pisc. 
Why then Sir, I will take a little liberty to tell, or rather to remember you what is said of Turtle Doves: First, that they silently plight their troth and marry; and that then, the Survivor scorns (as the Thracian women are said to do) to outlive his or her Mate; and this is taken for such a truth, that if the Survivor shall ever couple with another, the he or she, not only the living, but the dead, is denied the name and honour of a true Turtle Dove.  
And to parallel this Land Variety, & teach mankind moral faithfulness, & to condemn those that talk of Religion, and yet come short of the moral faith of fish and fowl; Men that violate the Law, affirmed by Saint Paul to be writ in their hearts, and which 
Rom. 2.14 15.  he says shall at the last day condemn and leave them without excuse. I Pray harken to what Dubartas sings, 
Dubartas 5. day.  (for the hearing of such conjugal faithfulness, will be music to all chaste ears) and therefore, I say, harken to what Dubartas sings of the Mullet:  

But for chaste love the Mullet hath no peer,  
For, if the Fisher hath surprised her pheer,  
As mad with woe, to shore she followeth,  
Pressed to consort him both in life and death.   
On the contrary, what shall I say of the House-Cock, which treads any Hen, and then (contrary to the Swan, the partridge, and Pigeon) takes no care to hatch, to feed, or to cherish his own Brood, but is senseless though they perish.  
And 'tis considerable, that the Hen (which because she also takes any Cock, expects it not) who is sure the Chickens be her own, hath by a moral impression her care, and affection to her own brood, more than doubled, even to such a height, that our Saviour in expressing his love to Jerusalem, quotes her for an example of tender affection, as his Father had done Job for a pattern of patience. 
Mat. 23 37   
And to parallel this Cock, there be divers fishes that cast their spawn on flags or stones, and then leave it uncovered and exposed to become a prey, and be devoured by vermin or other fishes: but other fishes (as namely the Barbel) take such care for the preservation of their seed, that (unlike to the Cock or the cuckoo) they mutually labour (both the Spawner, and the Melter) to cover their spawn with sand, or watch it, or hide it in some secret place unfrequented by vermin, or by any fish but themselves.  
Sir, these examples may, to you and others, seem strange; but they are testified, some by Aristotle, some by Pliny, some by Gesner, and by divers others of credit, and are believed and known by divers, both of wisdom and experience, to be a truth; and are (as I said at the beginning) fit for the contemplation of a most serious, and a most pious man.  
And that they be fit for the contemplation of the most prudent and pious, and peaceable men, seems to be testified by the practice of so many devout and contemplative men; as the patriarchs or Prophets of old, and of the Apostles of our Saviour in these later times, of which twelve he chose four that were Fishermen: concerning which choice some have made these Observations.  
First, That he never reproved these for their employment or Calling, as he did the Scribes and the money-changers. And secondly, That he found the hearts of such men, men that by nature were fitted for contemplation and quietness; men of mild, and sweet, and peaceable spirits, (as indeed most Anglers are) these men our blessed Saviour (who is observed to love to plant grace in good natures) though nothing be too hard for him, yet these men he chose to call from their irreprovable employment, and gave them grace to be his Disciples and to follow him.  
And it is observable, that it was our saviour's will that his four Fishermen Apostles should have a priority of nomination in the catalogue of his twelve Apostles, as namely first, S. Peter, Andrew, James 
Mat. 10.  and John, and then the rest in their order.  
And it is yet more observable, that when our blessed Saviour went up into the Mount, at his Transfiguration, when he left the rest of his Disciples and chose only three to bear him company, that these three were all fishermen.  
And since I have your promise to hear me with patience, I will take a liberty to look back upon an observation that hath been made by an ingenuous and learned man, who observes that God hath been pleased to allow those whom he himself hath appointed, to write his holy will in holy Writ, yet to express his will in such Metaphors as their former affections or practice had inclined them to; and he brings Solomon for an example, who before his conversion was remarkably amorous, and after by God's appointment, writ that 
The Canticles.  lovesong betwixt God and his Church.  
And if this hold in reason (as I see none to the contrary) than it may be probably concluded, that Moses (whom I told you before, writ the book of Job) and the Prophet Amos were both Anglers, for you shall in all the old Testament, find fishhooks but twice mentioned; namely, by meek Moses, the friend of God; and by the humble Prophet Amos.  
Concerning which last, namely, the Prophet Amos, I shall make but this Observation, That he that shall read the humble, lowly, plain stile of that Prophet, and compare it with the high, glorious, eloquent stile of the prophet Isaiah (though they be both equally true) may easily believe him to be a good natured, plain fisherman.  
Which I do the rather believe, by comparing the affectionate, lowly, humble Epistles of S. Peter, S. James and S. John, whom we know were Fishers, with the glorious language and high Metaphors of S. Paul, whom we know was not.  
Let me give you the example of two men more, that have lived nearer to our own times: first of Doctor Nowell sometimes Dean of S. Paul's, (in which Church his Monument stands yet undefaced) a man that in the Reformation of Queen Elizabeth (not that of Henry the VIII.) was so noted for his meek spirit, deep Learning, Prudence and Piety, that the then Parliament and Convocation, both chose, enjoined, and trusted him to be the man to make a Catechism for public use, such a one as should stand as a rule for faith and manners to their posterity: And the good man (though he was very learned, yet knowing that God leads us not to heaven by hard questions) made that good, plain, unperplext Catechism, that is printed with the old Service Book. I say, this good man was as dear a lover, and constant practicer of Angling, as any Age can produce; and his custom was to spend (besides his fixed hours of prayer (those hours which by command of the Church were enjoined the old Clergy, and voluntarily dedicated to devotion by many Primitive Christians:) besides those hours, this good man was observed to spend, or if you will, to bestow a tenth part of his time in Angling; and also (for I have conversed with those which have conversed with him) to bestow a tenth part of his Revenue, and all his fish, amongst the poor that inhabited near to those Rivers in which it was caught, saying often, That Charity gave life to Religion: and at his return would praise God he had spent that day free from worldly trouble, both harmlessly and in a Recreation that became a churchman.  
My next and last example shall be that undervaluer of money, the late Provost of Eton college, Sir Henry Wotton, (a man with whom I have often fished and conversed) a man whose foreign employments in the service of this Nation, and whose experience, learning, wit and cheerfulness, made his company to be esteemed one of the delights of mankind; this man, whose very approbation of Angling were sufficient to convince any modest Censurer of it, this man was also a most dear lover, and a frequent practicer of the Art of Angling, of which he would say, ['Twas an employment for his idle time, which was not idly spent;] for Angling was after tedious study [A rest to his mind, a cheerer of his spirits, a diversion of sadness, a calmer of unquiet thoughts, a Moderator of passions, a procurer of contentedness, and that it begot habits of peace and patience in those that professed and practised it.  
Sir, This was the saying of that Learned man; and I do easily believe that peace, and patience, and a calm content did cohabit in the cheerful heart of Sir Henry Wotton, because I know, that when he was beyond seventy years of age he made this description of a part of the present pleasure that possessed him, as he sat quietly in a summer's evening on a bank a fishing; it is a description of the Spring, which because it glides as soft and sweetly from his pen, as that River does now by which it was then made, I shall repeat unto you.  

This day dame Nature seemed in love:  
The lusty sap began to move;  
Fresh juice did stir th' embracing Vines,  
And birds had drawn their Valentines.  
The jealous Trout, that low did lie,  
Rose at a well dissembled fly;  
There stood my friend with patient skill,  
Attending of his trembling quill.  
Already were the caves possessed  
With the swift Pilgrims daiubed nest:  
The Groves already did rejoice,  
In Philomel's triumphing voice:  
The showers were short, the weather mild,  
The morning fresh, the evening smiled.   

Joan takes her neat rubbed pail, and now  
She trips to milk the sand-red Cow;  
Where, for some sturdy football Swain,  
Joan strokes a syllabub or twain.  
The fields and gardens were beset  
With Tulips, Crocus, Violet,  
And now, though late, the modest Rose  
Did more than half a blush disclose.  
Thus all looks gay and full of cheer  
To welcome the new liveried year.   
These were the thoughts that then possessed the undisturbed mind of Sir Henry Wotton. Will you hear the wish of another Angler, and the commendation of his happy life, 
Jo. Da.  which he also sings in Verse.  

Let me live harmlessly, and near the brink  
Of Trent or Avon have a dwelling place,  
Where I may see my quill or cork down sink,  
With eager bit of perch, or Bleak, or Dace;  
And on the world and my Creator think,  
Whilst some men strive, ill gotten goods t' embrace;  
And others spend their time in base excess  
Of wine or worse, in war and wantonness.   

Let them that list these pastimes still pursue,  
And on such pleasing fancies feed their skill,  
So I the fields and meadows green may view,  
And daily by fresh Rivers walk at will,  
Among the Daifies and the Violets blue,  
Red Hyacinth, and yellow Daffadil,  
Purple Narcissus, like the morning rays,  
Pale ganderglass and azure Culverkayes.   

I count it higher pleasure to behold  
The stately compass of the lofty sky,  
And in the midst thereof (like burning Gold)  
The slaming Chariot of the world's great eye,  
The watery clouds, that in the air up rolled,  
With sundry kinds of painted colours fly;  
And fair Aurora lifting up her head,  
Still blushing, rise from old Tithonius' bed.   

The hills and mountains raised from the plains,  
The plains extended level with the ground,  
The grounds divided into sundry veins,  
The veins enclosed with rivers running round;  
These rivers making way through nature's chains  
With headlong course into the sea profound;  
The raging sea, beneath the valleys low,  
Where lakes, and rils, and rivulets do flow.   

The lofty woods, the forests wide and long  
Adorned with leaves & branches fresh & green,  
In whose cool bowers the birds with many a song  
Do welcome with their choir the summer's Queen:  
The Meadows fair, where Flora's gifts among  
Are intermixed, with verdant grass between.  
The silver-scaled fish that softly swim,  
Within the sweet brooks crystal watery stream.   

All these, and many more of his Creation,  
That made the Heavens, tke Angler oft doth see,  
Taking therein no little delectation,  
To think how strange, how wonderful they be;  
Framing thereof an inward contemplation,  
To set his heart from other fancies free;  
And whilst he looks on these with joyful eye,  
His mind is rapt above the Starry sky.   
Sir, I am glad my memory did not lose these last Verses, because they are somewhat more pleasant and more suitable to May Day, than my harsh Discourse, and I am glad your patience hath held out so long, as to hear them and me; for both together have brought us within the sight of the thatched House; and I must be your Debtor (if you think it worth your attention) for the rest of my promised discourse, till some other opportunity and a like time of leisure.  Viat. 
Sir, You have Angled me on with much pleasure to the thatched House, and I now find your words true, That good company makes the way seem short; for, trust me, Sir, I thought we had wanted three miles of the thatched House, till you showed it me: but now we are at it, we'll turn into it, and refresh ourselves with a cup of Ale and a little rest.  Pisc. 
Most gladly (Sir) and we'll drink a civil cup to all the Otter Hunters that are to meet you to morrow.  Viat. 
That we will, Sir, and to all the lovers of Angling too, of which number, I am now one myself, for by the help of your good discourse and company, I have put on new thoughts both of the Art of Angling, and of all that profess it: and if you will but meet me too morrow at the time and place appointed, and bestow one day with me and my friends in hunting the Otter, I will the next two days wait upon you, and we two will for that time do nothing but angle, and talk of fish and fishing.  Pisc. 
'Tis a match, Sir, I'll not fail you, God willing, to be at Amwel Hil to morrow morning before sunrising.   

CHAP. II.  Viat. 
My friend Piscator, you have kept time with my thoughts, for the Sun is just rising, and I myself just now come to this place, and the dogs have just now put down an Otter, look down at the bottom of the hill, there in that Meadow, checkered with water lilies and Lady-smocks, there you may see what work they make: look, you see all busy, men and dogs, dogs and men, all busy.  Pisc. 
Sir, I am right glad to meet you, and glad to have so fair an entrance into this day's sport, and glad to see so many dogs, and more men all in pursuit of the Otter; let's compliment no longer, but join unto them; come honest Viator, let's be gone, let's make haste, I long to be doing; no reasonable hedge or ditch shall hold me.  Viat. 
Gentleman Huntsman, where found you this Otter?  Hunt. 
Marry (Sir) we found her a mile off this place a fishing; she has this morning eaten the greatest part of this Trout, she has only left thus much of it as you see, and was fishing for more; when we came we found her just at it: but we were here very early, we were here an hour before Sun-rise, and have given her no rest since we came: sure she'll hardly escape all these dogs and men. I am to have the skin if we kill him.  Viat. 
Why, Sir, what's the skin worth?  Hunt. 
'Tis worth ten shillings to make gloves; the gloves of an Otter are the best fortification for your hands against wet weather that can be thought of.  Pis. 
I pray, honest Huntsman, let me ask you a pleasant question, Do you hunt a Beast or a fish?  H. 
Sir, It is not in my power to resolve you; for the question has been debated among many great Clerks, and they seem to differ about it; but most agree, that his tail is fish: and if his body be fish too, than I may say, that a fish will walk upon land (for an Otter does so) sometimes five or six, or ten miles in a night. But (Sir) I can tell you certainly, that he devours much fish, and kills and spoils much more: And I can tell you, that he can smell a fish in the water one hundred yards from him (Gesner says, much farther) and that his stones are good against the Falling-sickness: and that there is an herb Benione, which being hung in a linen cloth near a Fish Pond, or any haunt that he uses, makes him to avoid the place, which proves he can smell both by water and land. And thus much for my knowledge of the Otter, which you may now see above water at vent, and the dogs close with him; I now see he will not last long, follow therefore my Masters, follow, for Sweetlips was like to have him at this vent.  Via. 
Oh me, all the Horse are got over the river, what shall we do now?  Hun. 
Marry, stay a little & follow, both they and the dogs will be suddenly on this side again, I warrant you, and the Otter too it may be: now have at him with Ki lbuck, for he vents again.  Via. 
Marry so he is, for look he vents in that corner. Now, now Ringwood has him. Come bring him to me. Look, 'tis a Bitch Otter upon my word, and she has lately whelped, let's go to the place where she was put down, and not far from it, you will find all her young ones, I dare warrant you: and kill them all too.  Hunt. 
Come Gentlemen, come all, let's go to the place where we put down the Otter; look you, hereabout it was that she kennelled; look you, here it was indeed, for here's her young ones, no less than five: come let's kill them all.  Pisc. 
No, I pray Sir; save me one, and I'll try if I can make her tame, as I know an ingenuous Gentleman in Leicester-shire has 
Mr. Nich. Seagrave.  done; who hath not only made her tame, but to catch fish, and do many things of much pleasure.  Hunt. 
Take one with all my heart; but let us kill the rest. And now let's go to an honest Alehouse and sing Old Rose, and rejoice all of us together.  Viat. 
Come my friend, let me invite you along with us; I'll bear your charges this night, and you shall bear mine to morrow; for my intention is to accompany you a day or two in fishing.  Pisc. 
Sir, your request is granted, and I shall be right glad, both to exchange such a courtesy, and also to enjoy your company.  Viat. 
Well, now let's go to your sport of Angling.  Pisc. 
Let's be going with all my heart, God keep you all, Gentlemen, and send you meet this day with another bitch Otter, and kill her merrily, and all her young ones too.  Viat. 
Now Piscator, where will you begin to fish?  Pisc. 
We are not yet come to a likely place, I must walk a mile further yet before I begin.  Viat. 
Well then, I pray, as we walk, tell me freely how do you like my host, and the company? is not mine host a witty man?  Pisc. 
Sir, To speak truly, he is not to me; for most of his conceits were either Scripture-jests, or lascivious jests; for which I count no man witty: for the devil will help a man that way inclined, to the first, and his own corrupt nature (which he always carries with him) to the latter. But a companion that feasts the company with wit and mirth, and leaves out the sin (which is usually mixed with them) he is the man: and indeed, such a man should have his charges born: and to such company I hope to bring you this night; for at Trout-hall, not far from this place, where I purpose to lodge to night, there is usually an Angler that proves good company.  
But for such discourse as we heard last night, it infects others; the very boys will learn to talk and swear as they heard mine Host, and another of the company that shall be nameless; well, you know what example is able to do, and I know what the Poet says in the like case:  

