7b.,“ 4"“ a ~ . a a. :§. .7 ‘ .. sj ..§hze¢,,~u§€? W E .‘ .Q .1)‘ 4259.!‘ ‘2.1.... BOOKS ON ANGLINC}. Floating Plies and How to Dress Them. A Treatise on the most Modern Methods of Dressing Artificial Flies for Trout and Grayling. With full Illustrated Directions, and containing Ninety Hand-coloured Engravings of the most Killing Patterns, together with a few Hints to Dry-Fly Fishern'iei'i. By FREDERIO M. HALroRD, “Detached l'laiilger” of “The Field,” Member of the “Houghton Club,” “Fly Fishers’ Club,” etc. _ A largo-paper edition, printed on Dutch hand-made paper, limited to 100 copies f0] __ . w ‘ -n n A ___.:._.. -ir\,. Q1>1n11 1\n\\n\-4\1]i+~ir\1\ Kan/int]. edition, De I I chthy- 01 Author of ?ractica1 AT the late “1 E; 3 of Fish in . g; '0 copies for 5; 3V0, irst ed {*5- Plates of all I Lnd Use. 13: . 6d. al 321110, bC :: :g myling‘. W " in, M.1)., F, i HADEN, E: - extra,6s. :1, 3s. (id. 713-; at of My T] 1, ._ _ I, .6. H A L; ,E 1rds, 1s., P‘ ‘ ~' '2'“? 5': ' -, \ WSW," ‘% 'rofusely Il “ "We - g; is. 6d. . . ___~ ' _ , ic-nipleat A g; u ZllPl‘OllS ll 5;; unbered. 0‘ 85 it; Map and in -= :- trations. Ct id. to (is. :5 TCLIFFE, F 5% :; 3y J. W. M E: , 2s. 6d., p‘ i t t l nno a er b; M Natural I‘ ')lll‘6d Il- h CHENEY. Square Syn, cloth extra, 12s. 0d. The Book of the Roach. By the late J. GREVILLI-J FENNELL. In cloth, 2s. Fly-Tying‘. By JAMES OGDEN. Post free, 25. 6d. The Fishing‘ Gazette. PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY, Price 2d. 20 large folio pages, Illustrated. Entirely devoted to Angling. If you do not know the paper send post-card with name and address (and ask for a specimen copy) to the Editor, R. B. HAnsToN, 188 Fleet Street, London. ESTABLISHED 1877. The above eel-zones will be sent Post Free on. receipt of published price. LONDON: SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON, SEARLE, 8: R-IVINGTON, 188 FLEET STREET, E.O. I SECTION N0. 1. Oxford. Ifiey. Sandford. Abingdon. Culham. Clifton Hampden. Shillingford. Wallingford. Goring. Pangbourne. Caversham. Reading. M GEORGE PHILIP & SON, MAP, CHART, AND GEOGRAPHICAL DEPOT ' 32 FLEET STREET, LONDGN. ‘MM 7 i l ____..f “Ma Q:- .h/ h . “win. fil- ‘ F ‘ . ‘1.. r! #1 mo am s4 \ \\ b ohmi WNW w \\ v Mun ‘l " ‘ WWW‘ \Zltzomdmbxi $9.»??? ‘ > ‘ ‘if . ‘ Mk Wm51€¢~ I ‘ Y /M\~1.H/fi 4 /.@\~ \ QSFQY .fll wenaosi/ 1. :7. ‘ l. ‘ ,,/.‘ ¢ SILVER MEDAL, LIVERPOOL EXHIBITION, 1880. JOHN SALTER, Boat Builder, .FOLLY BRIDGE, OXFORD. BOATS OI‘ EVERY DESCRIPTION , CANOES, PUN'I'S, 850., BUILT ‘1'0 ORDER. A largeselection of 'Boats, both new and second-hand, kept in readi- ness for Sale or Hire. Illustrated Price Lists may be had on application. HOUSE BOATS usually on IEIanddfor Sale or Hire, and also Built 0 or er. BOATS’ FITTINGS on ALL KINDS KEPT IN STocK. STEAM LAUNCH, with Cabin, for 10 to 20 Persons: One day, £4. ~4s.; two days, £7. 7s. ; if longer, £3. 3s. per day, inclusive of Locks, &c. Boats of all kinds for Hire by the Week, Month, or Season, and for Excursions down the River (Oxford to Teddington’li), at the following charges, including Cartage back to Oxford :— ExtraHire. Teddington. Eton. Henley. Day. Week. Canoe, Whifi, Outrigged Dinghy (for 1 30/- 25/- 20/- 2/6 10/- person Dinghy, Sculling Gig or Skifi, Double Canoe 40/- 35/- 80%} 3/- 15'. Pair-cared Gig, Canadian Canoe 50/- 45/- 40/- Randan Gia, Thames Skiff _ 60/; 55/- 50/-} 5/ 20 Four-cared Gig, Randan Skifl’ 70/- 60/- 55/- ' l‘ Eight-cared Gig 100/- 90/- 80/- Larger Boats—Large Shallop Four- } 7/6 30/- L 03.11‘; d nigh S 120/- 100/- 80/- arge our-care 1g, w1 s1 e ea s Randan Pleasure Skifi, do. 80/’ 70/‘ 60/‘ Pair-cared ditto, 19ft. to 20ft., with 5/ 20 side Seats 70/- 60/- 55/- ‘ I‘ Pair-pared ditto, 16ft. to 18ft., with side Seats. 60/- 55/- 50/- Pair-cared ditto, fitted with Tent Cover and Mattress 75/.- 70/- 65%} 7/6 39/. Randan, ditto, ditto 100/- 90/- 80/- These prices include Hire of Boat for one week, after which extra Hire is charged. N OTI_CE MUST BE GIVEN that the Boat- is done with and where it is left; until this Is received the Hirer 1s responsible. 2s. (id. to be paid for Care, until Van calls. Boat Vans to and from Richmond, Kingston, and Putney usual] every week during the Summer. Gentlemen’s Boats Carted. Competent atermen at reasonable Charges. ‘ Tents, with Ground Sheets (one week 12s. 6d.), Cooking Stoves, and all other requisites for camping out supplied. I SALT ER’S GUIDE TO THE THAMES, with Maps and Illus- trations, Post Free, 18. 2d. 1‘Boats: let only above Lock, but no additional charge is made if left at any place as agreed at time of hiring. SECTION N0. 2. Sonning. Shiplake. Henley. Mill End. Hurley. Gt. Marlow. Cookham. Oliefden. Taplow. Maidenhead. Windsor. Staines. Laleham. 1 GEORGE PHILIP 8: SGN, MAP, GHART, AND GEOGRAPHICAL eEPeT, 3'2 FLEET STREET, LONDGN. I H. h.‘ AJ/ “ 4K j wwwm.o-"zoozo._ :64 a . >1 ,1 W l ._ Q: 523 V n fifhww» .325 E .u Pm =, 3; em _, A‘ .1; n2 \\ ,. L .i_ 9L n»...1.. _ fir; ,neoE >ow~Lvcu~iF SILVER MEDAL, LIVERPOOL EXHIBITION, 1880. JOHN SALTER, Boat Builder, FOLLY BRIDGE. OXFORD. BOATS OI‘ EVERY DESCRIPTION, CAHOBS, P'UN'I'S, 8am, BUILT TO ORDER. A large selection of Boats, both new and second-hand, kept in readi- ness for Sale or Hire. Illustrated Price Lists may be had on application. HOUSE BOATS usually on {{anddfor Sale or Hire, and also Built 0 or er. BoA'rs’ FITTINGS on ALL KINDs KEPT IN STocK. STEAM LAUNCH, with Cabin, for 10 to 20 Persons: One day, £4. 4s. ; two days, £7 . 7s. ; if longer, £3. 3s. per day, inclusive of Locks, 8:0. Boats of all kinds for Hire by the Week, Month, or Season, and for Excursions down the River (Oxford to Teddington"), at the following charges, including Cartage back to Oxford :--. _ Extra H'ir , Teddmgton. Eton. Henley. Day. Weelf. 30/- 25/- 20/- 2/6 10/- Canoe, Whiff, Outrigged Dinghy (for 1 person Dinghy, Sculling Gig or Skifi, Double Canoe _ 40/- 35/- 30k} 3/- 15!. Pair-oared Gig, Canadian Canoe 50/- 45/- 40/- Randan Gig, Thames Skifi' 60/- 55/- 50/- 5 20 Four-cared Gig, Randan Skifl’ 70/- 60/- 55/-} l' /' Eight-oared Gig ‘ 100/- 90/- 80/- Larger Boats—Large Shallop Four- } 7/6 30/- L 02111; d nib S 120/- 100/. 80/- arge our-care 1g, W1 s1 e ea s Randan Plea-"sure Ski do. 80/' 70/’ 60/‘ Pair-oared ditto, 19ft. to 20ft., with 5/ 20 side Seats 70/- 60/- 55/- ' I‘ Pair-cared ditto, 16ft. to 18ft., with side Seats 60/- 55/- 50/- Pair-oared ditto, fitted with Tent Cover ' and Mattress 75/- 70/- 65%} 7/6 30/. Randan, ditto, ditto 100/- 90/- 80/- These prices include Hire of Boat for one week, after which extra Hire is charged. NOTICE MU_ST BE owns that the Boat is done with and where it is left; until this is received the Hirer is responsible. 2s. 6d. to be paid for Care until Van calls. . Boat Vans to and from Richmond, Kingston, and Putney usual] every week during the Summer. Gentlemen’s Boats Carted. Competent atermen at reasonable Charges. Tents, with Ground Sheets (one week 12s. 6d.), Cooking Stoves, and all other requisites for camping out supplied. SALT GUIDE TO THE THAMES, with Maps and Illus- ‘ ' tralz'ons, Post Free, ls. 2d. . ‘Boats let only above Lock, but no additional charge is made if left at any ‘ place as agreed at time of hiring. “THE GEORGE” FAMILY & COM M ERCIAL HOTEL. HIGH STREET, WALLINGFORD, BERKS Wines and Spirits of ‘the very Best Brands. \Ivvv\l\l\/v\rv\./\/vv\iyvvv Two Minutes’ Walk from River and Railway. Every Accom- modation for Fishing and Boating Parties. Billiards. GEORGE KEARSEY, Proprietor. “ MILLER OF MANSFIELD ” HOTEL, GORING, OXON. Within Three Minutes of the River. Good Accommodation for Boating and Fishing Parties. \Vines and Spirits of the Best Quality. Cigars of the Choicest Brands. THOS. BOWER, Proprietor. THE GEORGE l/V/V A/I/D POSTl/VG HOUSE, DORCHES'I'ER, OXON. Fishing and Boating Parties accommodated. Genuine Wines and Spirits. Horses, Brougham, Traps, &c., on Hire. Good Stabling. THOMAS JORDAN, Proprietor. BL/IGH/II/E ARMS HOTEL & GOM/I'IEHOl/IL HOUSE. (1 JVIinate from G. W., S. IV., and SE. Railway Stations, and 3 Minutes from River Thames.) Good Accommodation for Boating Parties. Old and Mild Ales. Foreign Wines and Spirits. Cigars of the Choicest Brands. lIIoderate Charges. A. WOODHOUSE, Proprietor. A. PARRO'I'T, Boat Proprietor, FRIDAY STREET, HENLEY—ON-THAMES. Boats for Hire by the Hour or otherwise. Fishing Parties atten- ded and catered for throughout. Boat Stage at Riverside, near the Royal Hotel. A man always in attendance. THE ANCHOR, INN, FRIDAY STREET, HENLEY—CDN-T'FT A 'I\/F“I—TIS_ \"‘~/\,"\M’ Good Accommodation for Boating and Fishing Parties. Three Minutes from the Railway Station and Twenty Yards from the River. I WINES, SPIRITS, and BEERS of the FINEST QUALITY. Cleanliness, Comfort, and Good Living at Moderate Charges. ’HENRY LARGE, Proprietor. ROYAb J-loTEe H'l-Tl'N'TJE'lY—ON—THAMES. ‘ This Hotel has been thoroughly refurnished throughout, and many improvements have been made for the comfort of Visitors. Under entirely New Management, and with Moderate Charges. H. STAND‘VICKE, Alanager. THE " FRENCH HORN,” “ELEPHANT” HOTEL, SONNING, near Reading, Berks. PANGBOURNE. Pleasantly situated on the Banksof Close and Open Carriages on Hire. the Thames’ close to 30m? of Its Station Orders punctually attended most lovely scenery, and affords the to_ best Accommodation for Visitors. \V. HULL, Proprietor. W. HULL, Proprietor. TH E H E N LEY COI‘I'EE, COMMERCIAL, AND TEMPERANCE HOTEL, 8 MARKET PLACE, HENLEY-ON-THAMES. (Next Door to the Post Ofioe.) ‘Every Accommodation for Boating Parties. A. J. ADAMS, Manor/or. G.PEAOEY, BOAT BUILDER AND STEAM LAU/VOH PROPRIETOR, THE BRIDGE, HENLEY-ON-THAMES. THOMAS SMITH & CO., THAI‘IES SIDE, .HEZVLEY- ON-THAMES. Horses kept for Towing Purposes, Best Steam Coal for Launches. Gentlemen’s Boats Carted with Care to any part. WINTER, THE NEW BOfXTHOUSE, Ez‘oa, Windsor. AND AT CAMBRIDGE. ROBERT ALLEN. BOA'I' 86 PUN'I' BUILDER, WILLOW COTTAGE, THAMES SIDE, WINDSOR. Gentlemen’s Boats Repaired on their own Estates. Boats and Punts Let by the Month or Season on the most reasonable terms. THE “FISHERMAN’S” RETREAT, ST. PETER’S STREET, MARLOW, B UCKS. IVtnes and Spirits of the Best Quality. This Hotel, which is close' to the River Thames, is replete with every Accommodation for Boating and Fishing Parties. JOHN HODDINOTT, Proprietor. THE FLOWER-P07 HOTEL, AS'I'CDN, HENLEY-ON-THAMES. Good Accommodation for Boating and Fishing Parties. First Class Ales, ‘Wines, and Spirits. Close to Hambledon Lock and Aston Ferry, and One Minute’s ‘Valk from the River. R. DIXON, Proprietor. eeoaee & DRAGON HOTEL, (NEAR THE BRIDGE» GREAT MARLOW, BUCKS. Good Beds and Accommodation for Fishing and Boating Parties Good Stall Stabling and Lock-up Coach Houses. ALFRED MASKELL, Proprietor. E. LACEY, Boat Builder, COOKHAM BRIDGE, BERKS. Boats and Punts of every Description Built, Repaired, Housed, and Let on Hire. RAILWAY HOTEL, MARI-OW (Opposite the Station). Private Path direct from the River, near to the Lock. Mas. PORTER, Proprietress. ALFRED YOUNG, (G. PARTRIDGE, Proprietor.) THE GOLD N PERGH, 402 OXFORD STREET, W. Fishing Rods and Tackle of every description. The Celebrated Guinea Fly Rod. Best Trout Flies, 1s. 6d. per doz. The “Angler’s Handbook ” and Catalogue of Prices, with 80 Illustrations of Rods, Flies, Baits, Tackle,'&c., post free, 3d. RAILWAY HOTEL, MO'ULSI'ORD. Adjoins the Moulsford Station, G. \V.R., & Oxford & Reading Read. Landing close to the Railway Bridge. Eoerg/ Accommodation. J. \V. SAUNDERS, Proprietor. CROWN COMMERCIAL INN A/VD POSTING HOUSE,- BENSON, OXON- The best Accommodation for Tourists, &c. Genuine Wines and Spirits. Horses and Traps for Hire. Good Stabling. Omnibus every day to and from \Vallingford Station. G.\V.R. E. \VALKER, Proprietress. S. E- SAUNDERS, } Boat Builder, GORING-ON-THAMES, OKON. Boats of all Descriptions Built, Housed, Varnished, &c., and to Let by the Day, \Veek, or Season. Patronisecl] [by Royalty. SHILLINGFORD BRIDGE, WALLINGFORD. This old-established Hotel—being delightfully situated close to the Thames, and a distance by river of nearly 20 miles from Oxford --aftords excursionists a most convenient halting place on route to London. Visitors will find every attention given to their comfort, and a moderate tarifi strictly adhered to. Accommodation by the week or month throughout the year. Private boats housed during summer and winter months, and conveyed to or from any distance. WILLIAM JORDAN REYNOLDS, Proprietor. (late JOHN REYNOLDS) THE BOAT HOUSE, RIVER SIDE, KEW GREEN. Visitors will find, at the above Establishment, Spa- cious Rooms, Refreshments of the Best Quality, Cleanliness, Civility, Comfort, and lIIoclera-tc Charges. LUNCHEONS, DINNERS, AND TEAS. ROWING‘ BOATS. BILLIARDS, 850. AMOS TUOK\VOOD, Proprietor. WHITE CHART HOTEL, B A R N E S. Private Rooms facing the River. Oofi‘ee Room. ALso CHOICE WINES AND SrInITs, DINNERS, LUNCIIEONS, TEAS, &c. A. \VILL WINCH, Proprietor. WHITE HORSE HO TEL, S U N B U RY. The Best Accommodation for Boating Parties. Good Beds. \VINEs AND SPIRITS or THE FINEST QUALITY. Goon STABLING. HENRY BUSBRIDGE, Proprietor. JOHN PEMBERY, Boat Builder, THE BOAT-HOUSE, MORTLAKE, S.W. Five Minutes from Station, S.W.R. Builder of the famous “Rob Roy” Canoes of John Maegregor, Esq., expressly for his Travels on the Jordan, Nile, Red Sea, disc. /\/\/\,\/\/v\/ /\/'\1V\1\J\J\/\/\./\/\ INI/ENTOR, P/ITE/VTEE, A/VD BUILDER OF THE SOREW PROPELLER O/INOE, Boats of every Description Built, Sold, Let, or Housed. THE TRADE SUPPLIED. “ THE ISIS,” IFFLEY. Pleasantly situated on the Banks of the Isis, and within one mile of the City of Oxford. \'\ /\/\1\r\r\/\/\r\e\/\ ~‘\_I\ l_\l\/\/\/'\ r\,. .\. . . GOOD ACCOMMODATION FOR FIC-NIC, CAMPING, AND FISHING PARTIES. “airlines zmh Spirits of Zita-‘t Quality. Criehet Ground, Lawn Tennis Courts, Bowling Green, Shooting Saloon, Pistol Targets, and other Amusements. W. J. TAYLOR, Proprietor. i‘LEOPOLD ARMS,’7 CORN MARKET STREET, OXFORD. EVERY ACCOMMODATION FOR COMMERCIALS. Good Beds. llloderate Charges. Breakfasts, Luncheons, Dinners, and Teas provided on the Shortest Notice. Pony and Trap to Let. C. SPIER, Proprietor. UNIVERSITY 8t FAMILY LODGINGS. (Licensed by University Sanitary Board.) Pleasant views of the surrounding country, and one minute’s walk from the Thames. Particularly convenient for Boating Parties. Trams pass the door for all Parts. Moderate Terms. Mrs. A. WILLIAMS, 57 St. Aldate’s Street, Oxford. T. TIMS. BOATS TO LET at the UNIVERSITY BARGE, OXFORD. Boats at any time for Excursions down the River (Oxford to Teddington” ) , at the following charges, including Cartage back to Oxford :— Eatra Hire. Teddington. Eton. Henley. MA £ s. d. £ s. d. .-.8 s. (1. Day. Week. CanoeWhifi‘. Outrigged Dinghey... 1 10 0 1 5 0 1 0 O Dinghey (not outriggcd), Scullin 10s. Boa-t, Double Canoe 2 0 0 1 15 0 ‘l 10 0 Pair-Oar Gigs 2 10 0 2 5 0 2 0 0 3s. 15s Randan Gigs 3 0 0 2 15 0 210 0}? 208 Four-Oar Gigs... 3 10 0 3 O 0 2 10 0 5' Eight-Oar 5 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 Larger Boats -- Large Shallop }7s. 6d 30s Four-Oar 6 0 0 5 0 0 4 0 Large Four-Oared Gig, with side 4 0 0 3 5 0 0 15 0 cats Randan Pleasure Skitls, with side _Seats Pair-Oared ditto, 19ft. to 20ft., with _side Seats... Pair-Oared ditto, 16ft. to 18ft., with side Seats... .. 