The Compleat Angler

ator, Huntsma

ce, and the dogs have just now put down an Otter. Look! down at the bottom of the hill there, in that meadow, chequered with water-l

see so many dogs, and more men, all in pursuit of the Otter. Let us compliment no longer, but join unto them. Come

Huntsman, where f

ft 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

Sir, what is t

he gloves of an Otter are the best fortification for

, let me ask you a pleasant quest

ht, to catch for her young ones, or to glut herself with fish. And I can tell you that Pigeons will fly forty miles for a breakfast: but, Sir, I am sure the Otter devours much fish, and kills and spoils much more than he eats. And I can tell you, that this dog-fisher, for so the Latins call him, can smell a fish in the water a hundred yards from him: Gesner says much farther: and that his stones are good against the falling sickness;

t vent, and the dogs close with him; I now see he will not last long. Follow, th

over the river, what shall we do now

th they and the dogs will be suddenly on this side again, I warrant you, and

Sweetlips! now all the dogs have her; some above and some under water: but, now, now she is tired, and past losing. Come bring her to me, Sweetlips. Look! it is a Bitch-otter

he Otter. Look you! hereabout it was that she kennelled; look you! here it was

ow an ingenious gentleman in Leicestershire, Mr. Nich. Segrave, has done; who hath n

now let's go to an honest ale-house, where we may have a cup of go

. I'll bear your charges this night, and you shall bear mine to-mo

I shall be right glad both to exchange suc

thir

w let's go to you

ll, Gentlemen; and send you meet, this day, with another Bi

cator, where will

o a likely place; I must walk a

freely, how do you like your lodging, and mine h

; for I know that the want of Otter-killers, and the not keeping the fence-months for the preservation of fish, will, in time, prove the destruction of all rivers. And those very fe

at be those that you

hem by thousands; as they would, being so taught by nature, change the fresh for salt water. He that shall view the wise Statutes made in the 13th of Edward the First, and the like in Richard the Second, may see several provisions made against the destruction of fish: and though I profess no knowledge of the law, yet I am sure the regulatio

e: it is like taking the dam on the nest when she hatches her young, a sin so ag

ll, the Hern, the King-fisher, the Gorara, the Puet, the Swan, Goose, Duck, and the Craber, which some call the Water-rat: against all which any honest man may m

ch is usually mixed with them, he is the man, and indeed such a companion should have his charges borne; 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. And let me tell you, good company and good discourse are the very sinews of virtue. But for such discourse as we heard last night, it infects ot

ny a

country hi

r, would as s

rse or mother

ility, yet I hate severe censures. I'll to my own art; and I doubt not but at yonder tree I shall catch a Chub: and t

ub is the worst fish t

to my

n 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.

, how will y

ery close, there lie upon the top of the water, in this very hole, twenty Chubs. I'll catch only one and that s

t, and I'll say you are one, when I shall see you p

ruise upon his tail, by a Pike or some other accident; and that looks like a white spot. That very Chub I mean to put into y

nd hope well, because you

ish of meat as I was to catch him: I'll now lead you to an honest ale-house, where we shall find a cleanly room, lavender in the windows, and twenty ballads stuck about the wall.

at it, and indeed to rest myself too; for though I have walked but four miles

quickly be at rest, for yonder is

hen dress this Chub, as you dressed my last, when I and my friend were here about

Mr. Piscator, and wit

my hostess made haste? and d

Sir; and therefore let's say

l, Sir, how d

ed. Now let me thank you for it, drink to you and b

u are so modest, that methinks I may

and that really I may be your scholar; for you are such a companion, and have so quick

s art as I am able; and will, as you desire me, tell you somewhat of the nature of most of the fish tha

rd day-

and to dress, the