— Many a one  
Owes to his Country his Religion:  
And in another would as strongly grow,  
Had but his Nurse or Mother taught him so.   
This is reason put into Verse, and worthy the consideration of a wise man. But of this no more, for though I love civility, yet I hate severe censures: I'll to my own Art, and I doubt not but at yonder tree I shall catch a chubb, and then we'll turn to an honest cleanly Ale house that I know right well, rest ourselves, and dress it for our dinner.  via. 
Oh, Sir, a chubb is the worst fish that swims, I hoped for a Trout for my dinner.  Pis. 
Trust me, Sir, there is not a likely place for a Trout hereabout, and we stayed so long to take our leave of your Huntsmen this morning, that the Sun is got so high, and shines so clear, that I will not undertake the catching of a Trout till evening; and though a chubb be by you and many others reckoned the worst of all fish, yet you shall see I'll make it good fish by dressing it.  Viat. 
Why, how will you dress him?  Pisc. 
I'll tell you when I have caught him: look you here, Sir, do you see? (but you must stand very close) there lie upon the top of the water twenty Chubs: I'll catch only one, and that shall be the biggest of them all: and that I will do so, I'll hold you twenty to one.  viat. 
I marry, Sir, now you talk like an Artist, and I'll say, you are one, when I shall see you perform what you say you can do; but I yet doubt it.  Pisc. 
And that you shall see me do presently; look, the biggest of these Chubs has had some bruise upon his tail, and that looks like a white spot; that very chubb I mean to catch; sit you but down in the shade, and stay but a little while, and I'll warrant you I'll bring him to you.  viat. 
I'll sit down and hope well, because you seem to be so confident.  Pisc. 
Look you Sir, there he is, that very chubb that I showed you, with the white spot on his tail; and I'll be as certain to make him a good dish of meat, as I was to catch him. I'll now lead you to an honest alehouse, where we shall find a cleanly room, Lavender in the windows, and twenty Ballads stuck about the wall; there my Hostis (which I may tell you, is both cleanly and conveniently handsome (has dressed many a one for me, and shall now dress it after my fashion, and I warrant it good meat.  viat. 
Come Sir, with all my heart, for I begin to be hungry, and long to be at it, and indeed to rest myself too; for though I have walked but four miles this morning, yet I begin to be weary; yesterdays hunting hangs still upon me.  Pisc. 
Well Sir, and you shall quickly be at rest, for yonder is the house I mean to bring you to.  
Come Hostis, how do you? will you first give us a cup of your best Ale, and then dress this chubb, as you dressed my last, when I and my friend were here about eight or ten days ago? but you must do me one courtesy, it must be done instantly.  Host. 
I will do it, Mr. Piscator, and with all the speed I can.  Pisc. 
Now Sir, has not my Hostis made haste? and does not the fish look lovely?  viat. 
Both, upon my word Sir, and therefore let's say Grace and fall to eating of it.  Pisc. 
Well Sir, how do you like it?  viat. 
Trust me, 'tis as good meat as ever I tasted: now let me thank you for it, drink to you, and beg a courtesy of you; but it must not be denied me.  Pisc. 
What is it, I pray Sir? you are so modest, that methinks I may promise to grant it before it is asked.  viat. 
Why Sir, it is that from henceforth you will allow me to call you Master, and that really I may be your scholar, for you are such a companion, and have so quickly caught, and so excellently cooked this fish, as makes me ambitious to be your scholar.  Pisc. 
Give me your hand: from this time forward I will be your Master, and teach you as much of this Art as I am able; and will, as you desire me, tell you somewhat of the nature of some of the fish which we are to Angle for; and I am sure I shall tell you more than every Angler yet knows.  
And first I will tell you how you shall catch such a chubb as this was; & then how to cook him as this was: I could not have begun to teach you to catch any fish more easily than this fish is caught; but than it must be this particular way, and this you must do:  
Go to the same hole, where in most hot days you will find floating near the top of the water, at least a dozen or twenty Chubs; get a grasshopper or two as you go, and get secretly behind the tree, put it then upon your hook, and let your hook hang a quarter of a yard short of the top of the water, and'tis very likely that the shadow of your rod, which you must rest on the tree, will cause the Chubs to sink down to the bottom with fear; for they be a very fearful fish, and the shadow of a bird flying over them will make them do so; but they will presently rise up to the top again, and there lie soaring till some shadow affrights them again: when they lie upon the top of the water, look out the best chubb, which you setting yourself in a fit place, may very easily do, and move your Rod as softly as a Snail moves, to that chubb you intend to catch; let your bait fall gently upon the water three or four inches before him, and he will infallibly take the bait, and you will be as sure to catch him; for he is one of the leather-mouthed fishes, of which a hook does scarce ever lose his hold: and therefore give him play enough before you offer to take him out of the water. Go your way presently, take my rod, and do as I bid you, and I will sit down and mend my tackling till you return back.  viat. 
Truly, my loving Master, you have offered me as fair as I could wish: I'll go and observe your directions.  
Look you, Master, what I have done; that which joys my heart; caught just such another chubb as yours was.  Pisc. 
Marry, and I am glad of it: I am like to have a towardly scholar of you. I now see, that with advice and practice you will make an Angler in a short time.  Viat. 
But Master, What if I could not have found a grasshopper?  Pis. 
Then I may tell you, that a black Snail, with his belly slit, to show his white; or a piece of soft cheese will usually do as well; nay, sometimes a worm, or any kind of fly; as the Ant-fly, the Flesh-fly, or Wall-fly, or the Dor or Beetle, (which you may find under a Cow-turd) or a Bob, which you will find in the same place, and in time will be a Beetle; it is a short white worm, like to, and bigger than a Gentle; or a Cod-worm, or Case-worm any of these will do very well to fish in such a manner. And after this manner you may catch a Trout: in a hot evening, when as you walk by a Brook, and shall see or hear him leap at Flies, than if you get a grasshopper, put it on your hook, with your line about two yards long, standing behind a bush or tree where his hole is, and make your bait stir up and down on the top of the water; you may, if you stand close, be sure of a bit, but not sure to catch him, for he is not a leather mouthed fish: and after this manner you may fish for him with almost any kind of live fly, but especially with a grasshopper.  Viat. 
But before you go further, I pray good Master, what mean you by a leather mouthed fish.  Pisc. 
By a leather mouthed fish, I mean such as have their teeth in their throat, as the chubb or Cheven, and so the Barbel, the gudgeon and Carp, and divers others have; and the hook being stuck into the leather or skin of such fish, does very seldom or never lose its hold: But on the contrary, a Pike, a perch, or Trout, and so some other fish which have not their teeth in their throats, but in their mouths, which you shall observe to be very full of bones, and the skin very thin, and little of it: I say, of these fish the hook nevertakes so sure hold, but you often lose the fish unless he have gorged it.  Viat. 
I thank you good Master for this observation; but now what shall be done with my chubb or Cheven that I have caught.  Pisc. 
Marry Sir, it shall be given away to some poor body, for I'll warrant you I'll give you a Trout for your supper; and it is a good beginning of your Art to offer your first fruits to the poor, who will both thank God and you for it.  
And now let's walk towards the water again, and as I go I'll tell you when you catch your next chubb, how to dress it as this was.  viat. 
Come (good Master) I long to be going and learn your direction.  Pisc. 
You must dress it, or see it dressed thus: When you have scaled him, wash him very clean, cut off his tail and fins; and wash him not after you gut him, but chine or cut him through the middle as a salt fish is cut, then give him four or five scotches with your knife, broil him upon wood-cole or charcoal; but as he is broiling, baste him often with butter that shall be choicely good; and put good store of salt into your butter, or salted him gently as you broil or baste him; and bruise or cut very small into your butter, a little Time, or some other sweet herb that is in the Garden where you eat him: thus used, it takes away the waterish taste which the chubb or Chevin has, and makes him a choice dish of meat, as you yourself know; for thus was that dressed, which you did eat of to your dinner.  
Or you may (for variety) dress a chubb another way, and you will find him very good, and his tongue and head almost as good as a Carps; but than you must be sure that no grass or weeds be left in his mouth or throat.  
Thus you must dress him: Slit him through the middle, then cut him into four pieces; then put him into a pewter dish, and cover him with another, put into him as much White Wine as will cover him, or Spring water and Vinegar, and store of Salt, with some branches of Time, and other sweet herbs; let him then be boiled gently over a Chafing-dish with wood coals, and when he is almost boiled enough, put half of the liquour from him, not the top of it; put then into him a convenient quantity of the best butter you can get, with a little Nutmeg grated into it, and sippets of white bread: thus ordered, you will find the Chevin and the sauce too, a choice dish of meat: And I have been the more careful to give you a perfect direction how to dress him, because he is a fish undervalued by many, and I would gladly restore him to some of his credit which he has lost by ill Cookery.  Viat. 
But Master, have you no other way to catch a Cheven, or chubb?  Pisc. 
Yes that I have, but I must take time to tell it you hereafter; or indeed, you must learn it by observation and practice, though this way that I have taught you was the easiest to catch a chubb, at this time, and at this place. And now wear come again to the River; I will (as the soldier says) prepare for skirmish; that is, draw out my Tackling, and try to catch a Trout for supper.  Viat. 
Trust me Master, I see now it is a harder matter to catch a Trout than a chubb; for I have put on patience, and followed you this two hours, and not seen a fish stir, neither at your Minnow nor your Worm.  Pisc. 
Well scholar, you must endure worse luck sometime, or you will never make a good Angler. But what say you now? there is a Trout now, and a good one too, if I can but hold him; and two or three turns more will tire him: Now you see he lies still, and the slight is to land him: Reach me that Landing net: So (Sir) now he is mine own, what say you? is not this worth all my labour?  Viat. 
On my word Master, this is a gallant Trout; what shall we do with him?  Pisc. 
Marry e'en eat him to supper: We'll go to my Hostis, from whence we came; she told me, as I was going out of door, that my brothet Peter, a good Angler, and a cheerful companion, had sent word he would lodge there to night, and bring a friend with him. My Hostis has two beds, and I know you and I may have the best: we'll rejoice with my brother Peter and his friend, tell tales, or sing Ballads, or make a Catch, or find some harmless sport to content us.  Viat. 
A match, good Master, let's go to that house, for the linen looks white, and smells of Lavender, and I long to lie in a pair of sheets that smells so: let's be going, good Master, for I am hungry again with fishing.  Pisc. 
Nay, stay a little good scholar, I caught my last Trout with a worm, now I will put on a Minow and try a quarter of an hour about yonder trees for another, and so walk towards our lodging. Look you scholar, thereabout we shall have a bit presently, or not at all: Have with you (Sir!) on my word I have him. Oh it is a great loggerheaded chubb: Come, hang him upon that Willow twig, and let's be going. But turn out of the way a little, good scholar, towards yonder high hedge: We'll sit whilst this shower falls so gently upon the teeming earth, and gives a sweeter smell to the lovely flowers that adorn the verdant Meadows.  
Look, under that broad Beech tree I sat down when I was last this way a fishing, and the birds in the adjoining, Grove seemed to have a friendly contention with an Echo, whose dead voice seemed to live in a hollow cave, near to the brow of that Primrose hill; there I sat viewing the Silver streams glide silently towards their centre, the tempestuous Sea, yet sometimes opposed by rugged roots, and pebble stones, which broke their waves, and turned them into some: and sometimes viewing the harmless Lambs, some leaping securely in the cool shade, whilst others sported themselves in the cheerful Sun; and others were craving comfort from the swollen Udders of their bleating Dams. As I thus sat, these and other sighs had so fully possessed my soul, that I thought as the Poet has happily expre 〈…〉 t it:  

I was for that time lifted above earth;  
And possessed joys not promised in my birth.   
As I left this place, and entered into the next field, a second pleasure entertained me, 'twas a handsome milkmaid, that had cast away all care, and sung like a Nightingale; her voice was good, and the Ditty fitted for it; 'twas that smooth Song which was made by Kit Marlowe, now at least fifty years ago; and the Milk maids mother sung an answer to it, which was made by Sir Walter Raleigh in his younger days.  
They were old fashioned Poetry, but choicely good, I think much better than that now in fashion in this Critical age. Look yonder, on my word, yonder they be both a milking again: I will give her the chubb, and persuade them to sing those two songs to us.  Pisc. 
God speed, good woman, I have been a fishing, and am going to Bleak Hall to my bed, and having caught more fish than will sup myself and friend, will bestow this upon you and your daughter, for I use to sell none.  Milkw. 
Marry God requite you Sir, and we'll eat it cheerfully: will you drink a draught of red cow's milk?  Pisc. 
No, I thank you: but I pray do us a courtesy that shall stand you and your daughter in nothing, and we will think ourselves still something in your debt; it is but to sing us a Song, that that was sung by you and your daughter, when I last past over this Meadow, about eight or nine days since.  Milk. 
what Song was it, I pray? was it, ComeShepherds deck your heads: or, As at noon Dulcina rested: or Philida flouts me?  Pisc. 
No, it is none of those: it is a Song that your daughter sung the first part, and you sung the answer to it.  Milk. 
O I know it now, I learned the first part in my golden age, when I was about the age of my daughter, and the later part, which indeed fits me best, but two or three years ago; you shall, God willing, hear them both. Come Maudlin, sing the first part to the Gentlemen with a merry heart, and I'll sing the second.  

The Milk maids Song.  
Come live with me, and be my Love,  
And we will all the pleasures prove  
That valleys, Groves, or hills, or fields,  
Or woods and steepy mountains yields.   

Where we will sit upon the Rocks,  
And see the Shepherds feed our flocks,  
By shallow Rivers, to whose falls  
Melodious birds sing madrigals.   

And I will make thee beds of Roses,  
And then a thousand fragrant posies,  
A cap of flowers and a Kirtle,  
Embroidered all with leaves of myrtle.   

A Gown made of the finest wool  
Which from our pretty Lambs we pull,  
Slippers lined choicely for the cold,  
With buckles of the purest gold.   

A belt of straw and ivy buds,  
With Coral clasps, and Amber studs:  
And if these pleasures may thee move,  
Come live with me, and be my Love.   

The shepherd's Swains shall dance and sing  
For thy delight each May morning:  
If these delights thy mind may move,  
Then live with me, and be my Love.   Via. 
Trust me Master, it is a choice Song, and sweetly sung by honest Maudlin: I'll bestow Sir Thomas Overbury's Milk maids wish upon her, That she may die in the Spring, and have good store of flowers stuck round about her winding sheet.  

The Milk maids mother's answer.  
If all the world and love were young,  
And truth in every shepherd's tongue?  
These pretty pleasures might me move,  
To live with thee, and be thy love.   

But time drives flocks from field to fold:  
When rivers rage and rocks grow cold,  
And Philomela becometh dumb,  
The Rest complains of cares to come.   

The Flowers do fade, and wanton fields  
To wayward Winter reckoning yields.  
A honey tongue, a heart of gall,  
Is fancies spring, but sorrows fall.   

Thy gowns, thy shoes, thy beds of Roses,  
Thy Cap, thy Kirtle, and thy Posies,  
Soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten,  
In folly ripe, in reason rotten.   

Thy belt of straw and ivy buds,  
Thy Coral clasps and Amber studs,  
All these in me no means can move  
To come to thee, and be thy Love.   

But could youth last, and love still breed,  
Had joys no date, nor age no need;  
Then those delights my mind might move  
To live with thee, & be thy love.   Pisc. 
Well sung, good woman, I thank you, I'll give you another dish of fish one of these days, and then beg another Song of you. Come scholar, let Maudlin alone, do not you offer to spoil her voice. Look, yonder comes my Hostis to call us to supper. How now? is my brother Peter come?  Host. 
Yes, and a friend with him, they are both glad to hear you are in these parts, and long to see you, and are hungry, and long to be at supper.   

CHAP. III.  Piscat. 
Well met brother Peter, I heard you & a friend would lodge here to night, and that has made me and my friend cast to lodge here too; my friend is one that would fain be a brother of the Angle: he has been an Angler but this day, and I have taught him how to catch a chubb by daping with a grasshopper, and he has caught a lusty one of nineteen inches long. But I pray you brother, who is it that is your companion?  Peter. 
Brother Piscator, my friend is an honest Country man, and his name is Coridon, a most downright witty merry companion that met me here purposely to eat a Trout and be pleasant, and I have not yet wet my line since I came from home: But I will fit him to morrow with a Trout for his breakfast, if the weather be any thing like.  Pisc. 
Nay brother, you shall not delay him so long, for look you here is a Trout will fill six reasonable bellies. Come Hostis, dress it presently, and get us what other meat the house will afford, and give us some good Ale, and let's be merry.  Peter. 
On my word, this Trout is in perfect season. Come, I thank you, and here's a hearty draught to you, and to all the brothers of the Angle, wheresoever they be, and to my young brother's good fortune to morrow; I will furnish him with a rod, if you will furnish him with the rest of the tackling, we will set him up and make him a fisher.  
And I will tell him one thing for his encouragement, that his fortune hath made him happy to be a scholar to such a Master; a Master that knows as much both of the nature and breeding of fish, as any man; and can also tell him as well how to catch and cook them, from the Minow to the salmon, as any that I ever met withal.  Pisc. 
Trust me, brother Peter, I find my scholar to be so suitable to my own humour, which is to be free and pleasant, and civilly merry, that my resolution is to hide nothing from him. Believe me, scholar, this is my resolution: and so here's to you a hearty draught, and to all that love us, and the honest Art of Angling.  Viat. 
Trust me, good Master, you shall not sow your seed in barren ground, for I hope to return you an increase answerable to your hopes; but however, you shall find me obedient, and thankful, and serviceable to my best ability.  Pisc. 
'Tis enough, honest scholar, come let's to supper. Come my friend Coridon, this Trout looks lovely, it was twenty two inches when it was taken, and the belly of it looked some part of it as yellow as a Marygold, and part of it as white as a Lily, and yet methinks it looks better in this good sauce.  Coridon. 
Indeed, honest friend, it looks well, and tastes well, I thank you for it, and so does my friend Peter, or else he is to blame.  Pet. 
Yes, and so I do, we all thank you, and when we have supped, I will get my friend Coridon to sing you a Song, for requital.  Cor. 
I will sing a Song if anybody will sing another; else, to be plain with you, I will sing none: I am none of those that sing for meat, but for company; I say, 'Tis merry in Hall when men sing all.  Pisc. 
I'll promise you I'll sing a Song that was lately made at my request by Mr. William Basse, one that has made the choice Songs of the Hunter in his carrere, and of Tom of Bedlam, and many others of note; and this that I will sing is in praise of Angling.  Cor. 
And then mine shall be the praise of a Country man's life. What will the rest sing of?  Pet. 
I will promise you I will sing another Song in praise of Angling, to morrow night, for we will not part till then, but fish to morrow, and sup together, and the next day every man leave fishing, and fall to his business.  Viat. 
'tis a match, and I will provide you a Song or a catch against then too, that shall give some addition of mirth to the company; for we will be merry.  Pisc. 
'tis a match my masters; let's even say Grace, and turn to the fire, drink the other cup to wet our whistles, and so sing away all sad thoughts.  
Come on my masters, who begins? I think it is best to draw cuts and avoid contention.  Pet. 
It is a match. Look, the shortest Cut falls to Coridon.  Cor. 
Well then, I will begin; for I hate contention.  