03002100 30021502100 One Week allowed for J ournev, after which Extra Hire will be charged, as. 6d. unless Notice be given that the Boat is done with. and where left. to be paid for Care until Van calls. Competent Watermen provided, and Gentlemen’s Boats removed by spring carriage at reasonable charges. *Boats let only above Loch, but no additional Charge is made i f left at any place as agreed at time of H iring. T. G. TAGG 86 SON, ENGINEERS AND @lnnairminrss nf (Sham étianndgta OF THE BEST MAKE FOR RIVER AND SEA, AND FITTED WITH THE HIGHEST CLASS OF MACHINERY. BUILDERS or Pleasure & Racing Boats, Punts & Canoes. Works :— “THE ISLAND,” ABOVE MULESEY LUGK, NEAR HAMPTON COURT. Postal Address :— EAST MOLESEY, SURREY. _ Boats can be hired for the Season on the following.r terms, half-payment in advance, remainder at Midsummer, except when otherwise arranged :— Boat, First Season £16 16 0 Inclusive of Keep » ¥fi3£fid » 3 Use of Dressing Room, ,, ,, 16 1;)‘ 0 and Attendance. , ’ ,9 9, ' ' ' Our ANNUAL SHOW of New and Second Season Boats and Fitti 112's will be on view from SATURDAY, MARCH 26th,when they. can be bought or hired for the Summer. Private Boats taken care of at £4. 4s. and £3. 25s. for the Season of Six Months, commencing the 25th March. terminating the 29th September, including use of Lavatory and Dressing Rooms. To House for the \Vinter, from September to March, One Guinea. Stearn Launches taken charge of for less than Three .Ifonths, 5s. per week. Rowing B0ats,fr0m 3s. 6d. per week. Houseboats on specially agreed Terms. Ferry Free. STEAM LAUNCHES FOR PIC-VIC PARTIES, From Four, Five, and Six Guineas per day, including all Working Expenses and Look Dues. WE NOW STATION A LAUNCH DURING THE SEAsoN AT WINDSOR, NEAR THE S.W. RAILWAY STATION. For Terms, &c., apply to above Address. ROWING BOATS, per Day, 7s. 661., 10s. 6d., 12s. 6d, & 15s. PRIVATE BOATS REPAIRED, PAINTED, VARNISHED,__ AND FITTED UP TO ORDER. Every Description of Boat Fit-tings supplied to Private Owners ' and to the Trade. v, Photographs, &c., sent Post-Free for Six Stamps. All Letters to be parti- cularly addressed as above, as we have no connect-ion with any firm at Hampton Court Bridge. TELEGRAMS, “ NIAGARA,” EAST MOLESEY. Persons arriving by train can obtain all necessary information at our Snb-Ofice at Hampton Court Station. A 2 .J. H. CLASPER, Inventor of the Patent Sliding Keel for Side Winds, and the Improvement in Sliding Seats, no oil required. (Son of the late Henry Clasper, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, Inventor of the present Outriggers.) BOAT BUILDER, PUTNEY. J. H. C. begs to return his sincere thanks to his friends and the public for the support he has received, and hopes, by a prompt attention to business, to merit their future patronage. J. H. C. begs to call attention to the continued success of his. Racing Boats, which have won the University Boat Race in 1870,. 1871, 1872, 1873, 1875,1883, 1884,1885,and1886; the Amateur Championship, 1870, 1872, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1884,1885, and 1886;. the Grand Challenge Cup, at Henley, in 1875, 1880, 1883, and 1884 ; the Championship of Belgium, 1880 and 1885 ; the Cham- pionship of Hamburgh, 1886 ; Eights, Fours, and Scullers’ Prizes, at Vienna Regatta, 1886 ; Championship of the South Coast Fours, 1885 and 1886 ; Champion Four-oared Race (professional); Double Sculling Race; News of the W orlcl Sculling Prize ; Sports-- inan’s Cup ; Championship of the World, in 1886 ; and many other important Races in England, Ireland, and abroad. RAOINO BOATS OF EVERY OESORIPTION BUILT TO ORDER. “ THAMES” HOTEL & BOAT BUILDING WORKS, HAM PTON COURT BRIDGE. HARRY TAGG, Proprietor. '\I\l\l\/\ H. T. respectfully informs his patrons and the public that, owing to the increase of business, he has extended his premises upon a large scale. Dressing and Bath Rooms for Gentlemen and Waiting Room for Ladies, with every convenience for Boating Parties. Large Show Rooms and Storage for private Boats. NEW AND COMMOD/OUS STEAM LAUNCH FOR HIRE. EVERY CONVENIENCE FOR \VATER PIC-N10 PARTIES. Best Wines and Spirits and Provisions at Reasonable Charges. ROWING BOATS, PUNTS, AND OANOES FOR HIRE, Per Hour, Day, Week, or Month. DRESSING RooM USED FREE OF CHARGE. GUIDE TO THE THAMES. CON TEN TS. (For Index see page 45.) Introductory ................... .. 1 Ohertsey ................... .. 22 General Sketch ................ .. 4 Staines ...................... .. 23 Current ......................... .. 7 lVindsor ................... .. 24 Looks and Loch Dues, (5'0. 8 Maidenhead ................ .. 26 Tide ............................ .. 9 Marlow ...................... .. 28 Boating ......................... .. 10 Henley ...................... .. 30 Angling ...................... .. 11 Reading ................... .. 32 Distances ...................... .. 12 Panglourne ................ .. 34 Putney to Oxford .......... ..14-44 Wallingford ................ .. 36 Kew ......................... .. 16 Dorehester ................ .. 37 Richmond ................... .. 17 Abingdon ................... .. 38 Kingston ................... .. 19 Oxford ...................... .. 40 Hampton Court .......... .. 20 River above Oxford .......... .. 44 A River which has on its banks three such towns as London, Windsor, and Oxford, all so widely, though so variously, renowned, cannot fail to be well known, and must call up by its mere name a host of associations sufficient in themselves to win for the favoured stream a high place in the national afiection and literature. On its banks, or rather within its basin, has been concentrated a very large proportion of the stirring and eventful history of the English race, so that its place in historic story and in romance is such as no other river in these islands, save perhaps that of the Scottish border, can claim. Long before Bristol and Liverpool were great cities, before coal and iron had placed the North of England in its present position of wealth and influence, the Valley of the Thames contained much of what was best and most civilised in the country. The gentle aspect of the district through which it flowed, the fertilityof the regions which it watered, the slowness of its stream, which made navigation easy, and last, 2 GUIDE TO THE THAMES. but not least, in modern times, the sylvan beauty of its banks, and the interest attaching to its towns and villages, even to its single houses—have all contributed to give the Thames an importance out of all proportion to its physical magnitude. The American, fresh from the colossal but by no means always beautiful streams of the New World, wonders at the fuss made about an insignificant watercourse, than which he could name a hundred longer, wider, swifter, deeper, grander, though bearing names hardly known beyond the States through which they flow. The same may be said of very many European rivers, several times larger than the British stream, only one or two of them, such as the Rhine, possessing an interest at all comparable to that of the Thames. The secret of course is, that it is the association with man and his history, with the great names of the historic past, and the great deeds whose results we inherit, which gives the magic of poetry to a name and can add a beauty to the simple loveliness of a natural landscape, that for human minds is profounder and more fascinating than any merely physical grandeur and loveliness. British earthworks stood on the Thames when the Roman eagles first shone in the northern sunlight, and later rose on its banks the Roman villa and fortified camp, as well as the Imperial town. Many a hard struggle was witnessed along its course during the conquest of Britain by the Saxon Lords of the \Vhite Horse, and many a blow was struck that went to the making of England. There have been scholars at Oxnaford for a thousand years, and monarchs were crowned at Kingston before the Norman came. ‘Windsor was a royal palace, too, before \Villiam the Conqueror went a-hunting in its forests; and the Abbey of St. Peter, on Thorney Island (Westminster), was only the chief among many of the great religious foundations to which belonged Reading, Abingdon, and Oseney, to mention no more. Parliaments have met at Reading and Oxford, and kings have fallen out and fought at Brentford, Wallingford, and other places ; while in the very river itself at Runnymede, the seal was set to that great “ Charter of the lam ” of which Thomson sings in “Rule Britannia.” At Bisham lies the Kingmakcr (Earl of Warwick), and Eton College speaks of the literary tastes of one of his puppets (Henry VI.) Then Richmond has its story to tell of Henry of Richmond and his palace of Sheen, where great Queen Bess, a century later, breathed her last; and Greenwich Palace was succeeded by Kew and Hampton Court, whilst Royal Windsor is Royal Windsor still. In Literature so numerous are the associations, that the “ riverists ” might well be ranged beside the “ lakists ” of the North, though they do not form a school. Of Poets, those most closely connected with the Thames are “ majestic Denham,” whose Cooper’s Hill remains the classic of the river to our own time; Cowley, who lived at Chertsey; and Pope, whose Windsor Forest speaks of his close connection with the river in his early GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 3- life, as Pope’s Villa, at Twickenham, does of his later years. Thomson lived in Kew Lane, Richmond Park, and an interesting poetical notification of his love for the view from Richmond Hill, by an anonymous author, may still be seen outside a cottage which is situated but a few hundred yards from the Richmond gate of the Royal Park. Who can forget that, amidst the lovely wooded and hill-shaded reaches of Marlow, Shelley lived for a season, and from its quiet beauty drew some of his most characteristic inspirations? At Windsor, it should be remembered, was written that valuable monument of the English of the early 15th century, The King’s Quhaz'r, by James I. of Scotland, long a prisoner there. At ‘Vindsor and Datchet, too, we are reminded of that greatest Englishman, Shakespeare, who was doubtless familiar with the locality when he described Falstafi’s ducking, in the Merry Wives ; and Garrick, one of his worthiest interpreters, lived at Hampton. Then, at Chelsea, lived Sir Thomas More ; at Chiswick, Hogarth; and at Battersea, the gifted and versatile St. John, Lord Bolingbroke. Archbishop Laud was born at Reading, one Vicar of Bray will always be held in immortal memory, and Gibbon was a native of Putney. Bradshaw, the regicide, Lilly, the astrologer, and Admiral Rodney, were all associated with Walton ; and long lists of other names might be adduced, without mentioning the metropolis itself, but enough has been said to show that the Thames Valley is classic ground. In Art, too, the Thames is famous. Turner painted it; Etty lived close to it; Stanfield, Roberts, W'histler, Leslie, Hayden, Tissot, and Vicat Cole, have all loved and limned the royal river; and Keeley Halswelle devoted several years to painting pictures of it. The character of the river itself naturally depends on that of the country through which it flows, and the scenes to which it lends a main attraction are of the beautiful rather than the sub- lime order. (Jalm, rich loveliness is there in abundance, but no- grandeur; and no words could, perhaps, be more fitly used of the whole course of the river than those of'its own poet Denham, in Uooper’s Hill, above referred to, the opening and closing lines of which are so "frequently quoted as to be almost hackneyed, though the intervening passage is, perhaps, less known than it deserves to be :— “ My eye, descending from the hill, surveys Where Thames among the wanton valleys strays. Thames, the most loved of all the Ocean’s sons By his old sire, to his embraces runs ; Hasting to pay his tribute to the sea, Like mortal life to meet eternity. Though with those streams he no resemblance hold Whose foam is amber, and their gravel gold ; 4 GUIDE TO THE THAMES. His genuine and less guilty wealth to explore, Search not his bottom, but survey his shore, O’er which he kindly spreads his spacious wing, And hatches plenty for the ensuing spring. Nor then destroys it with too fond a stay, Like mothers which their infants overlay ; Nor with a sudden and impetuous wave, Like profuse kings, resumes the wealth he gave. No unexpected inundations spoil The mower’s hopes, nor mock the ploughman’s toil, But godlike his unwearied bounty flows— First loves to do, then loves the good he does. as s a as at as as Oh could I flow like thee, and make thy stream My great example, as it is my theme: The’ deep, yet clear; the’ gentle, yet not dull; Strong without rage, without o’erflowing full.” Allowing for the artificiality of manner, which is, after all, a mere fashion of thought, these lines fairly characterise the Thames; and the seeker for quiet and the picturesque can hardly do better than betake himself to the Thames, and obey the above injunction to “ survey his shore.” It is hoped that enough has been said to connect the royal river with some of the great epochs of our national life and the great heroes of our national thought, and to give an interest to its banks, apart from their natural loveliness. GENERAL SKETCH. The Thames rises in Gloucestershire, on the eastern slope of the Cotteswolds, at Thames Head, near Cirencester. Another locality is sometimes indicated as the source, viz., the “Seven Springs,” at Cubberley, about four miles from Cheltenham; but, though the water from both sources no doubt goes to form the river, yet the spring near Cirencester has, by prescription, acquired the best title to be considered the source of the Thames, the stream from Cubberley, called the Churn, joining the Thames at Cricklade. The discrepancies in the figures given by various authorities, as the length of the river, are thus accounted for. A little below the source of the Thames, at Thames Head Bridge, where the old Roman road to Corinium (Cirencester) crosses the stream, the infant river is 376 feet above sea level, though only a mile or two to the west is the edge of the eastward sloping plateau which. makes the Cotteswolds, and immediately at their foot is the broad Valley of the Severn, at least 350 feet below. This curious fact is explained by the general eastward slope of the country from the GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 5 ‘Cotteswolds; and the course of the Thames is down a natural slope, with the exception of its remarkable passage transversely through the continuous barrier of the Chiltcrn Hills, Several hundred feet above the Stream at their base. The explanation given by geo- logists of this singular phenomenon (which is frequent with rivers) is that, at the time when the river began cutting out its present course, the Chilterns as hills had no existence, but a broad plain, with only minor undulations, Spread from the Cotteswolds to the Sea, along which the river flowed. The Softer rocks have been dissolved and carried away faster than the relatively hard chalk, the edge of which has been left, as the Chiltcrn Hills, high above ‘the general level, and the rain and river have only Succeeded in cutting a narrow valley through this region in the time that has lowered the whole surface of the softer rocks to the west. This is borne out by the fact that the top of the Chilterns is still about 100 feet below the present source of the Thames, and therefore, supposing the old intervening plain restored, the flow of the river would still be very much what it is now. The river is almost immediately utilised, an engine quite near its Source pumping out about one million gallons of water per day for the Supply of the summit levels of the Thames and Severn Canal, which crosses the "Cotteswolds here and joins the Thames just above Lechlade. The water forming this Stream is derived from the rainfall percolating through fissures in the surface of the Great Oolite Limestone Series which forms the Cotteswolds region, and is