PREFACE. THE little black-letter volume here reprinted is very rare lost of the copies which remain are now preserved in great libraries, and I am not aware that any example has been offered for sale for many years past. The full title is as follows A Booke of fishing with Hooke Line, and of all other instruments thereunto belonging. Another of sundrie Engines and Trapps to take Polecats, Buzards, Rattes, Slice and all other Kindes of Vermine and Beasts whatsoever, most profitable for all lirarriners, and such as delight in this kinde of sport and pastime. Made by L. RI. IVoodcut. London Printed by John IYolfe, and are to be solde by Edwarde White dwelling at the little North doore of Iaules at the sign of the Gunne. rggo. The first part ends with page 50. The second part has a fresh title-page, with a repetition of the woodcut. The pagination is continuous throughout. There are editions dated 1596, 1600, and 1606, but I have not had an opportunity of examining them. This Booke of fishing mith Hooke and Line is a compilation made by a practical angler from the Treatyse of fyshynge wyth an angle, from Lagriculture et maison rustique of Charles Estiennc and other sources. The compiier, generaly believed to be Leonard AIascall, has omitted the introductory portion of the Treatyse, and some other- paragraphs, but, with the exception of some corrections and additions, he has left the instructions as he found them. The book is divided into 87 short chapters with headings similar to those used in the earlier form of the Treatyse. and as these headings furnish a conspectus of the contents of the volume.................