Coridon's Song.  
Oh the sweet contentment  
The country man doth find!  
high universal loliloe  
high universal lee,  
That quiet contemplation  
possesseth all my mind:  
Then care away,  
and wend along with me.   

For Courts are full of flattery,  
As hath too oft been tried;  
high universal lollie lo  
high universal lee,  
The City full of wantonness,  
and both are full of pride:  
Then care away,  
and wend along with me.   

But oh the honest country man  
Speaks truly from his heart,  
high universal lollie lo  
high universal lee,  
His pride is in his Tillage,  
his Horses and his Cart:  
Then care away,  
and wend along with me.   

Our clothing is good sheep skins  
Grey russet for our wives,  
high universal lollie lo  
high universal lee.  
'Tis warmth and not gay clothing  
that doth prolong our lives:  
Then care away,  
and wend along with me.   

The ploughman, though he labour hard,  
Yet on the holiday,  
high universal lollie lo  
high universal lee,  
No Emperor so merrily  
does pass his time away:  
Then care away,  
and wend along with me.   

To recompense our Tillage,  
The Heavens afford us showers;  
high universal lollie lo  
high universal lee,  
And for our sweet refreshments  
the earth affords us bowers:  
Then careaway, &c.   

The Cuckee and the Nightingale  
full merrily do sing,  
high universal lollie lo  
high universal lee,  
And with their pleasant roundelays  
bid welcome to the Spring:  
Then care away,  
and wend along with me.   

This is not half the happiness  
the Country man enjoys;  
high universal lollie lo  
high universal lee,  
Though others think they have as much  
yet he that says so lies:  
Then come away, turn  
County man with me.   Pisc. 
Well sung Coridon, this Song was sung with mettle, and it was choicely fitted to the occasion; I shall love you for it as long as I know you: I would you were a brother of the Angle, for a companion that is cheerful and free from swearing and scurrilous discourse, is worth gold. I love such mirth as does not make friends ashamed to look upon one another next morning; nor men (that cannot well bear it) to repent the money they spend when they be warmed with drink: and take this for a rule, you may pick out such times and such companies, that you may make yourselves merrier for a little than a great deal of money; for 'Tis the company and not the charge that makes the feast: and such a companion you prove, I thank you for it.  
But I will not compliment you out of the debt that I owe you, and therefore I will begin my Song, and wish it may be as well liked.  

The Anglers Song.  
As inward love breeds outward talk,  
The Hound some praise, and some the Hawk,  
Some better pleased with private sport,  
Use tennis, some a Mistress court:  
But these delights I neither wish,  
Nor envy, while I freely fish.   

Who hunts, doth oft in danger ride;  
Who hauks, lures oft both far & wide;  
Who uses games, may often prove  
A loser; but who falls in love,  
Is fettered in fond Cupid's snare:  
My Angle breeds me no such care.   

Of Recreation there is none  
So free as fishing is alone;  
All other pastimes do no less  
Than mind and body both possess;  
My hand alone my work can do,  
So I can fish and study too.   

I care not, I, to fish in seas,  
Fresh rivers best my mind do please,  
Whose sweet calm course I contemplate,  
And seek in life to imitate;  
In civil bounds I fain would keep,  
And for my past offences weep.   

And when the timorous Trout I wait  
To take, and he devours my bait,  
How poor a thing sometimes I find  
Will captivate a greedy mind:  
And when none bite, I praise the wise,  
Whom vain allurements ne'er surprise.   

But yet though while I fish, I fast,  
I make good fortune my repast,  
And thereunto my friend invite,  
In whom I more than that delight:  
Who is more welcome to my dish,  
Then to my Angle was my fish.   

As well content no prize to take  
As use of taken prize to make;  
For so our Lord was pleased when  
He Fishers made Fishers of men;  
Where (which is in no other game)  
A man may fish and praise his name.   

The first men that our Saviour dear  
Did choose to wait upon him here,  
Blessed Fishers were; and fish the last  
Food was, that he on earth did taste:  
I therefore strive to follow those,  
Whom he to follow him hath chose.  W. B.  Cor. 
Well sung brother, you have paid your debt in good coin, we Anglers are all beholding to the good man that made this Song. Come Hostis, give us more Ale and lets drin k to him.  
And now lets every one go to bed that we may rise early; but first let's pay our Reckoning, for I will have nothing to hinder me in the morning, for I will prevent the sunrising.  Pet. 
A match: Come Coridon, you are to be my Bed-fellow: I know brother you and your scholar will lie together; but where shall we meet to morrow night? for my friend Coridon and I will go up the water towards Ware.  Pisc. 
And my scholar and I will go down towards Waltam.  Cor. 
Then let's meet here, for here are fresh sheets that smell of Lavender, and, I am sure, we cannot expect better meat and better usage.  Pet. 
'Tis a match. Good night to everybody.  Pisc. 
And so say I.  Viat. 
And so say I.  Pisc. 
Good morrow good Hostis, I see my brother Peter is in bed still; Come, give my scholar and me a cup of Ale, and be sure you get us a good dish of meat against supper, for we shall come hither as hungry as Hawks. Come scholar, let's be going.  Viat. 
Good Master, as we walk towards the water, will you be pleased to make the way seem shorter by telling me first the nature of the Trout, and then how to catch him.  Pisc. 
My honest scholar, I will do it freely: The Trout (for which I love to angle above any fish) may be justly said (as the ancient Poets say of Wine, and we English say of venison) to be a generous fish, because he has his seasons, a fish that comes in, and goes out with the Stag or Buck: and you are to observe, that as there be some barren Does, that are good in Summer; so there be some barren Trouts, that are good in Winter; but there are not many that are so, for usually they be in their perfection in the month of May, and decline with the Buck: Now you are to take notice, that in several Countries, as in Germany and in other parts compared to ours, they differ much in their bigness, shape, and other ways, and so do Trouts; 'tis well known that in the Lake Lemon, the Lake of Geneva, there are Trouts taken, of three Cubits long, as is affirmed by Gesner, a Writer of good credit: and Mercator says, the Trouts that are taken in the Lake of Geneva, are a great part of the merchandise of that famous City. And you are further to know, that there be certain waters that breed Trouts remarkable, both for their number and smallness- I know a little Brook in Kent that breeds them to a number incredible, and you may take them twenty or forty in an hour, but none greater than about the size of a gudgeon. There are also in divers Rivers, especially that relate to, or be near to the Sea, (as Winchester, or the Thames about Windsor) a little Trout called a Samlet or Skegger Trout (in both which places I have caught twenty or forty at a standing) that will bite as fast and as freely as Minnows; these be by some taken to be young Salmons, but in those waters they never grow to be bigger than a Herring.  
There is also in Kent, near to Canterbury, a Trout (called there a Fordig Trout) a Trout (that bears the name of the Town where'tis usually caught) that is accounted rare meat, many of them near the bigness of a Salmon, but known by their different colour, and in their best season cut very white; and none have been known to be caught with an Angle, unless it were one that was caught by honest Sir George Hastings, an excellent Angler (and now withGod) and he has told me, he thought that Trout bit not for hunger, but wantonness; and 'tis the rather to be believed, because both he then, and many others before him have been curious to search into their bellies what the food was by which they lived; and have found out nothing by which they might satisfy their curiosity.  
Concerning which you are to take notice, that it is reported, there is a fish that hath not any mouth, but lives by taking breath by the porinss of her gills, and feeds and is nourished by no man knows what; and this may be believed of the Fordig Trout, which (as it is said of the Stork, that he knows his season, so he) knows his times (I think almost his day) of coming into that River out of the Sea, where he lives (and it is like feeds) nine months of the year, and about three in the River of Fordig.  
And now for some confirmation of this; you are to know, that this Trout is thought to eat nothing in the fresh water; and it may be the better believed, because it is well known, that swallows, which are not seen to fly in England for six months in the year, but about Michaelmas leave us for a hotter climate; yet some of them, that have been left behind their fellows, have 
View Sir Fra. Bacon exper. 899  been found (many thousand at a time) in hollow trees, where they have been observed to live and sleep out the whole winter without meat; and so Albertus observes 
See Topsel of Frogs.  that there is one kind of Frog that hath her mouth naturally shut up about the end of August, and that she lives so all the Winter, and though it be strange to some, yet it is known to too many amongst us to be doubted.  
And so much for these Fordidg Trouts, which never afford an Angler sport, but either live their time of being in the fresh water by their meat formerly gotten in the Sea, (not unlike the Swallow or Frog) or by the virtue of the fresh water only, as the chameleon is said to live by the air.  
There is also in Northumberland, a Trout, called a Bull Trout, of a much greater length and bigness than any in these Southern parts; and there is in many Rivers that relate to the Sea, Salmon Trouts as much different one from another, both in shape and in their spots, as we see Sheep differ one from another in their shape and bigness, and in the finess of their wool: and certainly as some Pastures do breed larger Sheep, so do some Rivers, by reason of the ground over which they run, breed larger Trouts.  
Now the next thing that I will commend to your consideration is, That the Trout is of a more sudden growth than other fish: concerning which you are also to take notice, that he lives not so long as the perch and divers other fishes do, as Sir Francis Bacon hath observed in his History of life and death.  
And next, you are to take notice, that after he is come to his full growth, he declines in his body, but keeps his bigness or thrives in his head till his death. And you are to know that he will about (especially before) the time of his Spawning, get almost miraculously through weirs and floodgates against the stream, even through such high and swift places as is almost incredible. Next, that the Trout usually Spawns about October or November, but in some Rivers a little sooner or later; which is the more observable, because most other fish spawn in the Spring or Summer, when the Sun hath warmed both the earth and water, and made it fit for generation.  
And next, you are to note, that till the snn gets to such a height as to warm the earth and the water, the Trout is sick, and lean, and lousy, and unwholesome: for you shall in winter find him to have a big head, and then to be lank, and thin, & lean; at which time many of them have sticking on them Sugs, or Trout lice, which is a kind of a worm, in shape like a Clove or a Pin, with a big head, and sticks close to him and sucks his moisture; those I think the Trout breeds himself, and never thrives till he free himself from them, which is till warm weather comes, and then as he grows stronger, he gets from the dead, still water, into the sharp streams and the gravel, and there rubs off these worms or lice: and then as he grows stronger, so he gets him into swifter and swifter streams, and there lies at the watch for any fly or Minow that comes near to him; and he especially loves the May fly, which is bred of the Cod-worm or Caddis; and these make the Trout bold and lusty, and he is usually fatter, and better meat at the end of that month, then at any time of the year.  
Now you are to know, that it is observed, that usually the best Trouts are either red or yellow, though some be white and yet good; but that is not usual; and it is a note observable that the female Trout hath usually a less head and a deeper body than the male Trout; and a little head to any fish, either Trout, Salmon, or other fish, is a sign that that fish is in season.  
But yet you are to note, that as you see some Willows or Palm trees bud and blossom sooner than others do, so some Trouts be in some Rivers sooner in season; and as the Holly or Oak are longer before they cast their Leaves, so are some Trouts in some Rivers longer before they go out of season.   

CHAP. IV.  
AND having told you these Observations concerning Trouts, I shall next tell you how to catch them: which is usually with a Worm, or a Minnow (which some call a Penke;) or with a fly, either a natural or an artificial fly: Concerning which three I will give you some Observations and Directions.  
For Worms, there be very many sorts; some bred only in the earth, as the earth worm; others amongst or of plants, as the dug worm; and others in the bodies of living creatures; or some of dead flesh, as the maggot or Gentle, and others.  
Now these be most of them particularly good for particular fishes: but for the Trout the dew-worm, (which some also call the Lob-worm) and the Brandling are the chief; and especially the first for a great Trout, and the later for a less. There be also of lob-worms, some called squireltnils (a worm which has a red head, a streak down the back, and a broad tail) which are noted to be the best, because they are the toughest, and and most lively, and live longest in the water: for you are to know, that a dead worm is but a dead bait, and like to catch nothing, compared to a lively, quick, stirring worm: And for a Brandling, he is usually found in an old dunghill, or some very rotten place near to it; but most usually in cow dung, or hog's dung, rather than horse dung, which is somewhat too hot and dry for that worm.  
There are also divers other kinds of worms, which for colour and shape alter even as the ground out of which they are got: as the marshworm, the tag-tail, the flag-worm, the dock-worm, the oake-worm, the gilt-tail, and too many to name, even as many sorts, as some think there be of several kinds of birds in the air: of which I shall say no more, but tell you, that what worms soever you fish with, are the better for being long kept before they be used; and in case you have not been so provident, than the way to cleanse and scour them quickly, is to put them all night in water, if they be Lob-worms, and then put them into your bag with fennel: but you must not put your Brandling above an hour in water, and then put them into fennel for sudden use: but if you have time, and purpose to keep them long, than they be best preserved in an earthen pot with good store of moss, which is to be fresh every week or eight days; or at least taken from them, and clean washed, and wrung betwixt your hands till it be dry, and then put it to them again: And for Moss, you are to note, that there be divers kinds of it, which I could name to you, but will only tell you, that that which is likest a Bucks horn is the best; except it be white Moss, which grows on some heaths, and is hard to be found.  
For the Minnow or Penke, he is easily found and caught in April, for than he appears in the Rivers: but Nature hath taught him to shelter and hide himself in the Winter in ditches that be near to the River, and there both to hide and keep himself warm in the weeds, which rot not so soon as in a running River; in which place if he were in Winter, the distempered Floods that are usually in that season, would suffer him to have no rest, but carry him headlong to mills and weirs to his confusion. And of these Minnows, first you are to know, that the biggest size is not the best; and next, that the middle size and the whitest are the best: and then you are to know, that I cannot well teach in words, but must show you how to put it on your hook, that it may turn the better: And you are also to know, that it is impossible it should turn too quick: And you are yet to know, that in case you want a Minnow, than a small Loch, or a Sticklebag, or any other small Fish will serve as well: And you are yet to know, that you may salt, and by that means keep them fit for use three or four days or longer; and that of salt, bay salt is the best.  
Now for Flies, which is the third bait wherewith Trouts are usually taken. You are to know, that there are as many sorts of Flies as there be of Fruits: I will name you but some of them: as the dun fly, the stone flie, the red fly, the moor flie, the tawny fly, the shell flie, the cloudy or blackish fly: there be of Flies, Caterpillars, and Canker flies, and Bear flies; and indeed, too many either for me to name, or for you to remember: and their breeding is so various and wonderful, that I might easily amaze myself, and tire you in a relation of them.  
And yet I will exercise your promised patience by saying a little of the Caterpillar, or the Palmer fly or worm; that by them you may guess what a work it were in a Discourse but to run over those very many flies, worms, and little living creatures with which the Sun and Summer adorn and beautify the river banks and meadows, both for the recreation and contemplation of the Angler: and which (I think) I myself enjoy more than any other man that is not of my profession.  
Pliny holds an opinion, that many have their birth or being from a dew that in the Spring falls upon the leaves of trees; and that some kinds of them are from a dew left upon herbs or flowers: and others from a dew left upon Colworts or Cabbages: All which kinds of dews being thickened and condensed, are by the sun's generative heat most of them hatched, and in three days made living creatures, and of several shapes and colours; some being hard and tough, some smooth and soft; some are horned in their head, some in their tail, some have none; some have hair, some none; some have sixteen feet, some less, and some have none: but (as our Topsel hath with great diligence observed) those 
In his History of Serpents.  which have none, move upon the earth, or upon broad leaves, their motion being not unlike to the waves of the sea. Some of them he also observes to be bred of the eggs of other caterpillars: and that those in their time turn to be butterflies; and again, that their eggs turn the following year to be caterpillars.  
'Tis endless to tell you what the curious Searchers into nature's productions, have observed of these Worms and Flies: But yet I shall tell you what our Topsel says of the Canker, or Palmer-worm, or caterpillar; That whereas others content themselves to feed on particular herbs or leaves (for most think, those very leaves that gave them life and shape, gives them a particular feeding and nourishment, and that upon them they usually abide;) yet he observes, that this is called a Pilgrim or Palmer-worm, for his very wandering life and various food; not contenting himself (as others do) with any certain place for his abode, nor any certain kind of herb or flower for his feeding; but will boldly and disorderly wander up and down, and not endure to be kept to a diet, or fixed to a particular place.  
Nay, the very colours of caterpillars are, as one has observed, very elegant and beautiful: I shall (for a taste of the rest) describe one of them, which I will sometime the next month, show you feeding on a Willow tree, and you shall find him punctually to answer this very description: His lips and mouth somewhat yellow, his eyes black as Jet, his forehead purple, his feet and hinder parts green, his tail two forked and black, the whole body stained with a kind of red spots which run along the neck and shoulderblades, not unlike the form of a Cross, or the letter X, made thus crosswise, and a white line drawn down his back to his tail; all which add much beauty to his whole body. And it is to me observable, that at a fixed age this caterpillar gives over to eat, a d towards winter comes to be cover d over with a strange shell or crust, and so lives a kind of dead life, without eating all the winter, and (as others 
View Sir Fra. Bacon exper. 728 & 90 in his NaturalHistory  of several kinds turn to be several kinds of flies and vermin, the Spring following) so this caterpillar than turns to be a painted butterfly.  
Come, come my scholar, you fee the River stops our morning walk, and I will also here stop my discourse, only as we sit down under this Honey-Suckle hedge, whilst I look a Line to fit the Rod that our brother Peter has lent you, I shall for a little confirmation of what I have said, repeat the observation of the Lord Bartas.  

God not contented to each kind to give,  
And to infuse the virtue generative,  
By his wise power made many creatures breed  
Of liveless bodies, without Venus' deed.   

So the cold humour breeds the Salamander,  
Who (in effect) like to her birth's commander,  
i'th' child with hundred winters, with her touch  
Quencheth the fire, though glowing ne'er so much   

So in the fire in burning furnace springs  
The Fly Perausta with the flaming wings;  
Without the fire it dies, in it, it joys,  
Living in that which all things else destroys.   