thrown out in Springs by the impervious beds of Fiillers’ Earth at Cirencester, ~01‘ the Lias Clays at Cubberley. The distance in a direct line from Thames Head to the Nore is about 125 miles, but the course of the river is not far Short of 250 miles. The head of navigation is Inglesham Weir, Lechlade, 148 miles from London Bridge ; this weir is immovable, but boats can 'be used on the Small stream as far as Cricklade, 11 miles higher up, or 159 miles from London Bridge. The fall between Thames Head and Lechlade, a distance of about 20 miles, is 133 feet, but from this point onwards the average fall 'is under 2 feet per mile. The river, with its tributaries, drains an .area of 6,160 square miles, or about one-eighth of England. The Course Of the River, here called properly the Isis, is .at first easterly, and it receives from the north a series of Small streams, the Churn, Ampney, Coln, Leach, \Vindrush, and Even- lode, flowing into it at right angles from the dip Slope of the rocks forming the Cotteswolds about Stow and Northleach. These streams are also derived from springs thrown out along the line of the Fullers’ Earth. On the right, or Southern, bank the river receives the Swill Brook, the Ray, and the Cole. At Lechlade it enters the district of the Oxford Oolites, and at once the Scenery becomes richer, and the hills are lower; but far :away to the south are to be traced the Chalk Downs of Marl- 6 GUIDE TO THE THAMES. borough and the White Horse. The amount of water flowing at Lechlade is about 100 million gallons per day. A little below New Bridge, the current turns to the north to sweep round a spur of the high land that divides its valley from that of the Ock. The river is here not more than eight miles, in a straight line, from Abingdon, which is distant, however, 25 miles by water. Turning to the east at Ensham, and to the south at Godstow, Oxford is reached, and on the unction of the Cherwell, immediately below, the Isis swells into a considerable stream. Turned by the Lower Greensand hills of N uneham, the river now makes a long westward de'toar to Abingdon, where it receives the Ock (a considerable stream) from the west, and another stream and the Berks and \Vilts canal from the south. Next, it sweeps round to the east, and then by Dorchestcr to the south-east, over the flat country of the Gault, largely covered with the flint gravels which are found extensively throughout this region, and tell of the former westward extension of the Chalk. The Thame, flowing in on the left bank, adds to the volume of the water by bringing in the drain- age of the Gault and Greensand region lying at the northern base- of the Chilterns, and, according to some authorities, forms, by union with the Isis, the oint name Tamesis, from which the modern appellation is derived. At Benson, the Thames turns south and makes straight for the long and lofty barrier of the Chiltern Hills, formed by the escarpment of the Chalk, and continuous with the- VVhite Horse Downs far to the west. Through the broad belt of high Chalk land, from Goring to Maidenhead, the Thames has carved its way by a broad and winding but beautiful valley, in which the loveliest scenery of its course is to be found. At Streatley, Hart’s Lock \Vood, Pangbourne and Mapledurham, at Caversham, at Sonning, at Henley, Remenham, Marlow, and Cliefdcn, the hills slope directly to the river bank, and the sylvan beauty is here at its greatest perfection. During this passage through the Chalk, though the afiiuents are insignificant, the volumev of water is considerably increased by springs in the bed of the river and by the rainfall of the large surrounding Chalk high land, which, being porous, allows much water to sink down, and in wet seasons to reach the river by percolation. At Reading, the river‘ is joined by “ The Kennet swift, for silver eels renowned,” which brings the drainage water from a considerable area of Eocene rocks and Chalk to the west; and‘ at \Vargrave by “ The Loddon slow, with verdant alders crowned,” which drains the heathy region of Bagshot sand by Arborfield: and Basingstoke to the south. From Reading to Henley the current flows north, and even north-west, i.e., exactly contrary to its usual trend. At Remen- 11am it turns once more east, and at Marlow south; and thence its. GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 7 course is steadily to the south and east, save from Kingston to Brentford, where it is turned to the north by the high land of Richmond Park. The Colne, with its aflluents the Ver (by Verulamium, or St. Albans), Grade, and Chess, drains the western part of the London basin and enters the Thames at Staines. “ The chalky \Vey, that rolls a milky flood,” joins the main river at \Veybridge, and drains a large and very beautiful district extending beyond Guildford and into Hampshire; and ‘ ‘ The sullen Mole, that hides his diving flood ” in the Swallow Holes, near Dorking, oins the Thames at Molesey, and, with a small tributary which enters at Kingston, makes up the full volume of land water, amounting to about 1,250 million gallons per day, that pours into the tideway at Teddington Weir. Flowing, as it does, through a region in which limestone is abun- dant, the water of the Thames is always hard, 21s., it contains carbonate and other salts of lime in solution, and, therefore, curdles soap and forms a “ fur ” on kettles and other vessels. The amount present varies up to 23 grains per gallon, but much of this is got rid of before the water is supplied for domestic use. A short distance below Maidenhead the river leaves the Chalk, which dips below the Tertiary rocks of the London basin, and the character of the scenery changes at once. \Vindsor Castle stands on a detached inlier of Chalk ; but the valley generally widens, and only at Egham, \Valton, and Richmond does any high land approach the banks. Quiet and picturesque the river scenery always is, and the mere combination of wood and water has always a beauty of its own ; but the pastoral richness of the district, the riparian mansions, and the numerous towns and quiet villages, lend additional interest to the panorama. The plain of the lower Thames is extensively covered with recent brick-earths and gravels, in which the remains of the musk-sheep, elephant, and other mammalia no longer existing in England, as well as relics of pre-historic man, have been discovered. Current.—-The stream of the Thames is, on the whole, a sluggish one, the average fall of its bed being only 21 inches per mile ; but it varies considerably, according to the locality, the season of the year, and the recent weather. In the winter, and very often after heavy rains, it is too swift to admit of any successful rowing against it ; while it only too often overflows its banks and floods considerable areas, rendering navigation difficult and dangerous. This result is partly due to the necessity of building weirs at intervals to prevent too rapid an outflow of water in summer, which, in dry seasons, would leave many parts of its course almost bare. These weirs are practically dams, and do not allow the A 3 8 GUIDE TO THE THAMES. flood-water to escape as quickly as it might, in spite of all the sluices being opened, and of the newly constructed “ tumbling- bays ” in some of the lock cuts, which are practically additional or relief weirs with sills at a slightly higher level. In summer, that is, in the boating season, the average flow does not exceed 2% miles an hour, though in some places it runs very strongly for short distances. According to the law of flow of all streams, it is strongest on the outside of a curve, where, how- ever, the deepest water is to be found, even when there is no specially dredged channel. In many places, more particularly where the stream is wide, there are shallows, and, in the absence of local knowledge, it is safest to keep near the towing-path shore, where the dredged channel will ensure a free waterway. Weeds offer another obstacle to the oarsman, often serious enough in the remoter reaches and backwaters; and water-lilies abound in certain localities, notably about Basildon and Pangbourne, but, though obstructives, they will be pardoned for their great beauty. The level of the river varies sometimes to a great extent in a short time, as, for instance, in the course of a single day, after a heavy rain, when a rise of a foot or eighteen inches may occur; and in 24 hours more, by the opening of weirs, it may be again reduced. This should be remembered in mooring in unknown spots, and in returning over shallow reaches after a few days’ interval. Locks,—In going up stream care should be taken both in waiting outside locks (away from the rush of water from the gate sluices), and in passing through them. In the looks it should be remembered that the rush of water always comes from the gate at the upper end of the lock, and the boat should therefore be kept at the lower end, unless the lock is crowded ; and held when going up stream from the bow thwart by the boat-hook to the wall or chains of the lock, since, if it be left unmoored or be held from the after thwart, the boat is apt to be swung round by the stream and to fall foul of other boats and get damaged or even swamped. In coming down, though there is no rush of water into the lock, yet still there is a slight draft downwards ; the boat, therefore, should be held as before, but this time from the after thwart. In coming down stream, too, careful watch should be kept, if the locality is unfamiliar, to avoid the neighbourhood of weirs, and to keep in the main stream and the lock cuts, for the islands and backwaters are often confusing, and, even where no danger is incurred, to run down a wrong channel often involves much trouble and loss of time. There are 33 looks between London and Oxford, at each of which the following tolls are payable under the Bye Laws of the Thames Conservancy :— Class I.——For every pair-oar skifi, outrigger, randan, dinghy, punt, canoe, or company boat, 3d. Class IL—For every four-oared boat, 6d. GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 9 Class IIL—For every row-boat, shallop, and company boat over four oars, Is. For every steam launch, 1s. 6d. For every house boat under 50 ft. long, 1s. 6d.; over 50 ft., 2s. 6d. These charges include, in all cases, the return on the same day, and are payable whether the boat goes through the lock, or is pushed over the rollers and inclined planes provided at the busier locks. For residents on the river banks, and others who possess boats of their own, it is convenient to take advantage of the system of annual tolls, whereby all looks are cleared free of tell for a year; a numbered plate, which must be aflixed to the boat and shown to the lock-keepers, being furnished by the authorities. These annual tolls are: £2 for Class I. ; £2. 10s. for Class II. ; £3 for Class III. ; for house boats under 30 ft. in length, £3 ; under 50 ft, £5; over 50 ft. long, £7. 10s; for steam launches under 35 ft. in length, £5 ; under 45 ft., £7. 10s. ; and above 45 ft. long, £10 per annum. 'I'ide.-—Be10w Teddington Lock the Thames is tidal, and has a rise and fall varying from 10 ft. at Teddington to 18 ft. at London Bridge. Above Kew, the flood lasts only from one and a half to three hours, and the ebb from nine to eleven hours, but with varying force ; the season also affects the duration and strength of the ebb and flow, by the influence which it exerts upon the land water flowing over the weir at Teddington. The average quantity of water flowing over that weir is, accord- ing to Professor Prestwich, about 1,250 million gallons per day; and this, be it noted, is after the great intake of the London Water Companies at Surbiton and Sunbury, and above the influx of the Brent and the VVandle. Below Kew, the average duration of flood is 5;- hours, and of the ebb tide 7 hours, and the time of high water is about 50 minutes later every day. The times of high water are, approximately, at Putney about 35 minutes, Kew Bridge 55 minutes, and Tedding- ton about 1% hours later than the time given in the Almanacs for London Bridge, though even this is liable to slight variation, from strong and persistent easterly winds, &c. Spring and neap tides, though important to the riparian owners and inhabitants, exercise scarcely any influence that need be taken into account by the ears- man, the angler, or the tourist. The friction of the banks and bottom makes the force both of tide and current less near the shore than in mid-stream, a fact of which advantage should be taken in boating, by keeping close in to the banks on the way up, and keeping well in the centre on the way down. The ebb tide is usually stronger than the flood, especially in the upper reaches. The great variation of level between high and low water makes a serious difference in the amount, and consequently in the ‘depth, 10 GUIDE TO THE THAMES. of water in the river, especially above Kew, and some local know-- ledge is needed to keep even a rowing boat from grounding in one or two reaches at low water. At half-tide and above, there is ample depth all the way to Teddington. The low-water level at Teddington Lock is 16% ft. above the low- water level at London Bridge. BOating.—For short trips for a single day, or part of a day, any town or village near to a railway station may be selected, and at most of the larger ones boats may be hired without difficulty, at rates determined by the size of the boat, the number of the party, and the frequency of visitors. For good-sized skiffs and outrigged boats, it is better to go to one of the recognised boating establish- ments which will be found at the larger towns, such as Richmond, Kingston, Staines, ‘Vindsor, Maidenhead, Taplow, Cookham, Marlow, Henley, Reading, and Oxford; but there are other boat- ing stations along the route where boats may be left and hired ;; steam launches may also be hired for one or more. days at several points, such as Molesey and Taplow. For longer trips an in-rigged skifi or gig is preferable to an out- rigged boat for a party, the greater weight being more than com-' pensated for by increased room and steadiness for towing. A pair- oared gig or randan, with two sitters, is the favourite turn-out. Boats and canoes can be sent by passenger train at the risk of. the owner, or, at a cheaper rate, by goods train ; but time and notice are necessary before sending boats, especially those of a length which makes more than one truck necessary. Rates vary upon different lines, and inquiry must be made as to actual cost. If the crew .e., at least four persons) travel with the boat, a reduction is usually made in the charge for the latter. Boats can also be sent by road, and on the Thames this is the usual mode of transport; but under special circumstances, when time is not important, they are occasionally sent by barge. Oxford boat builders let out boats for the trip down stream at inclusive rates to‘ cover the return of the boat by road. Hotel accommodation at reasonable charges can generally be- reckoned on at the towns; but in the smaller places, and at the prettier- spots, it is not uncommon to find all the hotels and inns occupied by family parties, artists, and others, making a prolonged stay. Sometimes rooms are taken in advance for the greater part of the- season; consequently, though accommodation can mostly be found, it is very annoying to count upon it and arrive at a place after dark, to find every house full and the last train to the nearest town gone.. Camping out, when the party is provided with the necessary tent, wraps, stove, and stores, is pleasant, and riparian owners are courteous, as