A Discourse of Fish and Fish-Ponds under the following heads, viz. I. Of the situation and disposition of the principal waters. .VI. Of the Benefits and Improvements by fish. Done by a person of honour.

First edition. 8vo. 176x110mm. pp. [8], 79, [1]. Contemporary panelled calf, spine with four raised bands, second compartment with red morocco label lettered in gilt. In excellent condition. Internally very good with some browning and foxing, slightly heavier to title page. Attractively decorated with a variety of head and tailpieces and wood engraved initials. Front pastedown has ownership inscription: "E.Kynaston. 1743". A very nice copy of "the principal English work of early date on fish culture". Roger North was a politician and lawyer ("one of only two honest lawyers I ever knew" according to the Earl of Clarendon). On his retirement from public affairs in 1688, North retired to Norfolk where he devoted his time to music (he wrote extensively on music theory), architecture and the organisation of his estate at Rougham. This small book on Fish and Fish-ponds was intended as a guide for other landowners who "have a Mind to divert themselves with the most reasonable employment of beautifying and improving their own estates". It was a popular book, further editions appearing in 1714, 1715 and 1726.…