So slow Boötes underneath him sees 
G 〈…〉 rh. Herbal. Cambden.   
In th' icy Islands Goslings hatched of trees,  
Whose fruitful leaves falling into the water,  
Are turned ('tis known) to living fowls soon after   

So rotten planks of broken ships, do change  
To Barnacles. Oh transformation strange!  
'Twas first a green tree, than a broken hull,  
Lately a Mushroom, now a flying Gull.   Vi. 
Oh my good Master, this morning walk has been spent to my great pleasure and wonder: but I pray, when shall I have your direction how to make Artificial flies, like to those that the Trout loves best? and also how to use them?  Pisc. 
My honest scholar, it is now past five of the Clock, we will fish till nine, and then go to Breakfast: Go you to yonder Sycamore tree, and hide your bottle of drink under the hollow root of it; for about that time, and in that place, we will make a brave Breakfast with a piece of powdered beef, and a Radish or two that I have in my Fish-bag; we shall, I warrant you, make a good honest, wholesome, hungry Breakfast, and I will give you direction for the making and using of your fly: and in the mean time, there is your Rod and line; and my advice is, that you fish as you see me do, and let's try which can catch the first fish.  Viat. 
I thank you, Master, I will observe and practise your direction as far as I am able.  Pisc. 
Look you scholar, you see I have hold of a good fish: I now see it is a Trout; I pray put that net under him, and touch not my line, for if you do, than we break all. Well done, scholar, I thank you. Now for an other. Trust me, I have another bite: Come scholar, come lay down your Rod, and help me to land this as you did the other. So, now we shall be sure to have a good dish of fish for supper.  Viat. 
I am glad of that, but I have no fortune; sure Master yours is a better Rod, and better Tackling.  Pisc. 
Nay then, take mine and I will fish with yours. Look you, scholar, I have another: come, do as you did before. And now I have a bite at another. Oh me he has broke all, there's half a line and a good hook lost.  Viat. 
Master, I can neither catch with the first nor second Angle; I have no fortune.  Pisc. 
Look you, scholar, I have yet another: and now having caught three brace of Trouts, I will tell you a short Tale as we walk towards our Breakfast. A scholar (a Preacher I should say) that was to preach to procure the approbation of a Parish, that he might be their Lecturer, had got from a fellow Pupil of his the Copy of a Sermon that was first preached with a great commendation by him that composed and precht it; and though the borrower of it preached it word for word, as it was at first, yet it was utterly disliked as it was preached by the second; which the Sermon Borrower complained of to the Lender of it, and was thus answered; I lent you indeed my Fiddle, but not my Fiddlestick; and you are to know, that every one cannot make music with my words which are fitted for my own mouth. And so my scholar, you are to know, that as the ill pronunciation or ill accenting of a word in a Sermon spoils it, so the ill carriage of your Line, or not fishing even to a foot in a right place, makes you lose your labour: and you are to know, that though you have my Fiddle, that is, my very Rod and Tacklings with which you see I catch fish, yet you have not my Fiddle stick, that is, skill to know how to carry your hand and line; and this must be taught you (for you are to remember I told you Angling is an Art) either by practice, or a long observation, or both.  
But now let's say Grace, and fall to Breakfast; what say you scholar, to the providence of an old Angler? Does not this meat taste well? and was not this place well chosen to eat it? for this Sycamore tree will shade us from the sun's heat.  Viat. 
All excellent good, Master, and my stomach excellent too; I have been at many costly Dinners that have not afforded me half this content: and now good Master, to your promised direction for making and ordering my artificial fly.  Pisc. 
My honest scholar, I will do it, for it is a debt due unto you, by my promise: and because you shall not think yourself more engaged to me then indeed you really are, therefore I will tell you freely, I find Mr. Thomas Barker (a Gentleman that has spent much time and money in Angling) deal so judicially and freely in a little book of his of Angling, and especially of making and Angling with a fly for a Trout, that I will give you his very directions without much variation, which shall follow.  
Let your rod be light, and very gentle, I think the best are of two pieces; the line should not exceed, especially for three or four links towards the hook) I say, not exceed three or four hairs; but if you can attain to Angle with one hair, you will have more rises, and catch more fish. Now you must be sure not to cumber yourself with too long a Line, as most do: and before you begin to angle, cast to have the wind on your back, and the Sun (if it shines) to be before you, and to fish down the stream) and carry the point or top of the Rod downward; by which means the shadow of yourself, and Rod too will be the least offensive to the Fish, for the sight of any shadow amazes the fish, and spoils your sport, of which you must take a great care.  
In the middle of March (till which time a man should not in honesty catch a Trout) or in April, if the weather be dark, or a little windy, or cloudy, the best fishing is with the Palmer-worm, of which I last spoke to you; but of these there be divers kinds, or at least of divers colours, these and the May-fly are the ground of all fly-Angling, which are to be thus made:  
First you must arm your hook, with the line in the inside of it; then take your scissors and cut so much of a brown Malards' feather as in your own reason will make the wings of it, you having withal regard to the bigness or littleness of your hook, than lay the outmost part of your feather next to your hook, than the point of your feather next the shank of your hook; and having so done, whip it three or four times about the hook with the same Silk, with which your hook was armed, and having made the Silk fast, take the hackel of a Cock or capon's neck, or a Plovers top, which is usually better; take off the one side of the feather, and then take the hackel, Silk or Crewel, Gold or Silver thread, make these fast at the bent of the hook, that is to say, below your arming) than you must take the hackel, the silver or gold thread, and work it up to the wings, shifting or still removing your fingers as you turn the Silk about the hook: and still looking at every stop or turn that your gold, or what materials soever you make your Fly of, do lie right and neatly; and if you find they do so, then when you have made the head, make all fast, and then work your hackel up to the head, and make that fast; and then with a needle or pin divide the wing into two, and then with the arming Silk whip it about cross-ways betwixt the wings, and then with your thumb you must turn the point of the feather towards the bent of the hook, and then work three or four times about the shank of the hook, and then view the proportion, and if all be neat, and to your liking, fasten.  
I confess, no direction can be given to make a man of a dull capacity able to make a fly well; and yet I know, this, with a little practice, will help an ingenuous Angler in a good degree; but to see a fly made by another, is the best teaching to make it, and then an ingenuous Angler may walk by the River and mark what fly falls on the water that day, and catch one of them, if he see the Trouts leap at a fly of that kind, and having always hooks ready hung with him, and having a bag also, always with him with bear's hair, or the hair of a brown or sad coloured Heifer, hackels of a Cock or Capon, several coloured Silk and Crewel to make the body of the fly, the feathers of a Drakes head, black or brown sheep's wool, or hog's wool, or hair, thread of Gold, and of silver; silk of several colours (especially sad coloured to make the head:) and there be also other coloured feathers both of birds and of peckled fowl. I say, having those with him in a bag, and trying to make a fly, though he miss at first, yet shall he at last hit it better, even to a perfection which none can well reach him; and if he hit to make his fly right, and have the luck to hit also where there is store of trouts, and a right wind, he shall catch such store of them, as will encourage him to grow more and more in love with the Art of fly-making.  Viat. 
But my loving Master, if any wind will not serve, than I wish I were in Lapland, to buy a good wind of one of the honest witches, that sell so many winds, and so cheap.  Pisc. 
Marry scholar, but I would not be there, nor indeed from under this tree; for look how it begins to rain, and by the clouds (if I mistake not) we shall presently have a smoking shower, and therefore sit close, this Sycamore tree will shelter us, and I will tell you, as they shall come into my mind, more observations of fliefishing for a Trout.  
But first, for the wind; you are to take notice that of the winds the South wind is said to be best. One observes, That  

When the wind is south,  
It blows you bait into a fishes mouth.   
Next to that the west wind is believed to be the best: and having told you that the East wind is the worst, I need not tell you which wind is best in the third degree. And yet (as Solomon observes, that he that considers the wind shall never sow: so he that busies his head too much about them, (if the weather be not made extreme cold by as East wind) shall be a little superstitious: for as it is observed by some, That there is no good horse of a bad colour; so I have observed; that if it be a cloudy day, and not extreme cold, let the wind fit in what corner it will, and do its worst. And yet that this for a Rule, that I would willingly fish on the Lee shore: and you are to take notice, that the Fish lies, or swims near the bottom in Winter then in Summer, and also nearer the bottom in any cold day.  
But I promised to tell you more of the fliefishing for a Trout, (which I may have time enough to do, for you see it rains May-butter.) First for a may-fly, you may make his body with greenish coloved crewel, or willow colour, darkening it in most places, with waxed silk, or ribed with a black hare, or some of them ribed with silver thread; and such wings for the colour as you see the fly to have at that season; nay at that very day on the water. Or you may make the oak-fly, with an Orange- tawny and black ground, and the brown of a Mallard's feather for the wings; and you are to know, that these two are most excellent flies, that is, the May fly and the Oak fly: And let me again tell you, that you keep as far from the water as you can possibly, whether you fish with a fly or worm, and fish down the stream, and when you fish with a fly, if it be possible, let no part of your line touch the water, but your fly only; and be still moving your fly upon the water, or casting it into the water; you yourself, being also always moving down the stream. Ms. Barker commends several sorts of the palmer flies, not only those ribed with silver and gold, but others that have their bodies all made of black, or some with red, and a red hackel; you may also make the hawthorn-fly, whichis all black and not big, but very small, the smaller the better; or the oak-fly, the body of which is Orange colour and black crewel, with a brown wing, or a fly made with a peacock's feather, is excellent in a bright day: you must be sure you want not in your magazine bag, the peacock's feather, and grounds of such wool, and crewel as will make the Grass-hopper: and note, that usually, the smallest flies are best; and note also, that, the light flie does usually make most sport in a dark day: and the darkest and least fly in a bright or clear day; and lastly note, that you are to repair upon any occasion to your magazine bag, and upon any occasion vary and make them according to your fancy.  
And now I shall tell you, that the fishing with a natural fly is excellent, and affords much pleasure; they may be found thus, the May-fly usually in and about that month near to the River side, especially against rain; the Oak-fly on the Butt or body of an Oak or Ash, from the beginning of May to the end of August it is a brownish fly, and easy to be so found, and stands usually with his head downward, that is to say, towards the root of the tree; the final black fly, or hawthorn fly is to be had on any Hawthorn bush, after the leaves be come forth; with these and a short Line (as I showed to Angle for a chubb) you may dap or dop, and also with a grasshopper, behind a tree, or in any deep hole, still making it to move on the top of the water, as if it were alive, and still keeping yourself out of sight, you shall certainly have sport if there be Trouts; yea in a hot day, but especially in the evening of a hot day.  
And now, scholar, my direction for fly-fishing is ended with this shower, for it has done raining, and now look about you, and see how pleasantly that Meadow looks, 〈…〉 ay and the earth smells as sweetly too. Come let me tell you what holy Mr. Herbert says of such days and Flowers as these, and then we will thank God that we enoy them, and walk to the reverend sit down quietly and try to catch the other brace of Trouts.  

Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright,  
The bridal of the earth and sky,  
Sweet dews shall weep thy fall to night, for thou must die.   

Sweet Rose, whose hew angry and brave  
Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye,  
Thy root is ever in its grave, and thou must die.   

Sweet Spring, full of sweet days & roses,  
A box where sweets ccompacted lie;  
My music shows you have your closes, and all must die.   

Only a sweet and virtuous soul,  
Like seasoned timber never gives,  
But when the whole world turns to coal, then chiefly lives.   Viat. 
I thank you, good Master, for your good direction for fly-fishing, and for the sweet enjoyment of the pleasant day, which is so far spent without offence to God or man: and I thank you for the sweet close of your discourse with Mr. Herbert's Verses, which I have heard, loved Angling; and I do the rather believe it, because he had a spirit suitable to Anglers, and to those Primitive Christians that you love, and have so much commended.  Pisc. 
Well, my loving scholar, and I am pleased to know that you are so well pleased with my direction and discourse; and I hope you will be pleased too, if you find a Trout at one of our Angles, which we left in the water to fish for itself; you shall choose which shall be yours, and it is an even lay, one catches: And let me tell you, this kind of fishing, and laying Night-hooks, are like putting money to use, for they both work for the Owners, when they do nothing but sleep, or eat, or rejoice, as you know we have done this last hour, and sat as quietly and as free from cares under this Sycamore, as Virgil's Tityrus and his Melibaeus did under their broad Beech tree: No life, my honest scholar, no life so happy and so pleasant as the Anglers, unless it be the beggar's life in Summer; for then only they take no care, but are as happy as we Anglers.  Viat. 
Indeed Master, and so they be, as is witnessed by the beggar's Song, made long since by Frank Davison, a good Poet, who was not a beggar, though he were a good Poet.  Pisc. 
Can you sing it, scholar?  Viat. 
Sit down a little, good Master, and I will try.  

Bright shines the Sun, play, beggars, play;  
here's scraps enough to serve to day:  
What noise of viols is so sweet  
As when our merry clappers ring?  
What mirth doth want when beggars meet?  
A beggar's life is for a King:  
Eat, drink and play, sleep when we list,  
Go where we will so stocks be missed.  
Bright shines the Sun; play, beggars, &c.   

The world is ours, and ours alone,  
For we alone have world at will;  
We purchase not, all is our own;  
Both fields and streets we beggars fill:  
Play beggars play, play, beggar's play,  
here's scraps enough to serve to day.   

A hundred herds of black and white  
Upon our Gowns securely feed,  
And yet if any If any dare us bite,  
He dies therefore as sure as Creed:  
Thus beggars Lord it as they please,  
And only beggars live at ease:  
Bright shines the Sun, play beggars play,  
here's scraps enough to serve to day.   Pisc. 
I thank you good scholar, this Song was well humoured by the maker, and well remembered and sung by you; and I pray forget not the K 〈…〉 tch which you promised to make against night for our Country man honest Coridon will expect your catch and my Song, which I must be forced to patch up, for it is so long since I learned it, that I have forgot a part of it. But come, let's stretch our legs a little in a gentle walk to the River, and try what 〈…〉 erest our Angles will pay us for lending them so long to be used by the Trouts.  Viat. 
Oh me, look you Master, a fish, a fish.  Pisc. 
I marry Sir, that was a good fish indeed; if I had had the luck to have taken up that Rod, 'tis twenty to one he should not have broke my line by running to the Rods end, as you suffered him; I would have held him, unless he had been fellow to the great Trout that is near an ell long, which had his picture drawn, and now to be seen at mine host Rickabies at the George in Ware; and it may be, by giving that Trout the Rod, that is, by casting it to him into the water, I might have caught him at the long run, for so I use always to do when I meet with an overgrown fish, and you will learn to do so hereafter; for I tell you, scholar, fishing is an Art, or at least, it is an Art to catch fish.  Viat. 
But, Master, will this Trout die, for it is like he has the hook in his belly?  Pisc. 
I will tell you, scholar, that unless the hook be fast in his very Gorge, he will live, and a little time with the help of the water, will rust the hook, & it will in time wear away as the gravel does in the horse hoof, which only leaves a false quarter.  
And now scholar, let's go to my Rod. Look you scholar, I have a fish too, but it proves a loggerheaded chubb; and this is not much a miss, for this will pleasure some poor body, as we go to our lodging to meet our brother Peter and honest Coridon- Come, now bait your hook again, and lay it into the water, for it rains again, and we will even retire to the Sycamore tree, and there I will give you more directions concerning fishing; for I would fain make you an Artist.  Viat. 
Yes, good Master, I pray let it be so.   

CHAP. V.  Pisc. 
Well, scholar, now we are sat down and are at ease, I shall tell you a little more of Trout fishing before I speak of the Salmon, (which I purpose shall be next) and then of the Pike. or Luce You are to know, there is night as well as day-fishing for a Trout, and that then the best are out of their holds; and the manner of taking them is on the top of the water with a great Lob or Garden worm, or rather two; which you are to fish for in a place where the water runs somewhat quietly (for in a stream it will not be so well discerned.) I say, in a quiet or dead place near to some swift, there draw your bait over the top of the water to and fro, and if there be a good Trout in the hole, he will take it, especially if the night be dark; for than he lies boldly near the top of the water, watching the motion of any Frog or Water-mouse, or Rat betwixt him and the sky, which he hunts for if he sees the water but wrinkle or move in one of these dead holes, where the great Trouts usually lie near to their hold.  
And you must fish for him with a strong line, and not a little hook, and let him have time to gorge your hook, for he does not usually forsake it, as he oft will in the day-fishing: and if the night be not dark, than fish so with an Artificial fly of a light colour; nay he will sometimes rise at a dead Mouse or a piece of cloth; or any thing that seems to swim 'cross the water, or to be in motion: this is a choice way, but I have not oft used it because it is void of the pleasures that such days as these that we now enjoy, afford an Angler.  
And you are to know, that in Hampshire, (which I think exceeds all England for pleasant Brooks, and store of Trouts) they use to catch Trouts in the night by the light of a Torch or straw, which when they have discovered, they strike with a Trout spear; this kind of way they catch many, but I would not believe it till I was an eye-witness of it, nor like it now I have seen it.  Viat. 
But Master, do not Trouts see us in the night?  Pisc. 
Yes, and hear, and smell too, both then and in the day time, for Gesner observes, the Otter smells a fish forty furlong off him in the water; and that it may be true, is affirmed by Sir Francis Bacon (in the eighth Century of his Natural History) who there proves, that waters may be the Medium of sounds, by demonstrating it thus, That if you knock two stones together very deep under the water, those that stand on a bank near to that place may hear the noise without any diminution of it by the water. He also offers the like experiment concerning the letting an Anchor fall by a very long Cable or rope on a Rock, or the sand within the Sea: and this being so well observed and demonstrated, as it is by that learned man, has made me to believe that eels unbed themselves, and stir at the noise of the Thunder, and not only as some think, by the motion or the stirring of the earth, which is occasioned by that Thunder.  
And this reason of Sir Francis Bacon's has made me crave pardon of 
Exper. 792  one that I laughed at, for affirming that he knew Carps come to a certain place in a Pond to be fed at the ringing of a bell; and it shall be a rule for me to make as little noise, as I can when I am a fishing, until Sir Francis Bacon be confuted, which I shall give any man leave to do, and so leave off this Philosophical discourse for a discourse of fishing.  
Of which my next shall be to tell you, it is certain, that certain fields near Lemster, a Town in Herefordshire, are observed, that they make the Sheep that graze upon them more fat than the next, and also to bear finer Wool; that is to say, that that year in which they feed in such a particular pasture, they shall yield finer wool than the year before they came to feed in it, and courser again if they shall return to their former pasture, and again return to a finer wool being fed in the fine wool ground. Which I tell you, that you may the better believe that I am certain, If I catch a Trout in one Meadow, he shall be white and faint, and very like to be lousy; and as certainly if I catch a Trout in the next Meadow, he shall be strong, and red, and lusty, and much better meat: Trust me (Scholar) I have caught many a Trout in a particular Meadow, that the very shape and inamelled colour of him, has joyed me to look upon him, and I have with Solomon concluded, Every thing is beautiful in his season.  
It is now time to tell you next, (according to promise) some observations of the Salmon; But first, I will tell you there is a fish, called by some an Umber, and by some a Greyling, a choice fish, esteemed by many to be equally good with the Trout: it is a fish that is usually about eighteen inches long, he lives in such streams as the Trout does; and is indeed taken with the same bait as a Trout is, for he will bite both at the Minnow, the Worm, and the Fly, both Natural and Artificial: of this fish there be many in Trent, and in the River that runs by Salisbury, and in some other lesser Brooks; but he is not so general a fish as the Trout, nor to me either so good to eat, or so pleasant to fish for as the Trout is; of which two fishes I will now take my leave, and come to my promised Observations of the Salmon, and a little advice for the catching him.   