a rule; but they not unnaturally like their permission to be asked, and have, unfortunately, too often met with anything‘ but a polite return for their courtesy. Lock islands are usually; good camping spots. GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 11 The rule of the river is, that boats going with the stream :should keep in the middle, leaving the water near both banks free to those going against it. The same rule applies in the tideway, though the direction varies with the tides. A rowing boat must give way to a sailing boat, or to one being towed; and, on passing another‘ boat, the overtaking boat must avoid the other. Launches should also give way to rowing boats; boats with eoxwain should give way to those. without; and, by courtesy, pair-oars to fours, and fours to eights. A paddle or other short boat-hook should always be carried for use in locks. The direct passage from the lock-gates should be left clear while waiting, as the obviously necessary rule is, that boats in the lock should come out before these outside move in. Towing “ pays” better than rowing, if the stream is at all strong ‘or the boat heavy. One is then sure of making about three miles" an hour. The tow-line, which should be of ample length, is fixed to a low towing-mast stepped in the forepart of the boat, with stays to relieve it of strain ; or, the line may be fixed about three 'or four feet above the thwart on an ordinary mast, the end being made fast aft like a stay. Towing with a short line is harder work, and is not altogether free from danger. It is a good rule never to change places in mid-stream, nor to stand up in a boat, unless moored or at a landing stage. It is convenient to carry a mast and small sail (preferably a lateen sail), as, besides the enjoyable change of sailing, a very welcome oppor- tunity of rest, especially on a long trip, is thus often afforded without loss of time. A pair of seulls should be taken as well as cars, on account of their occasional great handiness and use. Angling—The fish found in the Thames, above the tideway, are trout, pike or jack, barbel, perch, roach, carp, bleak, tench, dace, chub, gudgeon, bream, minnows, and eels. The adminis- tration of a number of elaborate Bye-laws and Acts of Parliament directly affecting the river is confided to the Thames Conservancy, strictly entitled the Conservators of the Thames (Offices : 41 Trinity Square, London, E.C.), a body first constituted in 1857, and subsequently entrusted with fresh powers from time to time. The members, now numbering 18, are partly nominated and partly elected ; their jurisdiction extends from Cricklade to Yantlet Creek, in Kent, and they regulate the fisheries, navigation (locks, weirs, tow-paths, dredging, &c.), lights to be carried, carriage of explosives, the traffic at regattas, &c. In the lower districts, from Isleworth to London Stone, above Staines, they are energetically seconded, in all matters relating to fisheries and angling, by the Thames Angling Preservation Society, founded in 1838, and composed principally of gentlemen interested in Thames angling, who have appointed water bailiffs to see to the enforcement of the laws as to fence months and sizeable fish. The fence months for trout are from 31st March to 10th September, 12 GUIDE TO THE THAMES. and for other fish, under Mr. Mundella’s Act of 1878, from the; 15th of March to the 15th of June. ‘ The sizes below which fish may not be taken under a penalty of £5 for each ofience are, for jack, 18 inches; trout, 16 inches; barbel, 13 inches; chub, carp, and bream, 10 inches; perch and tench, 8 inches; grayling, roach, and fiounders, 7 inches; dace, 6 inches; and gudgeon, 4 inches. For detailed information as to the best localities for angling, the special swims, suitable bait, and other particulars, reference must be made to one of the numerous works on these subjects. Special cheap third-class return tickets, for stations near the river, are issued by the railway companies to bond jide anglers (210., members of angling clubs who produce their cards of membership at the booking office) at considerably reduced rates. TABLE OF DISTANCES. From From From From From' Place. place Put- 0x- Hen- Wind- to place. ney. ford. ley. sor. London Bridge ......................... .. — 8 ..112%... 65% ...43% Putney ..................................... .. 8 — ...104%...57%...35% Hammersmith Bridge ................ .. 1%... 1% ...102%... 55% ...33% Barnes Railway Bridge ................ .. 2 .. 3% ...100%... 53% ...31% Mortlake (“The Ship”) .......... .. 4%...100 53 ...31 Kew Bridge ............................ .. 5% 98%... 51% ...29% Richmond Bridge ...................... .. 3 8%... 95%...48%...26% Teddington Lock ...................... .. 2%... 11% 93 46 ...24 Kingston Bridge ................... .. 1%... 13% 91%... 44% ...22% Thames Ditton ...................... .. 2 15% 89%... 42% ...20% Molesey Lock (Hampton Court) .... .. 1 16% 88%... 41% ...19% Sunbury Lock ......................... .. 3 19% 85%... 38% ...16% Walton Bridge ...................... .. 20% 83%... 36% ...14% Halliford ......... .................... .. 83 ...36 ...14 Shepperton Lock ...................... .. 1%... 22% 81%... 34% ...12%_ Chertsey Lock ......................... .. 2 24%. . 79%... 32% ...10% Laleham ........................... 1%.. 26 . . 78%...31%... 9% Benton Hook Lock ................... .. %. 26% 77%... 30% 8% Staines Bridge ...................... .. 1%.. 28%.. 76 ...29 7 Bell Weir Lock ......................... .. 1 . 29%.. 75 ...28 6 ' Magna Oharta Island ............. .. 1%. 30% . 73%... 26%... 4% Old Windsor Lock ...................... .. 1%. 32% 72%... 25% 3% vlDatchet ............................... .. 1%. 33%. . 71 ...24%... 2% Romney Lock ............................ .. 1%... 35 .. 69%... 22% % " Windsor Bridge ...................... .. 35% 69 22 - GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 13' From From From From From Place place Put- Ox- Hen- Wind to place. ney. ford. ley. sor. Boveney Lock ......................... .. 2 37%...67 ...20 . 2 Surly Hall ............................ .. 38%... 66% 19% 2% Monkey Island ...................... .. 2 40%...64%... 17%... 4% Bray Lock ............................... .. 40%... 63%...16%... 5% Maidenhead Bridge ................ .. 42%... 62% 15% 6% Boulter’s Lock ......................... .. 43 61% 14% 7% Cliefden Ferry ...................... .. 1%... 44%...60 13 9 Cookham Lock ......................... .. -.- .. 45 59% 12% 9% CookhamBridge ...................... .. 45%...59 12 ...10 Marlow Lockf ............................ .. 3%... 49%... 55% 8% . .13% Marlow Bridge ...................... .. %... 49%...55 8 . .14 Temple Lock ............................ .. 1%... 51 53%... 6%. .15% Hurley Lock ............................ .. %... 51%... 52%... 5%. .16% Medmenham Abbey ................ .. 1%... 53%... 51% 4% . 17% Hambledon Lock ...................... .. 2 55%...49% 2%. .19% Henley Bridge ...................... .. 2%... 57%...47 — . .22 Marsh Lock ............................ .. 58%... 46% % . .22% War-grave Ferry ................... .. 1%... 59%... 44% 2% . .24% Shiplake Lock ......................... .. 1%... 61 3%...25% Sonning Bridge ...................... .. 2%... 63%...41 6 ..28 Sonning Lock ............................ .. 64 ...40%... 6% ..28% CavershamLock ......................... .. 2%... 66%...38 9 ...31 Caversham Bridge ................... .. 67 37% 9%. .31% The “Roebuck” (Tilehurst) .... .. 2%... 69%... 34% 12% . .34% Mapledurham Lock ................... .. 1 70%... 33% .. 13%. .35% Whitchureh Lock (Pangbourne) .... .. 2%... 73 31% .. 15% ...37% Gathampton Ferry ................... .. 2%... 75%... 29 . .18 ...40 Goring Lock ............................ .. 1%... 77 ...2 %. .19% .41% Cleeve Lock ............................ .. %... 77%... 26%. . 20% .42% Moulsford Ferry ................... .. 1%... 79 ...25% 21% .43% Wallingford Bridge ................ .. 4 83 21% 25% .47% Bensington Lock ...................... .. 1%... 84%...20% ..26% ..48% Shillingford Bridge ................ .. 1%... 19 ..28 ...50 Day’s Lock (Dorchester) ............. .. 2%... 88%...16% 30% Clifton Bridge ...................... .. 90%...13% 33%. 55% Clifton Lock ............................ .. 91%... 13% 33% 55% Culham Lock ............................ .. 2%... 94 10% 36% .58% Abingdon Bridge ................... .. 2 96 8%. 38%...60% AbingdonLock ......................... .. 96%... 8 ...39 ..61 Nuneham Bridge ................... .. 2 98%... 6 ...41 ..63 Sandford Lock ......................... .. 2%...101%... 3%. 43% .65% Rose Island ............................ .. 1 ...102%... 2%. 44% 66% Ifiley Lock ............................... .. %...103 1%...45%. 67% Folly Bridge Lock (Oxford) .......... .. 1%...104%... — ..47 .69 14 GUIDE 'ro THE THAMES. THE JOURNEY BY RIVER FROM PUTNEY TO OXFORD. Putney is selected as the starting-point on various grounds, but more especially because it may be called the head-quarters of beating on the metropolitan river. Besides, as the towing-path commences here, it seems to be marked out as the limit of the upper or pleasure river for heating or angling, as distinct from the busy mercantile stream below. The tide flows 3 h. 50 m. ; high water is 35 m. after London Bridge. In earlier days Chelsea, Vauxhall, and Westminster were the chief boating stations, and the haunt of many a “ J olly Young Waterman,” and the Ranelagh Yacht Club held sailing matches till railway bridges stopped them; but the growth of London has caused the factories, coal wharves, and other busy but un- picturesque adjuncts of commercial activity, to extend further and further up the Thames, until London may be said to begin at Putney, if not higher up still, and the tendency upwards is on the increase. Good boats, however, may still be had at Chelsea, Battersea, and \Vandsworth; and the reach immediately below Putney Bridge, with the grounds of Hurlingham (the Gun Club) House and other mansions on the Middlesex shore, is one of the broadest and finest on the river. Putney is, moreover, the head-quarters of rowing as a branch of athletics. Here the principal rowing clubs have their head-quarters; here the great races are either started or won, especially the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, which passes for the great aquatic festival of the Lower, as Henley Regatta does of the Upper Thames. The remaining advantages of Putney as a starting-point are its accessibility, and. the facility with which boatsof all builds and sizes can be obtained for long or short trips. It may be reached by the London and South W'estern Railway from WVaterloo in about twenty minutes (fares 9d.. 7d., 5d), and by the Metro- politan District Railway from Mansion House, Charing Cross, &c., the Putney Bridge Station of this line being on the Middlesex, or Fulham, shore. Steamers from London Bridge, \Vestminster, and, Chelsea call at Putney every half-hour during the season (La, from Whitsuntide to the end of September), and omnibuses run from the bridge to Walham Green, Brompton, Knightsbridge, Piccadilly, &c. Putney itself is an ancient place, possessing still some quaint and picturesque houses in the High Street, and a good church (with a sun-dial), but it has in recent years increased immensely in size, owing to the greater facilities for locomotion. The handsome granite bridge, uniting Putney to Fulham, was built by the Metropolitan Board of Works, and opened in 1885, to replace a curious but unsightly, inconvenient, and dangerous wooden struc- GUIDE To THE THAMES. 15 ture. Putney and Fulham Churches stand immediately at the ends of this bridge, a feature of rare occurrence. Close to the new bridge, on the Middlesex shore, is the Palace of the Bishops of London, and Bishop’s \Valk is a raised public way along the bank in front of the episcopal residence, which, with its wooded grounds, is surrounded by a moat nearly a mile in circuit. The various boathouses occupy the Surrey shore a little above the bridge, and the river bends away to the north, past Craven Cottage on the Middlesex shore, and the grounds of Barnes Elms Park (now the Banelagh Club), the residence by turns of Sir Francis \Valsingham, Abraham Cowley, and Tonson. the famous bookseller of Queen Anne’s time. The celebrated Kitcat Club, of which Pope, Swift, and many others, were members, held its meetings here, and their portraits, by Sir Godfrey Kneller, once adorned its walls, but have now been removed to Bayfordbury, in Hertfordshire. “ The Crabtree ” is a quaint and very isolated hostelry on the Middlesex shore, and forms one of the landmarks on the racing course from Putney to Mortlake. Soap Works Point is another landmark on the Surrey shore, and is followed by Hammersmith Bridge (1% miles), the river here bending sharply to the left in a semi- circle. The Oil Mills, and Chiswick Eyot and Mall, oin Hammersmith to Chiswick (2% miles), the old church of which has been recently restored. Here Hogarth lived, and was buried; and in Chiswick House, close by, belonging to the Duke of Devon- shire, Charles James Fox, the great Whig leader, and George Canning, the gifted but short-lived statesman, both died. The reach from Hammersmith to Chiswick (Corney Reach) is apt to be very “lumpy ” when a stifi north-easter meets a strong ebb. The large works close by the church are those of Messrs. Thorneycroft, builders of steam launches and torpedo boats of every variety and enormous speed. A broad reach succeeds, at the end of which is Barnes, where the London and South Western Loop-line crosses the river (3% miles). Here the stream bends sharply round to the right for three-quarters of a mile, thereby giving to any competitor in a race who has the Middlesex station an undoubted advantage, by shortening the distance in the last part of the race. The tide flows 3 h. 30 m. ; high water 45 m. after London Bridge. Mortlake is noted principally for its large Brewery, and for the “Ship” Inn, nominally the end of the racing course, from Putney 45 miles, but the races have recently gone slightly beyond to compensate for the change that has been made of late in the starting-point at Putney. There is a railway station (L. & S.W.R.) about 10 minutes’ walk from the river. The road from Mortlake across Barnes Common to Putney avoids the great northern sweep of the river, and enables persons with good horses or lungs to see the start of a race at Putney, and the finish at Barnes or Mortlake. A quiet reach extends from Mortlake to A 4 16 GUIDE TO THE THAMES. Strand-on-the-Green, a small and very old-fashioned place, with some quaint old houses and a pretty river-front, lying out of the way of high roads, but noticeable as the residence of the original Joe Miller. At this spot the South- Western, North London, Metropolitan, and District lines cross the river from Gunnersbury (station about 10 minutes distant) to Kew Gardens and Richmond. Passing an island in mid-stream, and the boat-house in which the old City State Barge, the Maria Wood, is housed, the steamboat pier is reached, and immediately afterwards Kew Bridge is shot. It is a picturesque stone structure, built in 1790. Kew is a favourite boating station, with a number of boat builders, and ample hotel and refeshment accommodation. It is also a favourite resort of pleasure seekers by road and railway, and on Saturday and Sunday in the season is alive with visitors. Kew Green, with its old church, in which, among other celebrities, Gainsborough is buried, but which is now much disfigured by modern enlargements, is a quaint spot, little changed by the march of time during the last half century, and