The Complete Angler, by I. Walton and C. Cotton. with a New Intr. and Notes [by H. K. S. Causton]

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1851 edition. Excerpt: ... to it. There are many country people that believe Hares change sexes every year: and there be very many learned men think so too, for in their dissecting them they find many reasons to incline them to that belief. And to make the wonder seem yet less, that Hares change sexes, note, that Doctor Mer. Casaubon affirms, in his book of credible and incredible things, that Gaspar Peucerus, a learned physician, tells us of a people that once a year turn wolves, partly in shape, and partly in conditions. And so, whether this were a Salmon when he came into the fresh water, and his not returning into the sea hath altered him to another colour or kind, I am not able to say: but I am certain he hath all the signs of being a Trout, both for his shape, colour, and spots; and yet many think he is not. Ven. But, Master, will this Trout which I had hold of die? for it is like he hath the hook in his belly. Pise. 1 will tell you, Scholar, that unless the hook be fast in his very gorge, 'tis more than probable he will live; and a little time, with the help of the water, will rust the hook, and it will in time wear away; as the gravel doth 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 Chub; and this is not much amiss, for this will pleasure some poor body, as we go to our lodging to meet our brother Peter and honest Coridon. Vide Topsell, History of Fovre Footed Beastes, 1607, p. 266. t He was born at Lusatia, in 1525, and married a daughter of Melanetnon. He wrote many works, and died in 1602.--Hawkins, Come, now bait your hook again, and lay it into the water, for it rains again: and we will e'en retire to the sycamore tore, and there I will...