CHAP. VI.  
THE Salmon is ever bred in the fresh Rivers (and in most Rivers about the month of August) and never grows big but in the Sea; and there to an incredible bigness in a very short time; to which place they covet to swim, by the instinct of nature, about a set time: but if they be stopped by Mills, floodgates or Weirs, or be by accident lost in the fresh water, when the others go (which is usually by flocks or shoals) than they thrive not.  
And the old Salmon, both the Melter and Spawner, strive also to get into the Sea before Winter; but being stopped that course, or lost; grovv sick in fresh waters, and by degrees unseasonable, and kipper, that is, to have a bony gristle, to grow (not unlike a hawks beak) on one of his chaps, which hinders him from feeding, and then he pines and dies.  
But if he gets to Sea, than that gristle wears away, or is cast off (as the Eagle is said to cast his bill) and he recovers his strength, and comes next Summer to the same River, (if it be possible) to enjoy the former pleasures that there possessed him; for (as one has wittily observed) he has (like some persons of Honour and Riches, which have both their winter and Summer houses) the fresh Rivers for Summer, and the salt water for winter to spend his life in; which is not (as Sir Francis Bacon 
In his History of Life and Death.  hath observed) above ten years: And it is to be observed, that though they grow big in the Sea, yet they grow not fat but in fresh Rivers; and it is observed, that the farther they get from the Sea, the better they be.  
And it is observed, that, to the end they may get far from the Sea, either to spawn or to possess the pleasure that they then and there find, they will force themselves over the tops of Weirs, or Hedges, or stops in the water, by taking their tails into their mouths, and leaping over those places, even to a height beyond common belief: and sometimes by forcing themselves against the stream through sluices and floodgates, beyond common credit. And 'tis observed by Gesner, that there is none bigger than in England, nor none better than in Thames.  
And for the Salmons sudden growth, it has been observed by tying a Ribon in the tail of some number of the young Salmons, which have been taken in weirs, as they swimmed towards the salt water, and then by taking a part of them again with the same mark, at the same place, at their return from the Sea, which is usually about six months after; and the like experiment hath been tried upon young Swallows, who have after six months' absence, been oserved to return to the same chimney, there to make their nests, and their habitations for the Summer following; which hath inclined many to think, that every Salmon usually returns to the same River in which it was bred, as young Pigeons taken out of the same Dove-cote, have also been observed to do.  
And you are yet to observe further, that the He Salmon susually bigger than the Spawner, and that he is more kipper, & less able to endure a winter in the fresh water, than the She is; yet she is at that time of looking less kipper and better, as watery and as bad meat.  
And yet you are to observe, that as there is no general rule without an exception, so there is some few Rivers in this Nation that have Trouts and Salmon in season in winter. But for the observations of that and many other things, I must in manners omit, because they will prove too large for our narrow compass of time, and therefore I shall next fall upon my direction how to fish for the Salmon.  
And for that, first, you shall observe, that usually he stays not long in a place (as Trouts will) but (as I said) covets still to go nearer the Spring head; and that he does not (as the Trout and many other fish) lie near the water side or bank, or roots of trees, but swims usually in the middle, and near the ground; and that there you are to fish for him, and that he is to be caught as the Trout is, with a Worm, a Minnow, (which some call a Penke) or with a Fly.  
And you are to observe, that he is very, very seldom observed to bite at a Minnow (yet sometime he will) and not oft at a fly, but more usually at a Worm, and then most usually at a Lob or Garden worm, which should be well scoured, that is to say, seven or eight days in Moss before you fish with them; and if you double your time of eight into sixteen, or more, into twenty or more days, it is still the better, for the worms will still be clearer, tougher, and more lively, and continue so longer upon your hook.  
And now I shall tell you, that which may be called a secret: I have been a fishing with old Oliver Henly (now with God) a noted Fisher, both for Trout and Salmon, and have observed that he would usually take three or four worms out of his bag and put them into a little box in his pocket, where he would usually let them continue half an hour or more, before he would bait his hook with them; I have asked him his reason, and he has replied, He did but pick the best out to be in a readiness against he baited his hook the next time: But he has been observed both by others, and myself, to catch more fish than I or any other body that has ever gone a fishing with him, could do, especially S 〈…〉 s; and I have been told lately by one of his most intimate and secret friends, that the box in which he put those worms was anointed with a drop, or two, or three of the Oil of Ivy-berries, made by expression or infusion, and that by the worms remaining in that box an hour, or a like time, they had incorporated a kind of smell that was irresistibly attractive, enough to force any fish, within the smell of them, to bite. This I heard not long since from a friend, but have not tried it; yet I grant it probable, and refer my Reader to Sir Francis Bacon's Natural History, where he proves fishes may hear; and I am certain Gesner says, the Otter can smell in the water, and know not but that fish may do so too: 'tis left for a lover of Angling, or any that desires to improve that Art, to try this conclusion.  
I shall also impart another experiment (but not tried by myself) which I will deliver in the same words as it was by a friend, given me in writing.  
Take the stinking oil drawn out of Poly body of the Oak, by a retort mixed with Turpentine, and Hivehoney, and anoint your hait therewith, and it will doubtless draw the fish to it.  
But in these things I have no great faith, yet grant it probable, and have had from some chemical men (namely, from Sir George Hastings and others) an affirmation of them to be very advantageous: but no more of these, especially not in this place.  
I might here, before I take my leave of the Salmon, tell you, that there is more than one sort of them, as namely, a Tecon, and another called in some places a Samlet, or by some, a Skegger: but these (and others which I forbear to name) may be fish of another kind, and differ, as we know a Herring and a pilchard do; but must by me be left to the disquisitions of men of more leisure and of greater abilities, than I profess myself to have.  
And lastly, I am to borrow so much of your promised patience, as to tell you, that the Trout or Salmon, being in season, have at their first taking out of the water (which continues during life) their bodies adorned, the one with such red spots, and the other with black or blackish spots, which gives them such an addition of natural beauty, as I (that yet am no enemy to it) think was never given to any woman by the Artificial Paint or Patches in which they so much pride themselves in this age. And so I shall leave them and proceed to some Observations of the Pike.   

CHAP. VII  Pisc. 
IT is not to be doubted but that the Luce, or Pikrell, or Pike breeds by Spawning; and yet Gesner says, that some of them breed, where none ever was, out of a weed called pickerel-weed, and other glutinous matter, which with the help of the sun's heat proves in some particular ponds (apted by nature for it) to become Pikes.  
Sir Francis Bacon observes the Pike 
In his History of Life and Death.  to be the longest lived of any fresh water fish, and yet that his life is not usually above forty years; and yet Gesner mentions a Pike taken in Swedeland in the year 1449, with a Ring about his neck, declaring he was put into the Pond by Frederick the second, more than two hundred years before he was last taken, as the Inscription of that Ring, being Greek, was interpreted by the than Bishop of worms. But of this no more, but that it is observed that the old or very great Pikes have in them more of state than goodness; the smaller or middle sized Pikes being by the most and choicest palates observed to be the best meat; but contrary, the eel is observed to be the better for age and bigness.  
All Pikes that live long prove chargeable to their keepers, because their life is maintained by the death of so many other fish, even those of his own kind, which has made him by some Writers to be called the Tyrant of the Rivers, or the Fresh water-wolf, by reason of his bold, greedy, devouring disposition; which is so keen, as Gesner relates, a man going to a Pond (where it seems a Pike had devoured all the fish) to water his Mule, had a Pike bit his Mule by the lips, to which the Pike hung so fast, that the Mule drew him out of the water, and by that accident the owner of the Mule got the Pike; I tell you who relates it, and shall with it tell you what a wise man has observed, It is a hard thing to persuade the belly, because it hath no ears.  
But if this relation of Gesners be disbelieved, it is too evident to be doubted that a Pike will devour a fish of his own kind, that shall be bigger than this belly or throat will receive; and swallow a part of him, and let the other part remain in his mouth till the swallowed part be digested, and then swallow that other part that was in his mouth, and so put it over by degrees. And it is observed, that the Pike will eat venomous things (as some kind of Frogs are) and yet live without being harmed by them: for, as some say, he has in him a natural balsam or Antidote against all Poison: and others, that he never eats a venomous Frog till he hath first killed her, and then (as Ducks are observed to do to Frogs in Spawning time, at which time some Frogs are observed to be venomous) so throughly washed her, by tumbling her up and down in the water, that he may devour her without danger. And Gesner affirms, that a Polonian Gentleman did faithfully assure him, he had seen two young Geese at one time in the belly of a Pike: and he observes, that in Spain there is no Pikes, and that the biggest are in the Lake Thracimane in Italy, and the next, if not equal to them, are the Pikes of England.  
The Pike is also observed to be a melancholy, and a bold fish; melancholy, because he always swims or rests himself alone, and never swims in shoals, or with company, as Roach, and Dace, and most other fish do: And bold, because he fears not a shadow, or to see or be seen of anybody, as the Trout and chubb, and all other fish do.  
And it is observed by Gesner, that the bones, and hearts, & galls of Pikes are very medicinable for several Diseases, as to stop blood, to abate Fevers, to cure Agues, to oppose or expel the infection of the Plague, and to be many ways medicinable and useful for the good of mankind; but that the biting of a Pike is venomous and hard to be cured.  
And it is observed; that the Pike is a fish that breeds but once a year, and that other fish (as namely Loaches) do breed oftener; as we are certain. Pigeons do almost every month, and yet the Hawk, a bird of prey (as the Pike is of fish) breeds but once in twelve months: and you are to note, that his time of breeding or Spawning is usually about the end of February; or somewhat later, in March, as the weather proves colder or warmer: and to note, that his manner of breeding is thus, a He and a She Pike will usually go together out of a River into some ditch or creek, and that there the Spawner casts her eggs, and the Melter hovers over her all that time that she is casting her Spawn, but touches her not. I might say more of this, but it might be thought curiosity or worse, and shall therefore forbear it, and take up so much of your attention as to tell you, that the best of Pikes are noted to be in Rivers, than those in great Ponds or Meres, and the worst in small Ponds.  
His feeding is usually fish or frogs, and sometime a weed of his own, called Pikrel-weed, of which I told you some think some Pikes are bred; for they have observed, that where no Pikes have been put into a Pond, yet that there they have been found, and that there has been plenty of that weed in that Pond, and that that weed both breeds and feeds them; but whether those Pikes so bred will ever breed by generation as the others do, I shall leave to the disquisitions of men of more curiosity and leisure than I profess myself to have; and shall proceed to tell you, that you may fish for a Pike, either with a ledger, or a walking bait; and you are to note, that I call that a ledger which is fixed, or made to rest in one certain place when you shall be absent; and that I call that a walking bait, which you take with you, and have ever in motion. Concerning which two, I shall give you this direction, That your ledger bait is best to be a living bait, whether it be a fish or a Frog; and that you may make them live the longer, you may, or indeed you must take this course:  
First, for your live bait of fi 〈…〉 h, a Roch or Dace is (I think) best and most tempting and a perch the longest lived on a hook; you must take your knife, (which cannot be too sharp) and betwixt the head and the fin on his back, cut or make an insition, or such a scar as you may put the arming wire of your hook into it, with as little bruising or hurting the fish as Art and diligence will enable you to do, and so carrying your arming wire along his back, unto, or near the tail of your fish, betwixt the skin and the body of it, draw out that wire or arming of your hook at another scar near to his tail; then tie him about it with thread; but no harder than of necessity you must to prevent hurting the fish; and the better to avoid hurting the fish, some have a kind of probe to open the way; for the more easy entrance and passage of your wire or arming: but as for these, time and a little experience will teach you better than I can by words; for of this I will for the present say no more, but come next to give you some directions how to bait your hook with a Frog.  Viat. 
But, good Master, did not you say even now, that some Frogs were venomous, and is it not dangerous to touch them?  Pisc. 
Yes, but I will give you some Rules or Cautions concerning them. And first, you are to note, there is two kinds of Frogs; that is to say, (if I may so express myself) a flesh and a fish-frog: by flesh Frogs, I mean, frogs that breed and live on the land; and of these there be several sorts and colours, some being peckled, some greenish, some blackish, or brown: the green Frog, which is a small one, is by Topsell taken to be venomous; and so is the Padock, or Frog-Padock, which usually keeps or breeds on the land, and is very large and bony, and big, especially the She frog of that kind; yet these will sometime come into the water, but it is not often; and the land frogs are some of them observed by him, to breed by laying eggs, and others to breed of the slime and dust of the earth, and that in winter they turn to slime again, and that the next Summer that very slime returns to be a living creature; this is the opinion of Pliny: and 
* In his 16th Book, De subtle. ex.  Cardanas undertakes to give reason for the raining of Frogs; but if it were in my power, it should rain none but water Frogs, for those I think are not venomous, especially the right water Frog, which about February or March breeds in ditches by slime and blackish eggs in that slime, about which time of breeding the He and She frog are observed to use divers simber salts, and to croak and make a noise, which the land frog, or Padock frog never does. Now of these water Frogs, you are to choose the yellowest that you can get, for that the Pike ever likes best, And thus use your Frog, that he may continue long alive:  
Put your hook into his mouth, which you may easily do from about the middle of April till August, and then the Frogs mouth grows up and he continues so for at least six months without eating, but is sustained, none, but he whose name is Wonderful, knows how. I say, put your hook, I mean the arming wire, through his mouth and out at his gills, and then with a fine needle and Silk sow the upper part of his leg with only one stitch to the armed wire of your hook, or tie the frogs leg above the upper joint to the armed wire, and in so doing use him as though you loved him, that is, harm him as little as you may possibly, that he may live the longer.  
And now, having given you this direction for the baiting your ledger hook with a live fish or frog, my next must be to tell you, how your hook thus baited must or may be used; and it is thus: having fastened your hook to a line, which if it be not fourteen yards long, should not be less than twelve; you are to fasten that line to any bow near to a hole where a Pike is, or is likely to lie, or to have a haunt; and than wind your line on any forked stick, all your line, except a half yard of it, or rather more, and split that forked stick with such a nick or notch at one end of it, as may keep the line from any more of it ravelling from about the stick, than so much of it as you intended; and choose your forked stick to be of that bigness as may keep the fish or frog from pulling the forked stick under the water till the Pike bites, and then the Pike having pulled the line forth of the cleft or nick in which it was gently fastened, will have line enough to go to his hold and powch the bait: and if you would have this ledger bait to keep at a fixed place, undisturbed by wind or other accidents, which may drive it to the shore side (for you are to note, that it is likeliest to catch a Pike in the midst of the water) then hang a small Plummet of lead, a stone, or piece of tile, or a turf in a string, and cast it into the water, with the forked stick to hang upon the ground, to be as an Anchor to keep the forked stick from moving out of your intended place till the Pike come. This I take to be a very good way, to use so many ledger baits as you intend to make trial of.  
Or if you bait your hooks thus, with live fish or Frogs, and in a windy day, fasten them thus to a bow or bundle of straw, and by the help of that wind can get them to move 'cross a Pond or Mere, you are like to stand still on the shore and see sport, if there be any store of Pikes; or these live baits may make sport, being tied about the body or wings of a Goose or Duck, and she chased over a Pond: and the like may be done with turning three or four live baits thus fastened to bladders, or boughs, or bottles of hay, or flags, to swim down a River, whilst you walk quietly on the shore along with them, and are still in expectation of sport. The rest must be taught you by practice, for time will not allow me to say more of this kind of fishing with live baits.  
And for your dead bait for a Pike, for that you may be taught by one days going a fishing with me or any other body that fishes for him, for the baiting your hook with a dead gudgeon or a Roch, and moving it up and down the water, is too easy a thing to take up any time to direct you to do it; and yet, because I cut you short in that, I will commute for it, by telling you that that was told me for a secret: it is this:  
Dissolve Gum of ivy in oil of Spike, and therewith anoint your dead bait for a Pike, and then cast it into a likely place, and when it has lain a short time at the bottom, draw it towards the top of the water, and so up the stream, and it is more than likely that you have a Pike follow you with more than common eagerness.  
This has not been tried by me, but told me by a friend of note, that pretended to do me a courtesy: but if this direction to catch a Pike thus do you no good, I am certain this direction how to roast him when he is caught, is choicely good, for I have tried it, and it is somewhat the better for not being common; but with my direction you must take th' caution, that your Pike must not be a small one.  
First open your Pike at the gills, and if need be, cut also a little slit towards his belly; out of these, take his guts, and keep his liver, which you are to shred very small with: Time, Sweet Margerom, and a little Winter-Savoury; to these put some pickled Oysters, and some anchovies, both these last whole for the anchovies will melt, and the Oysters should not.) to these you must add also a pound of sweet Butter, which you are to mix with the herbs that are shred, and let them all be well salted (if the Pike be more than a yard long, than you may put into these herbs more than a pound, or if he be less, then less Butter will suffice:) these being thus mixed, with a blade or two of Mace, must be put into the Pike's belly, and then his belly so sowed up; then you are to thrust the spit through his mouth out at his tail; and then with four, or five, or six split sticks or very thin laths, and a convenient quantity of tape or filiting, these laths are to be tied round about the Pike's body, from his head to his tail, and the tape tied somewhat thick to prevent his breaking or falling off from the spit; let him be roasted very leisurely, and often basted with Claret wine, and anchovies, and butter mixed together; and also with what moisture falls from him into the pan: when you have roasted him sufficiently, you are to hold under him (when you unwind or cut the tape that ties him) such a dish as you purpose to eat him out of, and let him fall into it with the sauce that is roasted in his belly; and by this means the Pike will be kept unbroken and complete; then to the sauce, which was within him, and also in the pan, you are to add a fit quantity of the best butter, and to squeeze the juice of three or four Oranges: lastly, you may either put into the Pike with the Oysters; two cloves of garlic, and take it whole out when the Pike is cut off the spit, or to give the sauce a hogoe, let the dish (into which you let the Pike fall) be rubed with it; the using or not using of this garlic is left to your discretion.  
This dish of meat is too good for any but Anglers or honest men; and, I trust, you will prove both, and therefore I have trusted you with this Secret. And now I shall proceed to give you some Observations concerning the Carp.   