leading to the main en- trance to the famous Kew Gardens. These formed the pleasure gardens of Kew Palace, a favourite residence of James I., but in 1840 were made a public domain. They derive their chief value from the botanical labours of Sir Joseph Banks and Sir William Hooker (whose son is the present Director), are beautifully laid out and well wooded, and contain a large and well stocked palm-house, endless conservatories, a valuable botanical museum and arboretum, and a curious pagoda 163 ft. high. The wilder part of the gardens is left as a park, and extends for some distance along the river bank. Beyond this, again, is Kew Park, not open to the public, in which is situated the Observatory, for meteorological and other scientific purposes. Pop. 1,670; 13 miles from London Bridge, 5% from Putney; tide flows 3 hours; high water 55 m. after London Bridge. From the Middlesex end of Kew Bridge, the station of that name, on the South Western Loop-line, is distant only a few yards, and Kew Gardens Station is about three-quarters of a mile from the Surrey end. Brentford (Pop. 11,810), lying to the right, is hidden by the wooded island. or eyot. Although it is the county tovm of l\Iiddlesex, and a very ancient place, its present aspect is un- attractive in the extreme. It contains one long street parallel to the river, and is largely made up of breweries, gas and water works, soap works, canal and river wharves, &c. A battle was fought here, however, in 1016, and victory gained by Edmund Ironside over the Danes; and another during the Civil ‘Var of 1642, when the Parliamentary forces were beaten by Prince Rupert. Gunnersbury and Osterley Parks, and the Jacobean Boston House, are near. GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 17 The entrance of the Brent river will be noted on the right, above ‘the town, but it is now canalized, and is therefore shut off by lock gates. Considerable goods traffic is carried on, however, by barges, and by a branch of the Great \Vestern Railway from Southall. - A little above, on the right, is Zion House, on which stands conspicuously the straight-tailed lion of the Percies, once a familiar object in Trafalgar Square. The house, which is the property of the Duke of Northumberland, was built in the 17th century, in the Jacobean Gothic style, on the site of a convent founded two centuries earlier, seized by Henry VIII. at the Dissolution of Monasteries, and granted by James I. to the family of the present owner. Here Queen Katherine Howard was imprisoned, and Lady Jane Grey resided. ' ISIGWOI‘th (Pop. 12,973), next reached, is an abbreviation of Thistleworth (5.6., the place of Thistles.) It has a picturesque ivy- covered church at the water’s edge, some almshouses and schools, and an old-fashioned street, but lies behind the Eyot and away from the river bank. Railhead Ferry, at the upper end of the island, is a picturesque spot often seen in photographs (though the trees have been mostly cut down), and the tree-shadowed walk by the towing-path to Richmond is well worth a visit. 7% miles from Putney, 97 miles from Oxford. - Richmond Railway Bridge is now seen passed, and in a few hundred yards Richmond Bridge (8% miles from Putney, 95% from Oxford) is reached. The Station is about 10 minutes’ walk from the river. ' Richmond (Pop. 19,066) is a favourite place of residence and holiday resort for Londoners, and has extended very much in recent years. It is also an important boating station, where every kind of boat and all accessories may be readily obtained. The view of the bridge, town, and hill from below is one of the best known on the Thames. Richmond is at an easy distance for an afternoon’s row from Putney or Chelsea when the tide serves, i.e., when it is high water at London Bridge some time between 4 and 6.30 pm. Tide flows 2 hours, high water 1% hours after London Bridge. " This spot, under its old name of Sheen or Schene, was a royal residence from Anglo-Saxon times, and there is still on the Green (a place of former tournaments) a gateway left of the Palace in which the Plantagenets and Tudors resided. Edward III. died here (1377), and Geoffrey Chaucer held the prosaic appointment of ~Surveyor of the Works. A fire gave Henry VII., formerly Henry Duke of Richmond, an opportunity of rebuilding the Palace and naming it after himself. Elizabeth died here (1603), and Charles I. enclosed the noble park of 2, 300 acres, which is now publicproperty. A splendid and celebrated view over the wooded plain of the ‘Thames is obtained from the Terrace on Richmond Hill, at the upper end of which are the entrance to the Park, and the “Star and 18 GUIDE TO THE THAMES. Garter” Hotel, a land-mark for miles round. In the church lies the poet Thomson ; and there is a medallion to Edmund Kean, the actor, who, with many other celebrities of the stage, frequently played in the little theatre here (pulled down in 1886). In the old Deer Park below Richmond stood the house of Sir William Temple, the essayist and statesman, to whom Dean Swift was Secretary.. Richmond can be reached from all parts of London by the Metro» politan, North London, Metropolitan District, and L. and S. W.. Railways (fare from \Vaterloo, ls. 3d., 1s., 9d.), and by Omnibuses.. Continuing the upward journey, we come to the small but beautifully situated mansion purchased by the Corporation of Richmond from the Duke of Buccleuch; and, passing by the island. (taking care to keep to the Surrey shore, except at high tide), we- turn into the wooded reach extending to Twickenham, and, looking back over Petersham Common, get a fine view of Richmond Hill and the Park. On the left is Ham House, belonging to the Earl of Dysart, half‘ hidden in trees, built in the 17th century by Sir T. Vavasor, and containing many rare books (some from Caxton’s Press), and some fine old furniture. Close by, too, is Sudbrook House, once the residence of that Duke of Argyll who figures in Scott’s Heart of Mid-Lothz'an. The river is here very shallow, except'at high tide, and it is best. to keep to the dredged channel near the towing-path. On the Middlesex shore are seen the terrace of Orleans House, where the exiled Orleans princes lived after 1848, and Marble Hill, a famous mansion built for the Countess of Suffolk by George II. ; after which, at the head of Eel- pie Island (containing the favourite Island Hotel), we reach Twickenham Ferry, celebrated in the ballad of that name. Twickenham (Pop. 12,479), in Middlesex, is a favourite place- of residence. The Church stands close to the river, but has no pretensions to beauty, and is only interesting as the burial-place- of Pope, whose villa stood on the river-bank just above. Sir Godfrey Kneller lived at Kneller Hall, about two miles distant. The river frontage of Twickenham lies behind Eel-pie Island, the- towing-path and deep water being on the opposite or Surrey side of the river. Boats may be hired or left here. 1% miles from Richmond, 10} from Putney, 94 from Oxford ; trains from Water- loo, fares 1s. 6d., 1s. 2d., 11d. Pope’s Villa, pulled down shortly after the poet’s death, is repre-- sented by an unmistakably modern, fantastic house, which however is made tolerable by its surroundings. The river bends here to the left, the inside of the curve being often very shallow; and, passing‘ in the distance the curious Gothic mansion of Horace Walpole, Strawberry Hill, and other more modern residences, Teddington. Lock shortly comes in sight, Teddington village lying to the right towards the Weir. ' GUIDE To THE THAMES. 19 ‘L ‘I'eddington (Pop. 6, 599) is a pretty village, with a picturesque churchyard in which Peg Woffington, the actress, lies buried. Boats may be hired or left here, and the Angler’s Hotel has grounds running down to the river close to the \Vcir, which is a fine new structure and has a noble fall when the river is full and the tide low. Bushey Park adjoins the village, and at the farther ‘end of the famous avenue of horse-chestnuts is Hampton Court Palace, which is thus‘ within a walk (of about half-an-hour) of Teddington, though nearly five miles distant by river. The L. and S. ‘V. Railway Station is about 10 minutes distant from the river. Fares to \Vaterloo (vi/2 ‘Vimbledon, or @212 Twickenham), 2s., 1s. 6d., 1s. Tide flows 1 hour, high water 1% hours after London Bridge; 2-2- miles from Richmond, 11% from Putney, 24 from Windsor, 46 from Henley, and 93 from Oxford. Teddington Lock, 19% miles from London Bridge, is the head of the tideway on the Thames, though, under special circumstances, the tide has been known to flow over the weir and make itself felt at Kingston. The usual fall is about 5 ft. There is an additional boat-lock. for two boats at a time, by the side of the larger lock, and there are also rollers on inclined planes, which offer to lightly laden beats a more expeditious means of passing the lock. Above the lock is a noble reach, on which sailing boats from Kingston may usually be seen, as it lies high and open, and catches whatever breeze there may be. Passing by a long backwater, fre- quented in summer by bathers, and then an island, and a number of luxurious villas with lawns down to the water’s edge, Kingston Railway Bridge is shot, and, a couple of hundred yards further, the Town Bridge. Kingston-on-Thames (Pop. 20,648) is 13;;~ miles from Putney, 1% from Teddington, 91% from Oxford; and has a station 6 minutes from river on Surrey shore (fares to \Vaterloo, 28., 1s. 6d., ls.). It is an ancient and still busy market town, with abundant hotel accommodation ; while its suburbs of Norbiton and Surbiton are rapidly increasing and favourite residential districts. Their names (A.S., North-without and South-without) testify to the early extent of Kingston, and the name of the latter tells of its importance. ,The King’s Stone, carefully preserved in the market-place, is believed to have served seventeen Saxon kings as a seat at their coronation. Eight names are. however, historic, and these are inscribed on the base. Kingston was a royal demesne at the time of Domesday, and retains rights in royal parks to the present day. It obtained from King John a charter (dated 1209) which is still in existence, and it subsequently received many others. The cruciform Church has a conspicuous tower, with a peal of ten bells, and contains a statue by Chantrey and some brasses. The Grammar School, rebuilt in 1878, the Market Hall, and Court House are the principal buildings. The 20 GUIDE To THE THAMES. stone Bridge was built in 1828, and freed in 1870; it unites the town to Hampton ‘Vick, in Middlesex. Bushey Park is close by, and Hampton Court is within an easy walk. Proceeding up stream, the towing-path is on the right, or Middlesex, side for the first time. Kingston runs into Surbiton, where there is a fine ornamental promenade along the river; and this is succeeded by the dead wall of the reservoirs of the various water companies, which, since 1852, when they were forbidden to take water from the tideway, have had here their intake for the supply of a large part of London. Curving round to the right, the little village of Thames Ditton comes in sight, with its well-known riverside hostelry the “Swan,” and, after a long and compara- tively straight reach, Hampton Court Bridge is shot. Hampton Court, in Middlesex, is opposite to Molesey, or Moulsey, on the Surrey shore. It is 4% miles from Teddington, 16% from Putney, and 88% from Oxford. Trains run from Waterloo to Hampton Court Station, close to the bridge, on the Surrey shore (fares 2s., ls. 6d., ls. 2%d.). Hampton Court is about 15 miles from London by road, and may be reached either by Richmond and Teddington, or by \Vimbledon Common and Kingston. There is a daily steamer in summer from London. Bridge, occupying about 3% hours each way, but dependent to some extent on the tide (fare 2s. 6d.). The Virginia Water Coach, from Hatchett’s Hotel, Piccadilly, stops at Hampton Court. Hotel accommodation is abundant on both sides of the river. The river Mole here joins the Thames, from the uplands in the far south of Surrey, its most picturesque part being near Dorking, where it flows through the North Downs by Boxhill. There is usually a strong stream at the bridge from Molesey ‘Veir. The leading attraction is the old Palace. It was originally built, in 1515, by Cardinal \Volsey, and presented by him, in 1526, to Henry VIII., as a more royal residence than Sheen Palace (Richmond). The noble hall of this date, recently re- decorated, is still hung with old tapestry, and forms the finest. feature of the building. The Palace was a favourite residence of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth. James I. held the famous Eccle- siastical Conference here. Charles I. made it almost his home,’ and was also confined here as a prisoner in 1648. YVilliam I. mostly held his Court here and at Kensington; and George I. and George II. enlarged and adorned it in the then prevalent style, the long garden front, trim gardens, and stately but formal avenues reminding the visitor of the taste which presided at the creation of Versailles. Since 1760 Hampton Court has not been a royal residence. Medallions by Luca della Robbia, ceilings, &c. by Verrio, and a large collection of about 1,000 pictures, by various masters, are to be seen in the suite of state-rooms. The great avenue looks straight towards Surbiton. There are ornamental waters, terrace walks, various gardens, a maze, and a wonderful GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 21 vine, &c.; and opposite the great gates is Bushey Park, 1,100 acres in extent. The Palace and grounds are open daily free, but on Sundays only after 2 p.m. Molesey Lock is just above Hampton Court Bridge. There are rollers also here, as at Teddington. The lock out runs for some little distance, and is prolonged by islands, on one of which stands Tagg’s boat-house, where boats of all kinds (including steam launches) and every requisite can be obtained. If it be intended to proceed up stream, it is a good plan to hire a boat here, and thus avoid the delay of the look. A small islet further on lies in front of the village of Hampton, with its square-towered church. A railway station of the Thames Valley line is about % mile distant. On the Surrey shore is Hampton Race Course, once famous as the scene of numerous prize fights; and a little below Hampton is Garrick’s Villa (known by the small temple-like structure on the river bank), where the great actor lived in his later years, though hardly in what could be called retirement, since his house was always thronged with visitors. There is not much of interest now for some distance up stream, but the open banks make this a good reach for sailing. Passing up against Sunbury Race, where, after rain and in winter, the stream is very strong, the next lock, Sunbury Lock, is 3 miles from Molesey, 3% from Shepperton Lock, 19% from Putney, 85% from Oxford. The L. & S. ‘V. R. station, on Thames Valley line, is rather over a mile from the river. Fares from \Vaterloo, 2s. 6d., 2s., 1s. 4d. Sunbury village (Pop. 3,368) is on the Middlesex shore, opposite the lock, and looks well from the river, though there is nothing very picturesque about it. Kempton Park race-course is near. There are several good hotels, and boats may be hired or left. The angling here is good, and the Thames Angling Preservation Society have breeding pends on the Surrey shore. Proceeding over the rollers and up the lock cut, a broad straight reach opens out, on which is held Walton Regatta; the course being from the top of Sunbury WVeir to the wooden bridge. Walton-on-Thames (Pop. 2,673) does not make much show on the Surrey