CONTENTS.

PART I

CHAP. I.

A Description of Fishes according to Natural His-

tory, with the best Methods of breeding and feeding

Carp, &c.

CHAP. II.

The best Manner of making and chusing Rods, Lines,

Hooks, &c.

CHAP. III.

The general Baits used in Angling, where found,

and how preserved.

CHAP. IV.

Of natural Fly-fishing, with a Description of Flies

generally used, and a choice Collection of Rules

and Hints to be observed in Angling.

CHAP. V.

A Description of the Fish generally angled for in

England and Wales, with the proper Times and

Seasons to fish for them, their peculiar Haunts,

spawning Time, and most killing Baits.

The most scientific Method of making Fish-Ponds,

Stews, &c.; to which are added, several Arcana

in the Art of Angling.

PART II.

CHAP. I.

Observations concerning artificial Fly-angling, with

proper Directions for the Angler's Rods, Lines,

&c.

CHAP. II.

A List of the Materials necessary for an Angler to

have, and the best Method to make the Palmer

and May Fly.

CHAP. III.

The Names and the best Manner of dubbing the dif-

ferent artificial Flies, which are generally known,

and will kill Fish, on any Water, from the begin-

ning of March to the end of September.

CHAP. IV.

A second List of very killing Flies.

CHAP. V.

The best Rules for artificial Fly-fishing.

CHAP. VI.

Of the principal Rivers in England, and particularly

the Thames.

CHAP. VII.

Of the Game-Laws relative to Angling.

CHAP. VIII.

Prognostics of the Weather, independent of the Baro-

meter.

BEST'S

ART OF ANGLING.

PART I.

CHAP. I.

A Description of Fishes according to Natural History, with the best Methods of breeding, feeding, &c.

NISHES, in natural history, are animals that live in the water, as their proper place of abode. Naturalists observe a world of wisdom and design in the structure of fishes, and their conformation to the element they reside in.

Their bodies are clothed and guarded in the best manner, with scales or shells, suitable to their respective circumstances, the dangers they are exposed to, and the motion and business they are to perform.

The center of gravity is placed in the fittest part of the body for swimming, and their shape most commodious for making way through the water, and most agreeable to geometrical rules.

They have several parts peculiar to themselves: as fins, to balance and keep them upright; an airbladder or swim, to enable them to rise or sink to any height or depth of water at pleasure; gills or branchia, whereby they respire as land