CHAP. VIII.  Pisc. 
THE Carp is a stately, a good, and a subtle fish, a fish that hath not (as it is said) been long in England, but said to be by one Mr. Mascall (a Gentleman then living at Plumsted in Sussex) brought into this Nation: and for the better confirmation of this, you are to remember I told you that Gesner says, there is not a Pike in Spain, and that except the eel, which lives longest out of the water, there is none that will endure more hardness, or live longer than a Carp will out of it, and so the report of his being brought out of a foreign Nation into this, is the more probable.  
Carps and Loches are observed to breed several months in one year, which most other fish do not, and it is the rather believed, because you shall scarce or never take a Male Carp without a Melt, or a Female without a Roe or Spawn; and for the most part very much, and especially all the Summer season; and it is observed, that they breed more naturally in Ponds then in running waters, and that those that live in Rivers are taken by men of the best palates to be much the better meat.  
And it is observed, that in some Ponds Carps will not breed, especially in cold Ponds; but where they will breed, they breed innumerably, if there be no Pikes nor perch to devour their Spawn, when it is cast upon grass, or flags, or weeds, where it lies ten or twelve days before it be enlivened.  
The Carp, if he have water room and good seed, will grow to a very great bigness and length: I have heard, to above a yard long; though I never saw one above thirty three inches, which was a very great and goodly fish.  
Now as the increase of Carps is wonderful for their number; so there is not a reason found out, I think, by any, why the should breed in some Ponds, and not in others of the same nature, for soil and all other circumstances; and as their breeding, so are their decays also very mysterious; I have both read it, and been told by a Gentleman of tried honesty, that he has known sixty or more large Carps put into several Ponds near to a house, where by reason of the stakes in the Ponds, and the Owners constant being near to them, it was impossible they should be stole away from him, and that when he has after three or four years emptied the Pond, and expected an increase from them by breeding young ones (for that they might do so, he had, as the rule is, put in three Melters for one Spawner) he has, I say, after three or four years found neither a young nor old Carp remaining: And the like I have known of one that has almost watched his Pond, and at a like distance of time at the fishing of a Pond, found of seventy or eighty large Carps, not above five or six: and that he had forborn longer to fish the said Pond, but that he saw in a hot day in Summer, a large Carp swim near to the top of the water with a Frog upon his head, and that he upon that occasion caused his Pond to be let dry: and I say, of seventy or eighty Carps, only found five or six in the said Pond, and those very sick and lean, and with every one a Frog sticking so fast on the head of the said Carps, that the Frog would not be got off without extreme force or killing, and the Gentleman that did affirm this to me, told me he saw it, and did declare his belief to be (and I also believe the same) that he thought the other Carps that were so strangely lost, were so killed by Frogs, and then devoured.  
But I am fallen into this discourse by accident, of which I might say more, but it has proved longer than I intended, and possibly may not to you be considerable; I shall therefore give you three or four more short observations of the Carp, and then fall upon some directions how you shall fish for him.  
The age of Carps is by S. Francis Bacon (in his History of Life and Death) observed to be but ten years; yet others think they live longer: but most conclude, that (contrary to the Pike or Luce) all Carps are the better for age and bigness; the tongues of Carps are noted to be choice and costly meat, especially to them that buy them; but Gesner says, Carps have no tongues like other fish, but a piece of flesh-like-fish in their mouth like to a tongue, and may be so called, but it is certain it is choicely good, and that the Carp is to be reckoned amongst those leather mouthed fish, which I told you have their teeth in their throat, and for that reason he is very seldom lost by breaking his hold, if your hook be once stuck into his chaps.  
I told you, that Sir Francis Bacon thinks that the Carp lives but ten years; but Janus Dubravius (a German as I think) has writ a book in Latin of Fish and Fish Ponds, in which he says, that Carps begin to Spawn at the age of three years, and continue to do so till thirty; he says also, that in the time of their breeding, which is in Summer when the Sun hath warmed both the earth and water, and so apted them also for generation, that then three or four Male Carps will follow a Female, and that then she putting on a seeming coyness, they force her through weeds and flags, where she lets fall her eggs or Spawn, which sticks fast to the weeds, and then they let fall their Melt upon it, and so it becomes in a short time to be a living fish; and, as I told you, it is thought the Carp does this several months in the year, and most believe that most fish breed after this manner, except the eels and it is thought that all Carps are not bred by generation, but that some breed otherways, as some Pikes do.  
And my first direction is, that if you will fish for a Carp, you must put on a very large measure of patience, especially to fish for a River Carp: I have known a very good Fisher angle diligently four or six hours in a day, for three or four days together for a River Carp, and not have a bite: and you are to note, that in some Ponds it is as hard to catch a Carp as in a River; that is to say, where they have store of feed, & the water is of a clayish colour; but you are to remember, that I have told you there is no rule without an exception, and therefore being possessed with that hope and patience which I wish to all Fishers, especially to the CarpAngler, I shall tell you with what bait to fish for him; but that must be either early or ate, and let me tell you, that in hot weather (for he will seldom bite in cold) you cannot be too early or too late at it.  
The Carp bites either at worms or at Paste; and of worms I- think the bluish Marsh or Meadow worm is best; but possibly another worm not too big may do as well, and so may a Gentle; and as for Pastes, there are almost as many sorts as there are Medicines for the toothache, but doubtless sweet Pastes are best; I mean, Pastes mixed with honey, or with Sugar; which, that you may the better beguile this crafty fish, should be thrown into the Pond or place in which you fish for him some hours before you undertake your trial of skill by the Angle-Rod: and doubtless, if it be thrown into the water a day or two before, at several times, and in small pellets, you are the likelier when you fish for the Carp, to obtain your desired sport: or in a large Pond, to draw them to any certain place, that they may the better and with more hope be fished for; you are to throw into it, in some certain place, either grains, or blood mixed with cowdung, or with bran; or any Garbage, as Chickens guts or the like, and then some of your small sweet pellets, with which you purpose to angle; these small pellets, being few of them thrown in as you are Angling.  
And your Paste must be thus made: Take the flesh of a Rabet or Cat cut small, and Bean-flower, or (if not easily got then) other flower, and then mix these together, and put to them either Sugar, or Honey, which I think better, and then beat these together in a Mortar; or sometimes work them in your hands, (your hands being very clean) and then make it into a ball, or two, or three, as you like best for your use: but you must work or pound it so long in the Mortar, as to make it so tough as to hang upon your hook without washing from it, yet not too hard; or that you may the better keep it on your hook, you may kneade with your Paste a little (and not much) white or yellowish wool.  
And if you would have this Paste keep all the year for any other fish, then mix with it Virgins-wax and clarified honey, and work them together with your hands before the fire; then make these into balls, and it will keep all the year.   

CHAP. ix..  Pisc. 
THE Bream being at a fuli growth, is a large and stately fish, he will breed both in Rivers and Ponds, but loves best to live in Ponds, where, if he likes the air, he will grow not only to be very large, but as fat as a Hog, he is by Gesner taken to be more pleasant or sweet then wholesome; this fish is long in growing, but breeds exceedingly in a water that pleases him, yea, in many Ponds so fast, as to over store them, and starve the other fish.  
The Baits good for to catch the Bream are many; as namely, young Wasps, and a Paste made of brown bread and honey, or gentles, or especially a worm, a worm that is not much unlike a maggot, which you will find at the roots of Docks, or of Flags, or of Rushes that grow in the water, or watery places, and a grasshopper having his legs niped off, or a fly that is in June and July to be found amongst the green Reed, growing by the water side, those are said to be excellent baits. I doubt not but there be many others that both the Bream and the Carp also would bite at; but these time and experience will teach you how to find out: And so having according to my promise given you these short Observations concerning the Bream, I shall also give you some Observations concerning the Tench, and those also very briefly.  
The Tench is observed to love to live in Ponds; but if he be in a River, then in the still places of the River, he is observed to be a Physician to other fishes, and is so called by many that have been searchers into the nature of fish; and it is said, that a Pike will neither devour nor hurt him, because the Pike being sick or hurt by any accident, is cured by touching the Tench, and the Tench does the like to other fishes, either by touching them, or by being in their company.  
He will bite at a Paste made of brown bread and honey, or at a marshworm, or a Lob-worm; he will bite also at a smaller worm, with his head niped off, and a Cod-worm put on the hook before the worm; and I doubt not but that he will also in the three hot months (for in the nine colder he stirs not much) bite at a Flag-worm, or at a green Gentle, but can positively say no more of the Tench, he being a fish that I have not often Angled for; but I wish my honest scholar may, and be ever fortunate when he fish.  Viat. 
I thank you good Master: but I pray Sir, since you see it still rains May butter, give me some observations and directions concerning the perch, for they say he is both a very good and a bold biting fish, and I would fain learn to fish for him.  Pisc. 
You say true, scholar, the perch is a very good, and a very bold biting fish, he is one of the fishes of prey, that, like the Pike and Trout, carries his teeth in his mouth, not in his throat, and dare venture to kill and devour another fish; this fish, and the Pike are (Says Gesner) the best of fresh water fish; he Spawns but once a year, and is by Physicians held very nutritive; yet by many to be hard of digestion: They abound more in the River Po, and in England, (Says Randelitius) than other parts, and have in their brain a stone, which is in foreign parts sold by Apothecaries, being there noted to be very medicinable against the stone in the reins: These be a part of the commendations which some Philosophycal brain have bestowed upon the freshwater perch, yet they commend the Sea perch, which is known by having but one fin on his back, (of which they say, we English see but a few) to be a much better fish.  
The perch grows slowly, yet will grow, as I have been credibly informed, to be almost two foot long; for my Informer told me, such a one was not long since taken by Sir Abraham Williams, a Gentleman of worth, and a lover of Angling, that yet lives, and I wish he may: this was a deep bodied fish; and doubtless durst have devoured a Pike of half his own length; for I have told you, he is a bold fish, such a one, as but for extreme hunger, the Pike will not devour; for to affright the Pike, the perch will set up his fins, much like as a turkey-cock will sometimes set up his tail.  
But, my scholar, the perch is not only valiant to defend himself, but he is (as you said) a bold biting fish, yet he he will not bite at all seasons of the year; he is very abstemious in Winter; and hath been observed by some, not usually to bite till the Mulberry tree buds, that is to say, till extreme Frosts be past for that Spring; for when the Mulberry tree blossoms, many gardeners observe their forward fruit to be past the danger of Frosts, and some have made the like observation of the perches biting.  Viat. 
Nay, good Master, one fish more, for you see it rains still, and you know our Angles are like money put to usury; they may thrive though we sit still and do nothing, but talk & enjoy one another. Come, come the other fish, good Master.  Pisc. 
But scholar, have you nothing to mix with this Discourse, which now grows both tedious and tiresome? shall I have nothing from you that seems to have both a good memory, and a cheerful Spirit?  Viat. 
Yes, Master, I will speak you a copy of Verses that were made by Doctor Donne, and made to show the world that he could make soft and smooth Verses, when he thought them fit and worth his labour; and I love them the better, because they allude to Rivers, and fish, and fishing. They be these:  

Come live with me, and be my love,  
And we will some new pleasures prove,  
Of golden sands, and crystal brooks,  
With silken lines and silver hooks.   

There will the River wispering run,  
Warmed by thy eyes more than the Sun;  
And there th' enameled fish will stay,  
Begging themselves they may betray.   

When thou wilt swim in that live bath,  
Each fish, which every channel hath  
Most amorously to thee will swim,  
Gladder to catch thee, than thou him.   

If thou, to be so seen, be'st loath  
By Sun or Moon, thou darknest both;  
And, if mine eyes have leave to see,  
I need not their light, having thee.   

Let others freeze with Angling Reeds,  
And cut their legs with shells & weeds,  
Or treacherously poor fish beset,  
With strangling snares, or windowy net.   

Let coarse bold hands, from slimy nest,  
The bedded fish in banks outwrest,  
Let curious traitor's sleeve silk flies,  
To' witch poor wandering fishes eyes.   

For thee, thou needst no such deceit,  
For thou thyself art thine own bait;  
That fish that is not catched thereby,  
Is wiser far, alas, then I.   Pisc. 
Well remembered, honest scholar, I thank you for these choice Verses, which I have heard formerly, but had quite forgot, till they were recovered by your happy memory. Well, being I have now rested myself a little, I will make you some requital, by telling you some observations of the eel, for it rains still, and (as you say) our Angles are as money put to Use, that thrive when we play.   

CHAP. X.  
IT is agreed by most men, that the eel is both a good and a most dainty fish; but most men differ about his breeding; some say, they breed by generation as other fish do; and others, that they breed (as some worms do) out of the putrefaction of the earth, and divers other ways; those that deny them to breed by generation, as other fish do, ask, if any man ever saw an Eel to have Spawn or Melt? and they are answered, That they may be as certain of their breeding, as if they had seen Spawn; for they say, that they are certain that eels have all parts fit for generation, like other fish, but so small as not to be easily discerned, by reason of their fatness; but that discerned they may be; and that the he and the She eel may be distinguished by their fins.  
And others say, that eels growing old, breed other eels out of the corruption of their own age, which Sir Francis Bacon says, exceeds not ten years. And others say, that eels are bred of a particular dew falling in the Months of May or June on the banks of some particular Ponds or Rivers (apted by nature for that end) which in a few days is by the sun's heat turned into eels. I have seen in the beginning of July, in a River not far from Canterbury, some parts of it covered over with young eels about the thickness of a straw; and these eels did lie on the top of that water, as thick as motes are said to be in the Sun; and I have heard the like of other Rivers, as namely, in Severn, and in a pond or Mere in Stafford-shire, where about a set time in Summer, such small eels abound so much, that many of the poorer sort of people, that inhabit near to it, take such eels out of this Mere, with sieves or sheets, and make a kind of eel-cake of them, and eat it like as bread. And Gesner quotes venerable Bede to say, that in England there is an island called Ely, by reason of the innumerable number of eels that breed in it. But that eels may be bred as some worms and some kind of Bees and Wasps are, either of dew, or out of the corruption of the earth, seems to be made probable by the Barnacles and young Goslings bred by the sun's heat and the rotten planks of an old Ship, and hatched of trees, both which are related for truths by Dubartas, and our learned Cambden, and laborious Gerrard in his herbal.  
It is said by Randelitius, that those eels that are bred in Rivers, that relate to, or be near to the Sea, never return to the fresh waters (as the Salmon does always desire to do) when they have once tasted the salt water; and I do the more easily believe this, because I am certain that powdered beef is a most excellent bait to catch an eel: and Sr. Francis Bacon will allow the eels life to be but ten years; yet he in his History of Life and Death, mentions a Lamprey, belonging to the Roman Emperor, to be made tame, and so kept for almost threescore years; and that such useful and pleasant observations were made of this Lamprey, that Crassus the orator (who kept her) lamented her death.  
It is granted by all, or most men, that eels, for about six months (that is to say, the six cold months of the year) stir not up and down, neither in the Rivers nor the Pools in which they are, but get into the soft earth or mud, and there many of them together bed themselves, and live without feeding upon any thing (as I have told you some Swallows have been observed to do in hollow trees for those six cold months); and this the eel and Swallow do, as not being able to endure winter weather; for Gesner quotes Albertus to say, that in the year 1125 (that years winter being more cold than usual) eels did by nature's instinct get out of the water into a stack of hay in a Meadow upon dry ground, and there bedded themselves, but yet at last died there. I shall say no more of the eel, but that, as it is observed, he is impatient of cold, so it has been observed, that in warm weather an eel has been known to live five days out of the water. And lastly, let me tell you, that some curious searchers into the natures of fish, observe that there be several sorts or kinds of eels, as the silvereele, and green or greenish Eel (with which the River of Thames abounds, and are called Gregs); and a blackish eel, whose head is more flat and bigger than ordinary eels; and also an eel whose fins are reddish, and but seldom taken in this Nation (and yet taken sometimes): These several kinds of eels, are (say some) diversely bred; as namely, out of the corruption of the earth, and by dew, and other ways (as I have said to you:) and yet it is affirmed by some, that for a certain, the SilverEele breeds by generation, but not by Spawning as other fish do, but that her Brood come alive from her no bigger nor longer than a pin, and I have had too many testimonies of this to doubt the truth of it.  
And this eel of which I have said so much to you, may be caught with divers kinds of baits; as namely, with powdered beef, with a Lob or Garden-worm, with a Minnow, or gut of a Hen, Chicken, or with almost any thing, for he is a greedy fish: but the eel seldom stirs in the day, but than hides himself, and therefore he is usually caught by night, with one of these baits of which I have spoken, and then caught by laying hooks, which you are to fasten to the bank, or twigs of a tree; or by throwing a string 'cross the stream, with many hooks at it, and baited with the foresaid baits, and a clod or plumber, or stone, thrown into the River with this line, that so you may in the morning find it near to some fixed place, and then take it up with a drag-hook or otherwise: but these things are indeed too common to be spoken of; and an hours fishing with any Angler will teach you better, both for these, and many other common things in the practical part of Angling, than a weeks discourse. I shall therefore conclude this direction for taking the eel, by telling you, that in a warm day in Summer, I have taken many a good eel by snigling, and have been much pleased with that sport.  
And because you that are but a young Angler, know not what snigling is, I will now teach it to you: you remember I told you that eels do not usually stir in the day time, for than they hide themselves under some covert, or under boards, or planks about floodgates, or Weirs, orMils, or in holes in the River banks; and you observing your time in a warm day, when the water is lowest, may take a hook tied to a strong line, or to a string about a yard long, and then into one of these holes, or between any boards about a Mill, or under any great stone or plank, or any place where you think an eel may hide or shelter herself, there with the help of a short stick put in your bait, but leisurely, and as far as you may conveniently; and it is scarce to be doubted, but that if there be an Eel within the sight of it, the eel will bite instantly, and as certainly gorge it; and you need not doubt to have him, if you pull him not our of the hole too quickly, but pull him out by degrees, for he lying folded double in his hole, will, with the help of his tail, break all, unless you give him time to be wearied with pulling, and so get him out by degrees; not pulling too hard. And thus much for this present time concerning the eel: I will next tell you a little of the Barbell, and hope with a little discourse of him, to have an end of this shower, and fall to fishing, for the weather clears up a little.   