shore, the greater part of the village lying a little inland. There are one or two comfortable inns, and the locality has a good reputation for angling. The wooded high ground of Oatlands Park here adds much to the beauty of the scene, and a long and once picturesque bridge spans the backwater and low ground, near which Caesar is believed to have crossed the river. The little town of ‘Valton is more imposing, and has a very ancient (partly pre-Norman) Church, with some curious and inter- esting monuments, one of them by Chantrey. Bradshaw, the regicide, lived here, and, according to local tradition, Cromwell resided at Ashley Park close by. Lilly, the Astrologer, was Church- warden, and Admiral Rodney was born, at Walton. Walton and 22 GUIDE To THE THAMES. Hersham Station (L. & S.W.R. main line) is some little distance ' inland (fares to Vvaterloo, 3s., 2s., ls. 5d.), and St. George’s Hill, Weybridge, is not far distant. It is well worth a visit. The river now makes several sweeping curves, at the top of one of which Halliford is situated. Here there are several inns, well known to anglers, and one, the “ Ship,” enjoys a considerable repu-'- tation for club dinners and summer entertainments. Another stretch of water is traversed before Shepperton (Pop. 1,126) is reached. At this village is the terminus of the Thames Valley branch (fares from Waterloo, 3s., 2s. 4d, 1s. 6%d), situated about a mile from the river side. Shepperton has a picturesque cruciform Church, built in the early part of the 17th century; but the Rectory is much older, and is built of oak. It is memorable for the visit of the great Erasmus, of Rotterdam, to the then rector, Grocyn, who is famous in the annals of English scholarship. Shepperton LOCk is on the Middlesex side, and is 3% miles from Sunbury, 223 from Putney, and 81% from Oxford. The towing-path here crosses to the Middlesex shore. Following the .river round to the left towards the weir, the confluence of the river \Vey is seen, and also the iron bridge which carries the Chertsey road over the river and gives a name to \Veybridge. The VVey is a stream of some importance, rising far away in the chalk districts of Hampshire, and flowing through charming ' scenery, past Guildford and over the sandy district of pine and fir to the north of that town. It is navigable for a long distance, considerably beyond Guildford. Oatlands Park may be visited from Weybridge. It was formerly royal property, and in the present century what is new the Oatlands Park Hotel was built by the Duke of York. St. George’s Hill, with its wild fir woods, is also within easy reach, and there is a station on the L. & S. W. Railway (fares from Waterloo, 3s. 6d., 2s. 6d., ls. 7d.). Weybridge is a good angling centre, and the deep called Mother Halliday’s Hole is famous for bream and barbel. Nothing of special interest occurs on the Thames between Shepperton and the next lock, which is arrived at after passing round a semicircular curve and under Chertsey Bridge, close to which is the Bridge House Hotel and boat-yard. Chertsey (Pop. 3,966) is a quiet little country town, about 23 miles from London, lying some little distance inland from the Thames, and having a station on the L. 8: S. W. line from Wey- bridge to Virginia Water (fares 4s., 3s., 1s. 10d.). It was formerly celebrated for its Benedictine Abbey, which was founded in 666 A.D., destroyed by the Danes, rebuilt 964 A.D., and, after flourishing under its mitred Abbots and possessing large revenues, was sup- pressed by Henry VIII. in 1536. No ruins remain. The house formerly occupied by Abraham Cowley, the essayist and poet, GUIDE To THE THAMES. 23 whose curious and crabbed style, though lauded to the skies by his contemporaries, repels all but students at the present day, is in Guildford Street, and is distinguished by a tablet. Cowley died in 1667. St. Anne’s Hill, about three-quarters of a mile from the town, is 240 ft. high, and is clothed with woods, laid out in paths and provided with seats, &c., from which extensive views over the level country are obtained. It was the residence of the statesman Fox, and is still in the possession of the Fox family (Lady Holland). “ Chertsey Look, a short distance above the Bridge, is 2 miles from Shepperton Lock, 24% from Putney, and 79% from Oxford. The weir immediately above the lock has a heavy fall of water, and should be given a wide berth. Below it, in the weir stream, there is good angling, as indeed there is for some miles up and down. The river widens out here, and in one or two places towing be- comes almost impracticable in dry seasons, owing to the shoals 'on the Middlesex shore. Laleham, which comes next, is a quaint and quiet village, with an ancient church. The house by the Ferry is a seat of the Earl of Lucan. Penton HOOk Lock, about mile higher up, is 2 miles from Chertsey Lock, 26?,- from Putney, and 77;i from Oxford. It is cut through a narrow neck between two bends of the river, which here almost doubles back upon itself after a détom' nearly a mile in length, in which there is good fishing. From this hook runs the Abbey mill stream, a channel made by the Chertsey monks to utilise the Thames in driving their mill. It re-enters the river just below Chertsey weir. A quiet stretch of water follows next, and extends for nearly two miles to Staines Bridge, a handsome granite structure built by Rennie early in this century. The railway bridge, below, carries the Reading line of the L. & S. \V. Railway over the river. Staines (Pop. 4,628) is a small country town, 19 miles from London, having a station half a mile from the river on the London and South Western Railway (\Vindsor line; fares 3s. 3d, 2s. 3d., 1s. 7d.). It has ample hotel accommodation, and several boat- builders’ yards where boats and all appliances may be had. The town occupies the site of the Roman All Ponies, and is the Saxon Stane. Here is the London Stone bearing the City Arms, and showing the ancient limit of the authority of the Lord Mayor over the Thames. There are a brewery, a linoleum factory, and other industries in the locality; and there is good angling both in the Thames and Colne, which joins the main river a little above the town. A little above the town is the boundary of Middlesex and Buckinghamshire. The towing-path here crosses to the Surrey shore, and one mile further up stream is Bell Weir Lock, 2% miles from Penton Hook Lock, 29% miles from Putney, and 75 from Oxford. The village of Egham is close by, on the Surrey side, and, after an S curve, the river 24 GUIDE To THE THAMES. passes by Runnymede, at the foot of Cooper’s Hill, while in the stream itself is the picturesque little Magna Charta Island. This neighbourhood is classic ground, both on account of the great con- stitutional struggle here successfully begun, and of the two poets associated with Egham. Shelley frequently stayed here, and 150 years earlier Denham lived at the Vicarage. At Oxford, in 1643, he wrote the well-known poem on the Thames, entitled Cooper’s Hill, which at once achieved a great success, and is still much more readable than most contemporary and much later poetry. The church contains a painting by Westall, a monument by Flaxman, and another by Baily. On Cooper’s Hill stands the Royal Indian Engineering College. \Vindsor Great Park is at a short distance, and Virginia Water within easy reach. Egham has a station on the Reading line, L. 8: About three-quarters of a mile above is the well-known and charmingly situated riverside hostelry, “ The Bells of Ouseley,” with good views up and down stream. Surrey here joins Berks, and the river is broad, clear, and fringed with rushes, osiers, and scattered timber. Wraysbury village lies inland on the Bucking- hamshire shore. 01d Windsor Lock is a short mile above the “ Bells.” It is 2% miles from Bell Weir Look, 32% from Putney, and 72% from Oxford. A long cut above the lock avoids a considerable bend of - the river, and soon after emerging from it and passing the weir, the Albert Bridge, a graceful iron structure, comes in sight. Here the towing-path fpractically ends until?1 Windsor is reached, for, although there is a gate into Frogmore Park, it is usually closed. About a mile above the Albert Bridge is the village of Datchet, celebrated as the scene of Falstaff’s ducking in The Merry Wives of IVz'ndsor. The village has some good old houses and a restored church, and the London and South ‘Western Railway station is close to the river. Windsor Castle may be seen across the Park to the right. The stream here is often very strong. Victoria Bridge connects the Datchet road with \Vindsor, and a little higher up the South Western line passes over the river. Following a sharp curve to the west, and keeping to the left of the island, we arrive- at the next lock. Romney Lock, or Windsor Lock, is 2% miles from Old Windsor Lock, 35 from Putney, and 69% from Oxford. It is charmingly placed among the trees, and a few hundred yards above is Windsor Bridge ; Eton College and the Playing-fields lying to the right, on the Buckinghamshire shore. Windsor (Pop. 12,273) is 22 miles from London, and may be reached by L. 8: S. \V. Railway from Waterloo, or Great ‘Vestern Railway from Paddington (fares, 3s. 9d., 2s. 10d., 1s. 9%d., special cheap excursion fares in summer; time occupied, from 40 to 70 minutes). There are numerous hotels, and boats of all kinds and all conveniences for the river may be had. GUIDE To THE THAMES. 25 \Vindsor owes its importance to the splendid Castle, which is. built on an abrupt chalk hill overlooking the river, and which is; now the chief residence of the Sovereign. The West Saxon kings had a palace here; and a Norman fortress, of which a gateway remains, was built by the Conqueror, who hunted in the Forest- The present building dates mainly from the reign of Edward III. (14th century), who built the Round Tower, St. George’s Hall, and other parts, employing as his architect or clerk of the works the celebrated WVilliam of Wykeham. St. George’s Chapel, with its fine late Gothic fan-vaulting, was built by Edward IV., and subsequent monarchs—especially Elizabeth, Charles II., and George IV.-—madc extensive additions. There is a fine view from the Round Tower. Many kings and celebrities are buried here, and in St. George’s Chapel is a beautiful cenotaph to the Princess Charlotte. The Albert Memorial Chapel is a marvel of modern decorative art. The Home Park is three miles round, and contains the Royal Mausoleum of Frogmore, where the Prince Consort is buried. The Great Park, or \Vindsor Forest, is a grand expanse of undulating Woodland, stocked with deer, and extending to Virginia Water. It is about 14 miles round. The Long Walk is a straight avenue of elms three miles in length, commencing at the Castle gate and terminating at the equestrian statue of George III. There is little of interest in the town. Eton (Pop. 3,464), united by a bridge to Windsor, with which it practically forms one town, contains one long street, and is noted for its College, the greatest of the public schools of England, in. which from 800 to 900 boys are educated. The College roll of honour contains many of the first names in English history. The school was founded in 1440, by Henry VI., a statue of whom stands in the courtyard. The Dining Hall, Chapel, and other venerable buildings are of various dates, going back to 1523, and additions have been made in recent times. Many of the boys reside at specially appointed houses in the town. A great festival is held on the river annually, on the 4th of June, when there is a grand procession of boats. - Proceeding up stream from Windsor Bridge, a fine view is obtained of the red-roofed town, dominated by the ancient towers and bastion of the Castle; while Eton College, on the other shore, forms a picture which recalls Gray’s celebrated ode. Passing under the curious railway bridge, characteristic of the engineering of the Great Western Railway, the river bends sharply to the right, past the Eton boys’ bathing-place, called Athens, and Clewer village, on the Berks shore. The next point to be noticed, Boveney Lock, is 2 miles from Romney Look, 37% from Putney, 67 from Oxford. Good bathing at the weir. Boveney village is on the Bucks shore, rather above the lock, inland; and almost opposite, at the end of a reach, is the Surly Hall Hotel, a. ‘26 GUIDE To THE THAMES. spot well known to all travellers on the river, and especially to the Eton boys, whose 4th of June festival is held here. A mile higher up is Queen’s Island, and thence, past Monkey Island up ‘to Bray Lock, the stream is so strong as to make towing advisable for those on the water. Along this part of the river are numerous fine residences, such as Down Place and \Vater Oakley Court. On Monkey Island there are an hotel, boathouse, &c. Bray Lock is 3% miles from Boveney Lock, 405,‘- from Putney, and 63% from Oxford. Taplow station, on the Great Western Railway, is about a mile distant (fares from London, 4s, 3s., ls. 195d; cheap excursion fares in summer). A long cut above ‘the lock ends a little below Bray village, with the tower of its church visible, which church is one of the finest in the Thames Valley, and is famous for its Vicar, who was consistent only in his changes of opinion : and also for a relic of old times, in the form of a chained book. There are numerous old timber houses—boarden- ‘houses, as they are called in some parts of the country—and the picturesque 16th century Jesus Hospital. One mile higher up we come to Maidenhead Bridge, after passing under the Great Western main line. Maidenhead station is at :some distance on the Berkshire side, the nearest station being 'Taplow, in Bucks. Skindle’s Hotel, at the Bridge, on the Bucks side, offers accommodation for tourists, who can also be abundantly supplied in the town, or along the towing-path above the bridge. Maidenhead Bridge is a favourite starting place, and on Saturdays and Sundays the river, for the next few miles, is alive with every description of craft, and Boulter’s Lock is in a state of perpetual crowding. There are numerous islands at this spot, and, the stream from the weir being strong, the half-mile to the lock seems doubled. Taplow Court (\V. H. Grenfell) has some fine pictures by old masters, and the church some curious brasses. Burnham Beeches can be visited from Taplow, and the country in- land and up the rive: is well worth exploration. A charming walk of nine miles, for instance, along the high road leads to Henley, which is more than 15 miles distant by river. Maidenhead (Pop. 8,220) is a flourishing corporate town, with many new and attractive residences in its neighbourhood, and it is a busy centre of local trade, having more or less supplanted Bray. The station is a junction, where the line to Cookham, Marlow, Wyeombe, Thame, and Oxford leaves the main line of the ‘Great Western Railway. Many delightful excursions can be made by those not using a boat, and the leading points of attraction on this part of the Thames are all within easy reach. Boulter’s Lock is 21}; miles from Bray Lock, 43 from Putney, and 61% from Oxford. There are numerous hotels and boat-yards on the bank and on the islands, besides those in the neighbouring town. Glen Island has a residence on it, and above the trees the ‘chimneys of Taplow Court are visible ; while in the distance behind GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 27 rises the high land, which may be traced far away up stream to Cliefden hill and woods. The backwaters here are made pictu- resque by the numerous islands and the swift stream and broken water from the weir. Very soon the woods descend almost to the water’s edge, and