Widener, Host to History of Angling Art, Lures Would-Be Fishermen to Display of Waltonisms

Disciples of Izaak Walton report that fishing in the muddy River Charles is no better this spring than it has been in years past, especially that sector which flows by the University. But the rod, worm, and fly boys are not utterly downcast, for Widener is close enough for all students. And Widener, strangely enough, has become a fisher's heaven, at least until a month from today.

Anyone, says the catalogue, who ever held a pole in his hand, or drowsed for an hour or two on the bank of a stream will find plenty to interest him in the Fearing Collection, which reviews the history of the angling art from its earliest origins and one of the finest ever assembled on the subject.

The highlight of the whole exhibit is several rare editions of the "Compleat Angler", by one Izsak Walton. This 17th century writer had much to do with making fishing a sport rather than an the occupation, and as such he has become the father of a movement which in the spring of the year lures thousands to cast and dream of pairoueaint Walton.

Of historical interest in the group are two 14th century vellum manuscripts in Latin containing some of Europe's first book references to fishing.