exhibiting a fac-simile of his hand-writing, willeb new even to the Waltonian reader.

fase do 35°. 22 swmount

hand that brings it from

pray St, Accept this pore presant, by the as meane

Yr. affec. servant,

Izaak Walton.

Were we required to give a particular designation to Walton's style of writing, we should say that naiveté is his perpetual characteristic; and that whether he be humorous, instructive, or affecting, we have to acknowledge a degree of elegance which it were hopeless to attain and impossible not to admire.*

Mention has already been made of those com

The omission of a passage inserted in the former edition at this place, respecting John Chalkhill the Poet, will be accounted for by reference to the Gentleman's Magazines for November and December, 1823.

mendatory verses which were prefixed to the earlier editions of the Complete Angler, by eminent persons, friends of the author; they were omitted for the first time by the Rev. M. Browne, as not even then (1759), agreeing with " the poetical taste of "the times."

The following lines, however, signed Rob. Floud, seem, equally for their brevity and terseness, to deserve their share of lasting popularity.

To my dear Brother, MR. IZAAK WALTON, on his Coм-
PLETE ANGLer.

"This book is so like you, and you like it,
For harmless mirth, expression, art, and wit,
That I protest, ingenuously, 'tis true,

I love this mirth, art, wit, the book, and you."

Thus have we furnished a brief history of the effects produced by this matchless work upon the intelligent part of mankind, from it's first appearance to the present time; and when it is recollected that Walton himself was the first to set the example of graphic embellishment, boasting from the first, of the "excellent picture of the Trout;" also that "Young Master Izaak" was so pleased with a certain portion of "Peak Scenery" " as to draw it" (as Cotton tells us, Part 11. Chap. vI.) " in landscape in black and white, in a blank book I have at home, as he has done several prospects of my house also, which I keep for a memorial of his favour, and will shew you when we come up to din

ner," thus early indicating the propriety of topographical illustration-recollecting all this, (and Oh! what would we not give even for a sight of "Young Master Izaak's" genuine "Sketch Book ?”) surely no apology need be offered, for attempting, (as expressed in our original prospectus), " by the "novelty and extent of the Embellishments introduced "in this Edition, to heighten to the utmost the pleasure "of perusal,-to the Sportsman, the Naturalist, the "lover of the Fine Arts, and the general Reader"to Artists and lovers of Art, Poets and lovers of "Poetry."

In conclusion.-We are proud to acknowledge the assistance and approbation received throughout the progress of the work, from numerous persons of high taste who " delight to honour" the memory of it's venerable author, by every possible demonstration of regard; saying constantly, that “it is impossible to do too much for honest Izaak Walton."

With honest exultation we refer to the subjoined List of Embellishments, which will prove that an extraordinary combination of talent has been secured throughout the undertaking: such patronage and such assistance, we would fain hope may constitute, at once a shelter and a boast.

It would be unjust not to observe that the Printer, as well as every other party concerned, has executed his task perfectly con amore.

The work is, in truth, indebted throughout, equally to Professional Zeal, and Amateur Condescension.

May the RoD of the Critic be exchanged for that of the Fisher; and endless be the willing captives of Walton's imperishable LINE!

J. M.

ON RIVER-FISH AND FISHING.

To Mr. J. B., on his presenting the author with an ancient MS. Poem on Sea-fishes, in Latin and English, rescued from a collection of papers intended for destruction.

Curious and ardent antiquarian reaper,

(Of Time's own store-house worthy to be keeper!)
The Finny tribe, an Angler's word believe,
With gratitude this proof of love receive;

Thy health they drink, by virtue of this charter,
And mix a little brandy with their water!
While Piscatorians, with congenial wishes,
Pledging can be outdone by none but fishes!
For though the Muse in learned garb conceal'd,
At first in icy chains would seem congeal'd,
The free translation quick dispels our awe;
Just emblem of the frost, and then the thaw!
"Solvuntur Tabulæ !"-Hence puzzling rebus!
"Post Nubila," and lo!-resplendet "Phebus !"

The lines discover'd by sharp-sighted B―th,
Might vie with rivers gliding sweetly smooth!
And yet to sea-fuh, chiefly they have ref ̈rence;
Haste to the purling streams and mark the diff'rence!
Let brooks and rivulets in turn have sway,

Sweet is the theme, and welcome be the lay!
Blest WALTON! can the Deities refuse,

A name endeared to every gentle Muse?
O! for true attic salt to grace thy line,
And steep thy fish in everlasting brine!

Hail! to the Angler's life, which none can match,
May harmless Glee, succeed each lusty Catch!
Health and long life the jocund sport attend,
And each choice spirit be the Angler's friend!

O! King of Rivers! thou'rt a fish of reason,
And go'st to sea but only for the season!
The strain sublime, each Salmon shall prolong,
And every Trout be tickled up in song!
Nay, not a Gudgeon but shall join the jingle,
While merry Mullets mirthfully commingle!
Come next, thou silver Eel, nor rhymes be failing,
Turn northward, Muse, and sing the gilded Grayling!
That feeds on gold! and sheds unmixed delight,
Sweet to the smell, the palate, and the sight!
Or be thou, Goddess, in a merry freak,
We summon to our song the bustling Bleak ;
Then, little loves, that all description beggar,
Come beauteous Minnow, and come darling Skegger!