CHAP. XI.  
Pisc. 
THE Barbell, is so called (Says Gesner) from or by reason of his beard, or wattels at his mouth, his mouth being under his nose or chaps, and he is one of the leather mouthed fish that has his teeth in his throat, he loves to live in very swift streams, and where it is gravelly, and in the gravel will root or dig with his nose like a Hog, and there nest himself, taking so fast hold of any weeds or moss that grows on stones, or on piles about Weirs, or floodgates, or Bridges, that the water is not able, be it never so swift, to force him from the place which he seems to contend for: this is his constant custom in Summer, when both he, and most living creatures joy and sport themselves in the Sun; but at the approach of Winter, than he forsakes the swift streams and shallow waters, and by degrees retires to those parts of the River that are quiet and deeper; in which places, (and I think about that time) he Spawns; and as I have formerly told you, with the help of the Melter, hides his Spawn or eggs in holes, which they both dig in the gravel, and then they mutually labour to cover it with the same sand to prevent it from being devoured by other fish.  
There be such store of this fish in the River Danubie, that Randeitius says, they may in some places of it, and in some months of the year, be taken by those that dwell near to the River, with their hands, eight or ten load at a time; he says, they begin to be good in May, and that they cease to be so in August; but it is f●und to be otherwise in this Nation: but thus far we agree with him, that the spawn of a Barbell is, if be not poison, as he says, yet that it is dangerous meat, and especially in the month of May; and Gesner declares, it had an ill effect upon him, to the endangering of his life.  
The Barbell is also curious for his baits, that is to say, that they be clean and sweet; that is to say, to have your worms well scoured, and not kept in sour or musty moss; for at a well scoured Lob-worm, he will bite as boldly as at any bait, especially, if the night or two before you fish for him, you shall bait the places where you intend to fish for him with big worms cut into pieces: and Gentles (not being too much scoured, but green) are a choice bait for him, and so is cheese, which is not to be too hard, but kept a day or two in a wet linen cloth to make it tough; with this you may also bait the water a day or two before you fish for the Barbel, and be much the likelier to catch store; and if the cheese were laid in clarified honey a short time before (as namely, an hour or two) you were still the likelier to catch fish; some have directed to cut the cheese into thin pieces, and toast it, and then tie it on the hook with fine Silk: and some advice to fish for the Barbell with sheep's tallow and soft cheese beaten or worked into a Paste, and that it is choicely good in August, and I believe it: but doubtless the Lob-worm well scoured, and the Gentle not too much scoured, and cheese ordered as I have directed, are baits enough, and I think will 〈…〉 erve in any Month; though I shall commend any Angler that tries conclusions, and is industrious to improve the Art. And now, my honest scholar, the long shower, and my tedious discourse are both ended together; and I shall give you but this Observation, That when you fish for a Barbell, your Rod and Line be both long, and of good strength, for you will find him a heavy and a doged fish to be dealt withal, yet he seldom or never breaks his hold if he be once strucken.  
And now let's go and see what interest the Trouts will pay us for letting our Angle-rods lie so long and so quietly in the water. Come, scholar; which will you take up?  Viat. 
Which you think fit, Master.  Pisc. 
Why, you shall take up that; for I am certain by viewing the Line, it has a fish at it. Look you, scholar, well done. Come now, take up the other too; well, now you may tell my brother Peter at night, that you have caught a lease of Trouts this day. And now let's move toward our lodging, and drink a draught of Red-Cows milk, as we go, and give pretty Maudlin and her mother a brace of Trouts for their supper.  Viat. 
Master, I like your motion very well, and I think it is now about milking time, and yonder they be at it.  Pisc. 
God speed you good woman, I thank you both for our Songs last night; I and my companion had such fortune a fishing this day, that we resolve to give you and Maudlin a brace of Trouts for supper, and we will now taste a draught of your Red cow's milk.  Milkw. 
Marry, and that you shall with all my heart, and I will be still your debtor: when you come next this way, if you will but speak the word, I will make you a good Sillabuh, and then you may sit down in a Hay cock and eat it, and Maudlin shall sit by and sing you the good old Song of the Hunting in Chevy Chase, or some other good Ballad, for she hath good store of them: Maudlin hath a notable memory.  Viat. 
We thank you, and intend once in a Month to call upon you again, and give you a little warning, and so good night; good night Maudlin. And now, good Master, let's lose no time, but tell me somewhat more of fishing; and if you please, first something of fishing for a gudgeon.  Pisc. 
I will, honest scholar. The gudgeon is an excellent fish to eat, and good also to enter a young Angler; he is easy to be taken with a small red worm at the ground and is one of those leather mouthed fish that has his teeth in his throat, and will hardly be lost off from the hook if he be once strucken: they be usually scattered up and down every River in the shallows, in the heat of Summer; but in Autome, when the weeds begin to grow sour or rot, and the weather colder, than they gather together, and get into the deeper parts of the water, and are to be fished for there, with your hook always touching the ground, if you fish for him with a float or with a cork; but many will fish for the gudgeon by hand, with a running line upon the ground without a cork as a Trout is fished for, and it is an excellent way.  
There is also another fish called a Pope, and by some a ruff, a fish that is not known to be in some Rivers; it is much like the perch for his shape, but will not grow to be bigger than a gudgeon; he is an excellent fish, no fish that swims is of a pleasanter taste; and he is also excellent to enter a young Angler, for he is a greedy biter, and they will usually lie abundance of them together in one reserved place where the water is deep, and runs quietly, and an easy Angler, if he has found where they lie, may catch forty or fifty, or sometimes twice so many at a standing.  
There is also a Bleak, a fish that is ever in motion, and therefore called by some the River Swallow; for just as you shall observe the Swallow to be most evenings in Summer ever in motion, making short and quick turns when he flies to catch flies in the air, by which he lives, so does the Bleak at the top of the water; and this fish is best caught with a fine small Artificial Fly, which is to be of a brown colour, and very small, and the hook answerable: There is no better sport then whipping for Bleaks in a boat in a summer's evening, with a hazel top about five or six foot long, and a line twice the length of the Rod. I have heard Sir Henry Wotton say, that there be many that in Italy will catch Swallows so, or especially Martin's (the Bird-Angler standing on the top of a Steeple to do it, and with a line twice so long, as I have spoke of) and let me tell you, scholar, that both martens and Blekes be most excellent meat.  
I might now tell you how to catch Roch and Dace, and some other fish of little note, that I have not yet spoke of; but you see we are almost at our lodging, and indeed if we were not, I would omit to give you any directions concerning them, or how to fish for them, not but that they be both good fish (being in season) and especially to some palates, and they also make the Angler good sport (and you know the Hunter says, there is more sport in hunting the Hare, then in eating of her) but I will forbear to give you any direction concerning them, because you may go a few days and take the pleasure of the fresh air, and bear any common Angler company that fishes for them, and by that means learn more than any direction I can give you in words, can make you capable of; and I will therefore end my discourse, for yonder comes our brother Peter and honest Coridon, but I will promise you that as you and I fish, and walk to morrow towards London, if I have now forgotten any thing, that I can then remember, I will not keep it from you.  
Well met, Gentlemen, this is lucky that we meet so just together at this very door. Come Hostis, where are you? is Supper ready? come, first give us drink, and be as quick as you can, for I believe we are all very hungry. Well, brother Peter and Coridon to you both; come drink, and tell me what luck of fish: we two have caught but ten Trouts, of which my scholar caught three; look here's eight, and a brace we gave away: we have had a most pleasant day for fishing, and talking, and now returned home both weary and hungry, and now meat and rest will be pleasant.  Pet. 
And Coridon and I have not had an unpleasant day, and yet I have caught but five Trouts; for indeed we went to a good honest alehouse, and there we played at shovelboard half the day; all the time that it rained we were there, and as merry as they that fished, and I am glad we are now with a dry house over our heads, for hark how it rains and blows. Come Hostis, give us more Ale, and our Supper with what haste you may, and when we have suped, let's have your Song, Piscator, and the catch that your scholar promised us, or else Coridon will be doged.  Pisc. 
Nay, I will not be worse than my word, you shall not want my Song, and I hope I shall be perfect in it.  Viat. 
And I hope the like for my catch, which I have ready too, and therefore let's go merrily to Supper, and then have a gentle touch at singing and drinking; but the last with moderation.  Cor. 
Come, now for your Song, for we have fed heartily. Come Hostis, give us a little more drink, and lay a few more sticks on the fire, and now sing when you will.  Pisc. 
Well then, here's to you Coridon; and now for my Song.  

Oh the brave fisher's life,  
It is the best of any,  
'Tis full of pleasure, void of strife,  
And 'tis beloved of many:  
Other joys  
are but toys,  
only this  
lawful is,  
for our skill  
breeds no ill,  
but content and pleasure.   

In a morning up we rise  
Ere Aurora's peeping,  
Drink a cup to wash our eyes,  
Leave the sluggard sleeping;  
Then we go  
too and fro,  
with our knacks  
at our backs,  
to such streams  
as the Thames  
if we have the leisure.   

When we please to walk abroad  
For our recreation,  
In the fields is our abode,  
Full of delectation:  
Where in a Brook  
with a hook,  
or a Lake  
fish we take,  
there we sit  
for a bit,  
till we fish entangle.   

We have Gentles in a horn,  
We have Paste and worms too,  
We can watch both night and morn,  
Suffer rain and storms too:  
None do here  
use to swear,  
Oaths do fray  
fish away,  
we sit still,  
watch our quill,  
Fishers must not wrangle.   

If the sun's excessive heat  
Make our body's swelter,  
To an Osier hedge we get  
For a friendly shelter,  
where in a dike  
perch or Pike,  
Roch or Dace  
we do chase  
Bleak or gudgeon  
without grudging,  
we are still contented.   

Or we sometimes pass an hour,  
Under a green willow,  
That defends us from a shower,  
Making earth our pillow,  
There we may  
think and pray  
before death  
stops our breath;  
other joys  
are but toys  
and to be lamented.   Viat. 
Well sung, Master; this day's fortune and pleasure, and this night's company and Song, do all make me more and more in love with Angling. Gentlemen, my Master left me alone for an hour this day, and I verily believe he retired himself from talking with me, that he might be so perfect in this Song; was it not Master?  Pisc. 
Yes indeed, for it is many years since I learned it, and having forgotten a part of it, I was forced to pa 〈…〉 ch it up by the help of my own invention, who am not excellent at Poetry, as my part of the Song may testify: But of that I will say no more, lest you should think I mean by discommending it, to beg your commendations of it. And therefore without replications, let's hear your catch, scholar, which I hope will be a good one, for you are both Musical, and have a good fancy to boot.  Viat. 
Marry, and that you shall, and as freely as I would have my honest Master tell me some more secrets of fish and fishing as we walk and fish towards London to morrow. But Master, first let me tell you, that that very hour which you were absent from me, I sat down under a Willow tree by the water side, and considered what you had told me of the owner of that pleasant Meadow in which you then left me, that he had a plentiful estate, and not a heart to think so; that he had at this time many Law suits depending, and that they both damped his mirth and took up so much of his time and thoughts, that he himself had not leisure to take the sweet content that I, who pretended no title, took in his fields; for I could there sit quietly, and looking on the water, see fishes leaping at Flies of several shapes and colours; looking on the hills, could behold them spotted with Woods and Groves; looking down the Meadows, could see here a Boy gathering L●llies and Lady-smocks, and there a girl cropping Culverkeys and Cowsl●ps, all to make Garlands sut●ble to this pleasant Month of May; these and many other Field-flowers so perfumed the air, that I thought this Meadow like the field in Sicily (of which Diodorus speaks) where the perfumes arising from the place, makes all dogs that hunt in it, to fall off, and to lose their hottest scent. I say, as I thus sat joying in mine own happy condition, and pitying that rich man's that aught this, and many other pleasant Groves and Meadows about me, I did thankfully remember what my Saviour said, that the meek possess the earth; for indeed they are free from those high, those restless thoughts and contentions which corrode the sweets of life. For they, and they only, can say as the Poet has happily expressed it,  

Hail blessed estate of poverty!  
Happy enjoyment of such minds,  
As rich in low contentedness,  
Can, like the reeds in roughest winds,  
By yielding make that blow but small  
At which proud Oaks andCedars fall.   
Gentlemen, these were a part of the thoughts that then possessed me, and I there made a conversion of a piece of an old catch, and added more to it, fitting them to be sung by us Anglers: Come, Master, you can sing well, you must sing a part of it as it is in this paper.   

The ANGLERS Song.  
For two voices, Treble and Basse. CANTUS. Mr. Henry laws.  
MAn's life is but vain; for 'tis subject to pain, and sorrow, and short as a bubble; 'tis a hodge podge of business, and money, and care, and care, and money, and trouble. But we'll take no care when the weather proves fair, nor will we vex now though it rain; we'll banish all sorrow, and sing till to morrow, and Angle, and Angle again.   

The ANGLERS Song.  
BASSUS.  
For two voices. By Mr. Henry laws.  
MAn's life is but vain; for 'tis subject to pain, and sorrow, and short as a bubble; 'tis a hodge podge of business, and money, and care, and care, and money, and trouble. But we'll take no care when the weather proves fair, nor will we vex now though it rain; we'll banish all sorrow, and sing till to morrow, and Angle, and Angle again.   
Pet. 
I marry Sir, this is music indeed, this has cheered my heart, and made me to remember six Verses in praise of music, which I will speak to you instantly.  

Music, miraculous rhetoric, that speak'st sense  
Without a tongue, excelling eloquence;  
With what ease might thy errors be excused  
Wert thou as truly loved as thou'rt abused.  
But though dull souls neglect, and some reprove thee,  
I cannot hate thee, 'cause the Angels love thee.   Piscat. 
Well remembered, brother Peter, these Verses came seasonably. Come, we will all join together, mine host and all, and sing my scholars catch over again, and then each man drink the t'other cup and to bed, and thank God we have a dry house over our heads.  Pisc. 
Well now, good night to everybody.  Pet. 
And so say I.  Viat. 
And so say I.  Cor. 
Good night to you all, and I thank you.  Pisc. 
Good morrow brother Peter, and the like to you, honest Coridon; come, my Hostis says there is seven shillings to pay, let's each man drink a pot for his morning's draught, and lay down his two shillings, that so my Hostis may not have occasion to repent herself of being so diligent, and using us so kindly.  Pet. 
The motion is liked by everybody; And so Hostis, here's your money, we Anglers are all beholding to you, it will not be long ere I'll see you again. And now brother Piscator, I wish you and my brother your scholar a fair day, and good fortune. Come Coridon, this is our way.    