the great mansion of Clieveden (or Cliefden) House comes into view, splendidly situated on the hill-top and overlooking the “ river- sundered champaign ” of Berkshire. The present mansion (Duke of Westminster) was built by Barry, to replace one originally erected by the George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, who is made famous by Dryden’s Satires, and in which Frederick, Prince of Wales, the father of George III., subsequently resided. The road from Taplow runs up the hills at the back of Cliefden, and afiords a fine view over the grounds of Hedsor, with its sham ruin, and the river by Cookham. One mile and a half from Boulter’s Lock is Oliefden Ferry, which is considered as the central point of one of the loveliest’ pieces of Thames scenery. The woods of Cliefden, sloping down to- the towing-path, make a glorious bank of foliage, especially at the commencement of autumn, and on the other side noble trees dot the grounds of several residences, until a curve shows the lock to the left, after passing one or two delightful backwaters. The beauty of wood and water is here at its perfection. The views- from the lock, and along the few hundred yards up to Cookham bridge, are among the best on the river. A foot-path by the weir- stream leads up to Hedsor Hill. Cookham Lock is a little over 2 miles from Boulter’s Lock, 45 from Putney, and 59% from Oxford. Looking down from. Cookham bridge, the river is seen to form four streams, the second from the Bucks shore being the lock cut, and this view is one of’ the most beautiful on the Thames. Cookham (Pop. 851) is one of the best known spots in the Thames Valley, and is a favourite stopping place. It has several. hotels, and a plentiful supply of boats. The village itself is. picturesque, and the church is interesting. There is capital bathing at Odney Weir, on one of the back- waters. The bridge (toll %d.) leads to Hedsor, Bourne End, and the road to Marlow and Wycombe, and the excursions possible in. this direction are numerous and attractive. Cookham station is on the Great Western Thame and Oxford branch from Maidenhead (fares to Paddington, 5s., 3s. 8d., 2s. 3d.) The next station, Bourne End, is about a mile from the bridge, and is the junction. for the Marlow branch. The river now curves to the right, passing Bourne End and its paper mills, where the little stream, the ‘Vyke, on which Wy- combe stands, flows into the Thames. Under the railway bridge the stream makes an almost semi-circular sweep to the left, to Spade Oak Wharf, where the towing-path again crosses into 28 GUIDE To THE THAMES. Bucks. Then follows a long, straight reach, broad and often very shallow, running at last under the hills clothed by the beautiful Quarry Woods, where once the poet Shelley lay in his boat and put into living verse the beauty which he saw around. Here we may find what inspired such lines as the following, which worthily describe the district round Marlow :— “ A scene of joy and wonder to behold That river’s shapes and shadows changing ever, \Vhere the broad sunrise filled with deepening gold Its Whirlpools, where all hues did spread and shiver Among rocks clad with flowers, the foam and spray Sparkled like stars upon the sunny river; Or when the moonlight poured a holier ray One vast and glittering lake around green islands lay.” Keeping to the left of a maze of small islets, among which dashes the broken and foam-fiecked water from the weir, we ap- preach the next lock. Marlow Lock is 3% miles from Cookham Lock, 49% from Putney, and 55% from Oxford, and only a few hundred yards from Great Marlow (Pop. 4,763), which, with its graceful suspen- sion bridge, built in 1835, and the picturesque spire of an unlovely church, is seen at its best from the river. The town has one fine broad street, and is remarkably clean and orderly; but, though lace-making and embroidery are carried on, and the town has a brewery and several small industries, it does not impress the visitor with its commercial activity. It has a fine Gothic Catholic church by Pugin, and the choir of the parish church is by Sir Gilbert Scott. Great Marlow is very old, being named as Merelaw in Domesday Book ; and the manor, after being taken from the Earl of Mercia, was granted by William the Conqueror to his Queen. The Bluecoat School was founded by Sir W. Borlase, in 1624. The view from Winter Hill extends from Henley to Cookham ; and High Wycombe, with \Vycombe Abbey (Lord Carington), is within an easy walk. There are several hotels and a railway station (fares to Paddington, 6s.,v 4s. 6d., 2s. 7%d., special excursion fares in summer), and the locality is a good centre for exploring the charming district of the Chalk (Chiltern) Hills, which is much less visited than, on account of its quiet beauty, it deserves to be. Boats may be left at Haynes’, under the bridge. Shelley resided for some time at Mar- low, in 1817, while writing his Revolt of Islam. His house in West Street is distinguished by a tablet. ' _ ' Proceeding up stream, we next come to Bisham, immortalised In one of Vicat Cole’s splendid river scenes. Bisham Grange is on the river bank. Bisham Abbey stands on the site of a former re- ligious house, belonging once to the Knights-Templars, and after- wards to the Augustinians. ‘The mansion is a good specimen of GUIDE To THE THAMEs. 29 Elizabethan domestic architecture, and is now the seat of G. Vansittart, Esq. Queen Elizabeth resided there while Princess, in semi-imprisonment. Close by is the old Norman church (seen from the river), in which was buried, in 1471, the famous Earl of Warwick, the “ Kingmaker,” who owned the manor of Marlow and other property in the locality, previously held by the Beau- champ and Despencer families. The long and noble reach to Temple Lock is used for Marlow Regatta. _ Temple Lock (1% miles from Marlow. 51 miles from Putney, and 53% from Oxford) takes its name from Temple House, belong- ing to Colonel Owen Williams, on the left or Berkshire shore, a little above the lock. On the right side, a little way inland, stands Harleyford House, the seat of Sir W. Clayton; and just before reaching the next lock is Lady Place, a fine Elizabethan mansion, built by Sir Richard Lovelace, the well-known cavalier, who was afterwards made Lord Lovelace by Charles I. It was in this house that the negoeiations were carried on with William of Orange for the Revolution of 1688. The river here is beautiful in the extreme, being broken up by islands, bordered by rich meadows, or shadowed by noble timber; while the neighbouring hill-slopes are still near enough to add their special attractions to the scene. Hurley village (Pop. 193), too, is interesting, and possesses considerable remains of the old Benedictine Monastery of Our Lady, which gave its name to Lady Place; the church, consecrated in 1086 by Osmund the Good, of Sarum, being still in good preservation, and the Refectory still standing on the north, while the vaults have a special historical interest inasmuch as the invitation to the Prince of Orange was here signed. Hurley Lock is three-quarters of a mile from Temple Lock, 51% from Putney, and 52% from Oxford. Passing through the lock, a view is obtained of Danesfield, a large modern mansion on the hills to the right, said to stand on the site of a Danish entrenchment. It is now the residence of the Scott-Murray family. The weir and tumbling bay are very picturesque ; and a beautiful reach, curving first to the left by the chalk cliffs and then among several islands to the right, extends to - Medmenham Abbey, where there is a ferry. The tow-path here crosses to the’ Bucks shore, and close by may be seen a well-known hotel, charmingly situated. Medmenham village lies a little inland, nestling under the hills; but the hotel provides for the wants of tourists, and affords most de- lightful views of the river. The Abbey, of which there are some picturesque remains—added to, however, in modern times—was originally founded in 1204, as a cell of the great Cistercian Abbey of Woburn, and after being used as a residence, in the last century it became the seat -of the scandalous order of mock-monks founded by Lord Despencer, with the anti-monastic device of “ Fay ce que voudras ’-’ (Do as youv please). - 30 GUIDE To THE THAMES. We are now in the very heart of the loveliest scenery of the Thames, which, for its quiet, hill-shaded waters, covered in sum- mer with water-lilies, its park-like meadows and wooded hills, and its general air of restful beauty, is not to be surpassed on any English river, if it be not indeed unique. The nearest station is Marlow, but Henley is not much further off in the opposite direction. Passing Rose Hill House and Culham Court, on the hills to the left, and Magpie Island, the river soon brings us to the next lock. Hambledon Lock is 3% miles from Hurley Look, 55% from Putney, and 49,-1L from Oxford. The sharp streams at the weir and between the islands, with the adjacent deeps, both here and at Hurley and Temple locks, are good angling spots, especially for gudgeon and the smaller fish. Almost immediately after passing through the lock, Greenlands, the seat of the Right Hon. W. H. Smith, comes into view, on the Bucks shore. It is famous for having stood, under Sir J. D’Oyley, a siege of nearly six months, in 1644, by the Parliamentary forces. The river now curves sharply to the south, and brings us to Regatta Island, which is ornamented by a temple, and forms the starting-point for the races at Henley Regatta, the course being the splendid reach of 1% miles of almost straight water to Henley Bridge. Remenham village is on the left, or Berks, shore; and opposite stands the mansion of Fawley Court, built by Sir C. Wren, immediately above which is the boundary between Buckingham- shire and Oxfordshire. Henley-on-Thames (Pop. 4,604) is situated 2% miles above Hambledon and g mile below Marsh Lock, and is distant 57-;— miles- from Putney and 47 from Oxford. There is abundant hotel accommodation in the town, and boats of all kinds may be obtained. The railway station is the terminus of a branch of the Great Western Railway from Twyford. Fares to Paddington (35% miles), 6s. 3d., 4s. 8d., 2s. 11%d; return, 10s. 9d., 8s., and Saturday to Monday tickets, 7s. 6d. and 5s. ; also, in summer, cheap- excursion fares. Time about 1% hours, but there are some fast trains. The town is well situated, and its bridge and church tower form striking objects from the river. The Church was built by Wolsey, in the Late Gothic style, and has a fine west window, oak screen, and baptistery. The Town-hall contains two portraits by Kneller ; and the bridge is adorned by sculptures. representing the Thames and Isis, by Mrs. Damer, daughter of General Conway, who lived at Park Place in the last century. In the church is a tablet to Dumouriez, the victorious general of Valmy (1792), who afterwards betrayed the cause for which he fought, but who was pensioned in England, and died at Henley in 1823. The country round is charming, and the town itself is beautifully situated on the Oxford road. There are hills on both sides of the river. The road mid Slough and Maidenhead to Oxford passes over the bridge and along the principal street of GUIDE To THE THAMES. 31 the town, and then by the “ Fair Mile” to the Summit of the Chiltern Hills, near Nettlebed, a point which should be visited on account of the extensive views. The town possesses a grammar school, founded in 1604, and some quaint old houses; but the chief attraction is the annual Regatta, which lasts either two or three days (according to the entries) in July, and is the greatest and most popular aquatic festival in England. It was started in 1829, and has grown very much in modern times in public estimation, as is attested by the swarms of boats of every description which crowd the river during the two days of the Regatta. Crews are Sent to compete by the Universities, the public schools,- the leading rowing clubs, &c., and even from America and Germany. The races are the Grand Challenge Cup, Ladies’ Challenge Plate, and Thames Cup for eights—the first named being considered the leading race of the year, while the Ladies’ Plate is restricted to the crews sent by colleges and public Schools, and the Thames Cup is confined to oarsmen not engaged in the G. C. C. of the year. The leading four-cared event is the Stewards’ Cup, a seat in the winning crew being perhaps the highest ambition that an oarsman can entertain—the other four-cared races being the Visitors’, for college crews, and the ‘Wyfold Cup, an open race of the Second class ; all these three races are rowed without coxwains, the steering being done by one of the oarsmen, (generally the bow), with the feet. Beyond these, there is a four-oared race for Public Schools, this race being rowed on fixed seats, with coxwains. The Goblets, for pairs, and the Diamond Challenge Sculls, for scullers, complete the programme. Continuing up stream, the Henley bathing-place is passed on the left, and then a long wooden bridge carries the tow-path across the mill race to the Lock Island, which is in midstream and opposite to the lovely grounds of Park Place, the road from Henley to W'argrave running along the crest of the hills. Marsh Lock is mile from Henley, 3 miles from Hambledon Lock, 58% from Putney, and 46% from Oxford. It is charmingly Situated, and has a pretty keeper’s house. Park Place boathousc, the Druids’ Temple, and Ford House are passed on the Berkshire. shore; and then Bolney Court, in Oxfordshire, is seen behind a series of islands. Shiplake station, on the Henley branch, is close to the river on the right. The pretty village of W argrave (pop. 1,785) with its ivyclad church tower, and well-known “ George and Dragon ” Inn, on the other side, is next reached, with Temple Combe House above. In the Church, in addition to Several curious monuments, there is a tablet to the memory of Day, the author of .Sdltdfoj'd and Illerton, who was killed at YVargrave by a fall from his horse. Passing under the railway bridge carrying the branch line to Twyford, we soon discover the mouth of the Loddon, a considerable affluent of the Thames from the South, and approach the next lock. This district is one in high favour with anglers. 32' GUIDE To THE THAMES. Shiplake LOCk is 2% miles from Marsh Lock, 61 from Putney, and 43% from Oxford. It is on the Oxfordshire side of the river, and has a picturesque old mill, with a wide and broken backwater and weir which frequently reappears on artists’ canvases. Shiplake village, on the right-hand side, has its church on the hill; then come a few islands, and then for a space the scene changes and the river runs through a flat stretch of country, till quaint old Sonning bridge is reached, after a very stiff piece of stream. The two inns, the “ French Horn” in Oxfordshire, and the “ White Hart ” in Berks, are favourite resorts of artists, oarsmen, picnic parties, pleasure seekers of all kinds, and anglers, who enjoy here some of the best fishing on the Thames. The church is in the Decorated or Middle Gothic style, contains interesting brasses and monuments, and is well worth a visit. The village is associated with Sydney Smith, who there wrote the Peter Plymley letters. The river at this point widens out very considerably, and flows through a series of islands, making delightful backwaters but the lock is near the Berkshire bank, under the wooded hills of Holme Park. Sonning Lock is 3 miles from Shiplake, 64 from Putney, and 40% from Oxford ; and the nearest station is Twyford, on the Great Western main line. Above the lock the river bends away from the hills to the west, and a long stretch of flat meadow land is traversed until we come to the mouth of the Kennet. The Great Western Railway embankment hides the greater part of the busy town of Reading. A group of islands is then threaded, and we find ourselves at Caversham Lock. Caversham Lock is 2% miles from Sonning lock, 66% from Putney, and 38 from Oxford. It is the nearest point to the rail- way station and town of Reading. Fares to Paddington. 