CHAP. XII.  Viat. 
GOod Master, as we go now towards London, be still so courteous as to give me more instructions, for I have several boxes in my memory in which I will keep them all very safe, there shall not one of them be lost.  Pisc. 
Well scholar, that I will, and I will hide nothing from you that I can remember, and may help you forward towards a perfection in this Art; and because we have so much time, and I have said so little of Roch and Dace, I will give you some directions concerning some several kinds of baits with which they be usually taken; they will bite almost at any flies, but especially at Ant-flies; concerning which, take this direction, for it is very good.  
Take the blackish Ant-fly out of the molehill, or ant-hill, in which place you shall find them in the Months of June; or if that be too early in the year, then doubtless you may find them in July, August, and most of September; gather them alive with both their wings, and then put them into a glass, that will hold a quart or a pottle; but first, put into the glass, a handful or more of the moist earth out of which you gather them, and as much of the roots of the grass of the said Hillock; and then put in the flies gently, that they lose not their wings, and so many as are put into the glass without bruising, will live there a month or more, and be always in a readiness for you to fish with; but if you would have them keep longer, then get any great earthen pot or barrel of three or four gallons (which is better) then wash your barrel with water and honey; and having put into it a quantity of earth and grass roots, than put in your flies and cover it, and they will live a quarter of a year; these in any stream and clear water are a deadly bait for Roch or Dace, or for a chubb, and your rule is to fish not less than a handful from the bottom.  
I shall next tell you a winter bait for a Roch, a Dace, or chubb, and it is choicely good. About All-hollantide (and so till Frost comes) when you see men ploughing up heath-ground, or sandy ground, or greenswards, then follow the plough, and you shall find a white worm, as big as two maggots, and it hath a red head, (you may observe in what ground most are, for there the Crows will be very watchful, and follow the Plough very close) it is all soft, and full of whitish guts; a worm that is in Norfolk, and some other Countries called a Grub, and is bred of the spawn or eggs of a Beetle, which she leaves in holes that she digs in the ground under Cow or Horse-dung, and there rests all Winter, and in March or April comes to be first a red, and then a black Beetle: gather a thousand or two of these, and put them with a peck or two of their own earth into some tub or firkin, and cover and keep them so warm, that the frost or cold air, or winds kill them not, and you may keep them all winter and kill fish with them at any time, and if you put some of them into a little earth and honey a day before you use them, you will find them an excellent bait for bream or Carp.  
And after this manner you may also keep Gentles all winter, which is a good bait then, and much the better for being lively and tough, or you may breed and keep Gentle thus: Take a piece of beasts liver and with a cross stick, hang it in some corner over a pot or barrel half full of dry clay, and as the Gentles grow big, they will fall into the barrel and scour themselves, and be always ready for use whensoever you incline to fish; and these Gentles may be thus made till after Michaelmas: But if you desire to keep Gentles to fish with all the year, then get a dead Cat or a Kite, and let it be fly-blown, and when the Gentles begin to be alive and to stir, then bury it and them in moist earth, but as free from frost as you can, and these you may dig up at any time when you intend to use them; these will last till March, and about that time turn to be flies.  
But if you be nice to fowl your fingers (which good Anglers seldom are) then take this bait: Get a handful of well made malt, and put it into a dish of water, and then wash and rub it betwixt your hands till you make in clean, and as free from husks as you can; then put that water from it, and put a small quantity of fresh water to it, and set it in something that is fit for that purpose, over the fire, where it is not to boil apace, but leisurely, and very softly, until it become somewhat soft, which you may try by feeling it betwixt your finger and thumb; and when it is soft, then put your water from it, and then take a sharp knife, and turning the sprout end of the corn upward, with the point of your knife take the back part of the husk off from it, and yet leaving a kind of husk on the corn, or else it is marred; and then cut off that sprouted end (I mean a little of it) that the white may appear, and so pull off the husk on the cloven side (as I directed you) and then cutting off a very little of the other end, that so your hook may enter, and if your hook be small and good, you will find this to be a very choice bait either for Winter or Summer, you sometimes casting a little of it into the place where your float swims.  
And to take the Roch and Dace, a good bait is the young brood of Wasps or Bees, baked or hardened in their husks in an Oven, after the bread is taken out of it, or on a fire-shovel; and so also is the thick blood of Sheep, being half dried on a trencher that you may cut it into such pieces as may best fit the size of your hook, and a little salt keeps it from growing black, and makes it not the worse but better; this is taken to be a choice bait, if rightly ordered.  
There be several oils of a strong smell that I have been told of, and to be excellent to tempt fish to bite, of which I could say much, but I remember I once carried a small bottle from Sir George Hastings to Sir Henry Wotton (they were both chemical men) as a great present; but upon enquiry, I found it did not answer the expectation of Sir Henry, which with the help of other circumstances, makes me have little belief in such things as many men talk of; not but that I think fishes both smell and hear (as I have expressed in my former discourse) but there is a mysterious knack, which (though it be much easier than the Philosophers-Stone, yet) is not atainable by common capacities, or else lies locked up in the brain or breast of some chemical men, that, like the Rosi-crutions, yet will not reveal it. But I stepped by chance into this discourse of oils, and fishes smelling; and though there might be more said, both of it, and of baits for Roch and Dace, and other float fish, yet I will forbear it at this time, and tell you in the next place how you are to prepare your tackling: concerning which I will for sport sake give you an old rhyme out of an old Fish-book, which will be a part of what you are to provide.  

My rod, and my linc, my float and my lead,  
My hook, & my plummet, my whetstone & knife,  
My Basket, my baits, both living and dead,  
My net, and my meat, for that is the chief;  
Then I must have thxed & hairs great & small,  
With mine Angling purse, and so you have all.   
But you must have all these tackling, and twice so many more, with which, if you mean to be a fisher, you must store yourself: and to that purpose I will go with you either to Charles Brandon's (Near to the Swan in Golding-lane); or to Mr. Fletcher's in the Court which did once belong to Dr. Nowell the Dean of Paul's, that I told you was a good man, and a good Fisher; it is hard by the west end of Saint Paul's Church; they be both honest men, and will fit an Angler with what tackling he wants.  Viat. 
Then, good Master, let it be at Charles Brandon's, for he is nearest to my dwelling, and I pray let's meet there the ninth of May next about two of the Clock, and I'll want nothing that a Fisher should be furnished with.  Pisc. 
Well, and I'll not fail you, God willing, at the time and place appointed.  Viat. 
I thank you, good Master, and I will not fail you: and good Master, tell me what baits more you remember, for it will not now be long ere we shall be at Tottenham High-Cross, and when we come thither, I will make you some requital of your pains, by repeating as choice a copy of Verses, as any we have heard since we met together, and that is a proud word; for we have heard very good ones.  Pisc. 
Well, scholar, and I shall be right glad to hear them; and I will tell you whatsoever comes in my mind, that I think may be worth your hearing: you may make another choice bait thus, Take a hand full or two of the best and biggest Wheat you can get, boil it in a little milk like as frumity is boiled, boil it so till it be soft, and then fry it very leisurely with honey, and a little beaten Saffron dissolved in milk, and you will find this a choice bait, and good I think for any fish, especially for Roch, Dace, chubb or Greyling; I know not but that it may be as good for a River Carp, and especially if the ground be a little baited with it.  
You are also to know, that there be divers kinds of Cadis, or Caseworms, that are to be found in this Nation in several distinct Counties, & in several little Brooks that relate to biggerRivers, as namely one Cadis called a Piper, whose husk or case is a piece of reed about an inch long or longer, and as big about as the compass of a two pence; these worms being kept three or four days in a woollen bag with sand at the bottom of it, and the bag wet once a day, will in three or four days turn to be yellow; and these be a choice bait for the chubb or Chavender, or-indeed for any great fish, for it is a large bait.  
There is also a lesser Cadis-worm, called a Cock-spur, being in fashion like the spur of a Cock, sharp at one end, and the case or house in which this dwells is made of small husks and gravel, and slime, most curiously made of these, even so as to be wondered at, but not made by man (no more than the nest of a bird is:) this is a choice bait for any float fish, it is much less than the Piper Cadis, and to be so ordered; and these may be so preserved ten, fifteen, or twenty days.  
There is also another Cadis called by some a Straw-worm, and by some a ruff-coat, whose house or case is made of little pieces of bents, and Rushes, and straws, and water weeds, and I know not what, which are so knit together with condensed slime, that they stick up about her husk or case, not unlike the bristles of a hedgehog; these three Cadis are commonly taken in the beginning of Summer, and are good indeed to take any kind of fish with slote or otherwise. I might tell you of many more, which, as these do early, so those have their time of turning to be flies later in Summer; but I might lose myself, and tire you by such a discourse, I shall therefore but remember you, that to know these, and their several kinds, and to what flies every particular Cadis turns, and then how to use them, first as they be Cadis, and then as they be flies, is an Art, and an Art that every one that professes Angling is not capable of.  
But let me tell you, I have been much pleased to walk quietly by a Brook with a little stick in my hand, with which I might easily take these, and consider the curiosity of their composure; and if you shall ever like to do so, than note, that your stick must be cleft, or have a nick at one end of it, by which means you may with ease take many of them out of the water, before you have any occasion to use them. These, my honest scholar, are some observations told to you as they now come suddenly into my memory, of which you may make some use: but for the practical part, it is that that makes an Angler; it is diligence, and observation, and practice that must do it.   

CHAP. XIII.  Pisc. 
Well, scholar, I have held you too long about these Cadis, and my spirits are almost spent, and so I doubt is your patience; but being we are now within sight of Tottenham, where I first met you, and where we are to part, I will give you a little direction how to colour the hair of which you make your lines, for that is very needful to be known of an Angler; and also how to paint your rod, especially your top, for a right grown top is a choice commodity, and should be preserved from the water soaking into it, which makes it in wet weather to be heavy, and fish ill favouredly, and also to rot quickly.  
Take a pint of strong Ale, half a pound of soot, and a like quantity of the juice of Walnut-tree leaves, and an equal quantity of Allome, put these together into a pot, or pan, or pipkin, and boil them half an hour, and having so done, let it cool, and being cold, put your hair into it, and there let it lie; it will turn your hair to be a kind of water, or glass colour, or greenish, and the longer you let it lie, the deeper coloured it will be; you might be taught to make many other colours, but it is to little purpose; for doubtless the water or glass coloured hair is the most choice and most useful for an Angler.  
But if you desire to colour hair green, then do it thus: Take a quart of small Ale, half a pound of Allome, then put these into a pan or pipkin, and your hair into it with them, then put it upon a fire and let it boil softly for half an hour, and then take out your hair, and let it dry, and having so done, then take a pottle of water, and put into it two handful of marigolds, and cover it with a tile or what you think fit, and set it again on the fire, where it is to boil softly for half an hour, about which time the scum will turn yellow, then put into it half a pound of Copporis beaten small, and with it the hair that you intend to colour, then let the hair be boiled softly till half the liquour be wasted, & then let it cool three or four hours with your hair in it; and you are to observe, that the moreCopporis you put into it, the greener it will be, but doubtless the pale green is best; but if you desire yellow hair (which is only good when the weeds rot) then put in the more marigolds, and abate most of the Copporis, or leave it out, and take a little verdigris in stead of it.  
This for colouring your hair. And as for painting your rod, which must be in oil, you must first make a size with glue and water, boiled together until the glue be dissolved, and the size of a lie colour; then strike your size upon the wood with a bristle brush or pencil, whilst it is hot: that being quite dry, take white lead, and a little red lead, and a little coal black, so much as all together will make an ash colour, grind these all together with Linseed oil, let it be thick, and lay it thin upon the wood with a brush or pencil, this do for the ground of any colour to lie upon wood.  For a Green. 
Take Pink and verdigris, and grind them together in Linseed oil, as thick as you can well grind it, then lay it smoothly on with your brush, and drive it thin, once doing for the most part will serve, if you lay it well, and besure your first colour be throughly dry, before you lay on a second.  
Well, scholar, you now see Tottenham, and I am weary, and therefore glad that we are so near it; but if I were to walk many more days with you, I could still be telling you more and more of the mysterious Art of Angling; but I will hope for another opportunity, and then I will acquaint you with many more, both necessary and true observations concerning fish and fishing: but now no more, let's turn into yonder Arbour, for it is a clean and cool place.  Viat. 
'Tis a fair motion, and I will requite a part of your courtesies with a bottle of Sack, and Milk, and Oranges and Sugar, which all put together, make a drink too good for anybody, but us Anglers: and so Master, here is a full glass to you of that liquour, and when you have pledged me, I will repeat the Verses which I promised you, it is a Copy printed amongst Sir Henry Wotton's Verses, and doubtless made either by him, or by a lover of Angling: Come Master, now drink a glass to me, and then I will pledge you, and fall to my repetition; it is a description of such Country recreations as I have enjoyed since I had the happiness to fall into your company.  

Quivering fears, heart tearing cares,  
Anxious sighs, untimely tears,  
Fly, fly to Courts,  
Fly to fond worldlings sports,  
Where strained Sardonick smiles are glozing still  
And grief is forced to laugh against her will.  
Where mirths but Mummery,  
And sorrows only real be.   

Fly from our Country pastimes, fly,  
Sad troops of human misery,  
Come serone looks,  
Clear as the crystal Brooks,  
Or the pure azur'd heaven that smiles to see  
The Rich attendance on our poverty;  
Peace and a secure mind  
Which all men seek, we only find.   

Abused Mortals did you know  
Where joy, heart's ease, and comforts grow,  
You'd scorn proud Towers,  
And seek them in those Bowers,  
Where winds sometimes our woods perhaps may shake,  
But blustering care could never tempest make,  
No murmurs ere come nigh us,  
Saving of Fountains that glide by us.   

Here's no fantastic Mask nor Dance,  
But of our kids that frisk and prance;  
Nor wars are seen  
Unless upon the green  
Two harmless Lambs are butting one the other,  
Which done, both bleating, run each to his mother:  
And wounds are never found,  
Save what the Plough share gives the ground.   

Here are no false extrapping baits  
To hasten too too hasty fates;  
Unless it be  
the fond credulity  
Of silly fish, which, worldling like, still look  
Upon the bait, but never on the hook;  
Nor envy, 'nless among  
The birds, for price of their sweet Song.   

Go, let the diving Negro seek  
For gems hid in some forlorn creek,  
We all Pearls scorn,  
Save what the dewy morn  
Congeals upon each little spire of grass,  
Which careless Shepherds beat down as they pass,  
And Gold ne'er here appears  
Save what the yellow Ceres bears.   

Blessed silent Groves, oh may you be  
For ever mirth's best nursery,  
May pure contents  
for ever pitch their tents  
Upon these downs, these Meads, these rocks, these mountains,  
And peace still slumber by these purling fountains  
Which we may every year  
find when we come a fishing here.   Pisc. 
Trust me, scholar, I thank you heartily for these Verses, they be choicely good, and doubtless made by a lover of Angling: Come, now drink a glass to me, and I will requi 〈…〉 e you with a very good Copy of Verses; it is a farewell to the vanities of the world, and some say written by Dr. D, but let them be writ by whom they will, he tha writ them had a brave soul, and must needs be possessed with happy thoughts at the time of their composure.  

Farewell ye guilded follies, pleasing troubles,  
Farewell ye honoured rags, ye glorious bubbles,  
Fame's but a hollow echo, gold pure clay,  
Honour the darling but of our short day.  
Beauty (th' eyes idol) but a damasked skin,  
State but a golden prison, to live in  
And torture freeborn minds; imbroidired trains  
Merely but Pageants, for proud swelling veins,  
And blood allied to greatness; is alone  
Inherited, not purchased, nor our own.  
Fame, honour, beauty, state, trai 〈…〉, blood & birth,  
Are but the fading blossoms of the 〈…〉.   

I would be great, but that the Sun doth still,  
Level his rays against the rising hill:  
I would be high, but see the proudest Oak  
Most subject to the rending thunderstroke;  
I would be rich, but see men too unkind  
Dig in the bowels of the richest mind;  
I would be wise, but that I often see  
The Fox suspected whilst the Ass goes free;  
I would be fair, but see the fair and proud  
Like the bright Sun, oft setting in a cloud;  
I would be poor, but know the humble grass  
Still trampled on by each unworthy ass:  
Rich, hated; wise, suspected; scorned, if poor;  
Great, feared; fair, tempted; high, still envied more  
I have wished all, but now I wish for neither,  
Great, high, rich, wise, nor fair, poor I'll be rather   

Would the world now adopt me for her heir,  
Would beauties Queen entitle me the Fair,  
Fame speak me fortunes Minion, could I vie  
Angels with India, with a speaking eye  
Command bare heads, bowed knees strike Justice dumb  
As well as blind and lame, or give a tongue  
To stones, by Epitaphs, be called great Master,  
In the loose Rhimes of every Poetaster;  
Could I be more than any man that lives,  
Great, fair, rich, wise in all Superlatives;  
Yet I more freely would these gifts resign,  
Then ever fortune would have made them mine  
And hold one minute of this holy leisure,  
Beyond the riches of this empty pleasure.   

Welcome pure thoughts, welcome ye silent groves,  
These guests, these Courts, my soul most dearly love  
Now the winged people of the sky shall sing  
My cheerful Anthems to the gladsome Spring;  
A prayer book now shall be my looking glass,  
In which I will adore sweet virtues face.  
Here dwell no hateful looks, no palace cares,  
No broken vows dwell here, nor pale faced fears,  
Then here I'll sit and sigh my hot love's folly,  
And learn t'affect an holy melancholy.  
And if contention be a stranger, then  
I'll ne'er look for it, but in heaven again.   Viat. 
Well Master, these be Verses that be worthy to keep a room in every man's memory. I thank you for them, and I thank you for your many instructions, which I will not forget; your company and discourse have been so pleasant, that I may truly say, I have only lived, since I enjoyed you and them, and turned Angler. I am sorry to part with you here, here in this place where I first met you, but it must be so: I shall long for the ninth of May, for than we are to meet at Charles Brandon's. This intermitted time will seem to me (as it does to men in sorrow) to pass slowly, but I will hasten it as fast as I can by my wishes, and in the mean time the blessing of Saint Peter's Master be with mine.  Pisc. 
And the like be upon my honest scholar. And upon all that hate contentions, and love quietness, and virtue, and Angling.  
FINIS.