35% miles (which may be reached by the fast trains in an hour), 6s. 3d.,4s. 8d., 3s. The L. & S. W. Railway and South Eastern Railway have also a terminal station here. Reading (Pop. 42,054) is the largest town in the Thames Valley, though it is built rather on the Kennet than on the Thames, and is the county town of Berkshire. Besides being a great seat of industry, it is also an important railway centre, six lines converging on the town. Messrs. Huntley and Palmer’s biscuit factory, employing nearly 1,800 workpeople, and Messrs- Sutton’s seed warehouses, are the most extensive establishments; but there are ironworks, breweries, &c., and a large corn and general trade. The town had once a great Abbey, founded by Henry I. in 1121, in which he and his daughter, the Empress Maud, were buried, and in which councils and synods were frequently held. Its site is occupied by the Forbury Gardens, and rather extensive ruins are preserved. There was also a royal Castle, used as a Palace up to the 16th century. The Grammar School, founded in 1486' by Henry VII., and endowed by Elizabeth, was reorganised in GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 33 1867, and removed to handsome modern buildings in 1875. There are several good churches and handsome modern municipal buildings, and the castellated red-brick gaol is a conspicuous object from the railway. Reading is an ancient place, and was taken by the Danes in the 9th century. Parliament, or rather the Great Council, met here under Richard I., and also under Elizabeth, and the law courts were held here in 1625. In 1643, the town was besieged and bombarded by the Parliamentary forces, under Lord Essex. Immediately above Caversham Lock are the Reading swimming baths; and then we pass the island on which was fought, before Henry II., in the 12th century, a single combat between Robert de Montfort and the Earl of Essex. On the hills to the right is Caversham House, where Charles I. was detained for a time. Caversham bridge crosses the river below some islands, and carries the road from Reading to Caversham village. There are two riverside inns here, with good accommodation. Then follows a long stretch of quiet water, dotted now and again with islands and affording good angling, with here and there charming views and modern villas, till, a little beyond Tilehurst station, which is close to the river (fares to Paddington, 6s. 10d., 5s. 1d., 3s. 2%d.), we come upon the “ Roebuck,” afamous hostelry, recently much enlarged, pleasantly and most conveniently situated for travellers both by road and river, about half-way between Reading and Pangbourne. The river now makes a sharp bend to the north, and leaves the line, the tow-path crossing at the “Roebuck ” to the Oxfordshire bank. Passing under the shade of the noble trees of Purley House, and at times-partially covered with water-lilies, the stream leads into the second or upper section of beautiful scenery to be found on its course. Mapledurham Lock is 4% miles from Caversham Look, 70% from Putney, and 33% from Oxford, and is in the midst of river landscapes of absolutely idyllic beauty. Mapledurham House, lying amid the splendid woods, is a noble Elizabethan building, which has belonged to the Blount family for centuries, and which stood a siege for Charles I. The mill, weir, old cottages, and numerous backwaters are perfect in their old-fashioned restfulness and romantic surroundings; and above the lock is a fine reach of river, bordered by rich meadows, with wooded hills beyond, from amidst whose trees the roofs and chimneys of the picturesque old mansion of Hardwicke House are seen to rise. Here, again, are places where, as Shelley sings of the neighbourhood of Marlow: . . . . . “ the woods to frame a bower With interlaced branches mix and meet, Or where, with sound like many voices sweet, Waterfalls leap among wild islands green, Which framed for my lone boat a lone retreat Of moss-grown trees and weeds.” . . . . . J34 GUIDE To THE THAMES. One mile and a half further on, the wooden bridge joining Pang- bourne to Whitchurch is shot, and a few yards above is the next lock. Whitchurch Lock is 2% miles from Mapledurham, 73 from Putney, and 31-;- from Oxford. It is situated on the Oxfordshire side of the river, and is separated from the better known village of Pangbourne by a long weir and several islet-s. Close by the river is the Great Western main line, and the station is within .sound of the weir (fares to Paddington, 41-;— miles, 7s. 4d., 5s. 6d., --3s. 55d). There are several inns on both banks and one consider- able hotel, while many of the cottages have lodgings, which however are usually, as at Goring and other favourite resorts, be- spoken in advance for the greater part of the season. The view ‘from Shooter’s Hill, above the river—here more like a lake in appearance—is very beautiful, and the whole district is a paradise for landscape painters and lovers of the quieter forms of natural scenery. Opposite the hill are the grounds of. Combe Lodge, which stands back, at the foot of the hills bordering the river valley. The country inland is hilly, wooded, and well worth ‘exploration. The Oxford road runs by the river side. Presently ‘the river curves to the right, and, passing some islets and an osier farm, flows at the foot of Hart’s Lock \Vood, which covers the hill-slope on the Oxfordshire bank to the water’s edge, and through which runs a footpath from Goring to ‘Vhitchurch. The stream‘ here is frequently covered, for yards from the shore, by water-lilies. ‘On the left bank, a little inland, is the pretty church of Basildon. Hence a curve to the left leads to Gathampton Ferry (where the tow-path crosses to the Oxfordshire bank), and then under the "Great \Vestern line at Basildon Bridge, to the hills on the left of the valley (which here narrows) ; after which the river tru~ns again below the beautiful lawn and trees of the white house known as The Grotto, with its background of woods, which continue to fringe the :stream till it bends away to Streatley and Goring, twin villages on opposite banks. A wooden bridge connects the two, and, amid a series of charming backwaters, mill-streams, &c., the lock is reached. Goring Lock is 4 miles from \Vhitchurch Lock, 77 from Putney, and 27%; from Oxford. The village of Goring, in Oxford- »shire, has several good inns and other accommodation, and a station about half a mile from the river (fares to London, 7s. 10d., 5s. 11d., 3s. 9d.). There is also a well-known riverside hotel at Streatley, and lodgings are to be had in the village. The river here makes its entrance into the Chalk region, stretching hence to Maidenhead, the hills on each side of its valley forming part of the long Chalk escarpment known in this district as the Ohiltern Hills, and traceable as hills from Dorsetshire to Flamborough Head. ‘The view down stream from the reach above the lock is one of the .loveliest on the Thames, the villages seeming to lie in a sheltered GUIDE TO THE THAMES. 35, hollow of the hills. Goring church is ancient (Norman), and is- picturesquely placed by a water-mill close to the river. The fine prospect from Streatley Hill, over the more level country north and westward, will well repay the climb to the top. A very short reach, less than three-quarters of a mile, intervenes between. Goring and Cleeve Locks, but the fall is not much more than. eight feet in the two locks taken together. Cleeve Lock (77% miles from Putney, and 26%- from Oxford) is situated on the Berkshire shore. The river at this part is broken up into several streams, a fine old mill standing a little back from the main current on the right below the lock, which, in. common with many other “ bits ” in this locality, frequently re- appears in exhibitions of paintings. Near here, on the Oxfordshire bank, is the Leather Bottle‘ Ferry-house, under the cliff. Above the lock the character of the‘ scenery changes, and for a long distance there are no more hills sloping to the river bank, but an open country is traversed, to- which Shelley’s description might well be applied :— “ Sometimes, between the wide and flowering meadows, Mile after mile we sailed, and ’twas delight To see far off the sunbeams chase the shadows Over the grass.” . . . . . One mile and a quarter higher up stream is Moulsford Ferry, carrying the tow-path into Oxfordshire. Here there is a river- side inn, the “Beetle and \Vedge.” Then Moulsford church and village appear on the left, and soon afterwards the Great Western main line once more crosses the river into Berks. Mouls- ford station is about three-quarters of a mile from the Ferry (fares to London, 8s. 5d., 6s. 3d., 3s. 11%d.); it is a junction for the small branch line to \Vallingford. Above the bridge the river curves to the right past several islands, and then follows a long stretch of open water. Little Stoke and North Stoke lie inland to the right, and about a mile above the bridge the towing- path crosses again into Berks, near Moulsford Lunatic Asylum. In this neighbourhood are the remains of an ancient earthwork, called, like several others in various parts of the country, Grimes’ Dyke, or Grim’s Dyke, and extending for about two miles. Next come Mongewell House, with its beautiful garden, and Newnham Murren, with its pretty little church among the trees. We new approach what was, till 1884, Wallingford or Chalmer’s Hole Lock, which, however, never had more than 18 inches fall, and was a mere hindrance to navigation. The ice of the Severe winter of 1881 carried away the greater part of the weir. A little higher up appears Wallingford Bridge, which is 5,,l miles from Cleeve Lock and 4 from Moulsford Ferry, and joins Wallingford to Grow» marsh on the Oxfordshire bank. 36 GUIDE To THE THAMES. Wallingford (Pop. 2,803) is a very ancient town, but can still boast of a market and a good trade, while it has a terminal station of a branch of the Great Western Railway from Moulsford (fares from London, 9s. 5d., 7s., 4s. 3d.), and abundant hotel accommodation. It was probably a Roman station, but the name is Saxon, and it was a town of some size when plundered by the Danes in the 10th century. The Conqueror here crossed the river and received the submission of Archbishop Stigand and other nobles, and there was later a formidable castle built by William D’Oyley, to whom 61 manors were granted. In this castle was signed the treaty which closed the civil war of Stephen and the Empress Maud, the latter of whom had been besieged here. John, on one occasion, met his barons in conference within its walls, and, 100 years later, it was given by Edward II. to his favourite, Piers Gaveston, and subsequently to the Despencers; while, at a later date still, it was presented by Henry VIII. to Cardinal Wolsey. In the Civil \Vars the town was besieged by Lord Fairfax and taken, in 1646, when the castle, like so many others at the same time, was finally destroyed. Only the mound of the keep and a few vestiges of the earthworks remain. There is an old Town Hall, in which are portraits of Archbishop Laud and Sir W. Blackstone, who is buried at St. Peter’s Church. St. Mary’s Church spire is seen from the river. St. Leonard’s Church, a little below, and Crowmarsh Church, on the opposite shore, are Norman. The former was restored, or rather rebuilt, in the present century. The town possesses an old grammar school, reconstituted and housed in new buildings in 1877. A favourite excursion from Wallingford is to Ewelme, a place associated with Chaucer, with a fine Late Gothic Church situated on a hill, and containing some interesting monuments. Benson or Bensington Lock is 1% miles from Walling- ford, 7 miles from Cleeve Look, 84% from Putney, and 20% from Oxford, and is close to the village of that name. Bensington was an important village in Saxon times, and was one of the four towns which dominated this district and were practically independent of the West Saxon princes. In much later times it had a large river trade, and was a coaching station. Rush Court is passed on the left bank, and one mile and a quarter up stream is Shillingford Bridge, at the foot of which are a landing-place and hotel. A winding stretch of river succeeds, passing Shillingford village, Keen Edge Ferry (where the tow-path crosses into Oxfordshire), and the mouth of the Thame ; after which the main stream is really no longer Thames (11.6., Thame-Isis), but Isis only. The river next turns under the shadow of WVittenham Woods and Sinodun Hill, notable as being the site of an early British or Roman hill- fort or camp, of which the circuit of bank and ditch is still fairly perfect, and from which a fine view is obtained. This and the neighbouring hill, with their unmistakable capping of dark woods, GUIDE TO THE THAMEs. 37 are known irreverently to the youth of the country-side as Cofey and Mofey. A sharp turn to the north brings the next lock in sight, which is on the Oxfordshire bank, the river being here broken into several streams, and a foot-bridge crossing from Dorchester to Wittenham. Day’s Lock is 4 miles from Benson Look, 88% from Putney, and 16% from Oxford, and is prettily situated, as is seen from above, or on looking back. On the level land, on the right or Oxfordshire side of the lock, are the extensive earthworks known as the Dyke Hills, which, whether of British, Roman, or Saxon origin, and whether intended as defences against a human or a watery fee (in the form of floods), are works of no mean engineer- ing skill and of prodigious labour. Still further across the fields is Dorchester- Qn-Thame (Pop. 813), which retains now but little of its former greatness, though still a picturesque village. It was a Roman station, as indicated by its name (i.e., the Camp by the Water) and one of the four towns mentioned above, which, in Saxon times, ruled over a large midland district. Its chief glory is its noble old Abbey Church. This church, though itself a Late Gothic building, replaces one which was the Cathedral of a great Mereian bishopric, transferred in 1078 to Lincoln. The church has been carefully restored, and contains numerous chapels, some fine sedilia, and a large Jesse window in the chancel. Besides being architecturally interesting in many respects, it is beautifully situated and surrounded. Oxford is only 9 miles by road from Dorchester. A great semicircular sweep of river, 2% miles in length, leads to Clifton Hampden Bridge, a modern structure of red brick with pointed arches, and one of the prettiest on the river, close to which, on the Berks side, is the “ Barley Mow” Inn. On the Oxfordshire side is Clifton Hampden village, notable for its beautiful little (Decorated) church by the late G. Street (the architect of the Law Courts, London), standing amid trees on a small cliff. Culham station, on the Great Western Railway, is about one mile from the village. Fares to London, 9s. 11d., 7s. 5d., 4s. 8d. Half a mile above the bridge is Y Clifton Lock, 3 miles from Day’s Lock, 91% from Putney and 13% from Oxford. A out here of half a mile avoids a long curve of river, on which stands the village of Long Wittenham. A mile and a half above the lock, the railway (main line of G. W. R. to Oxford, Birmingham, &c.) crosses towards Culham station on the right ; and then, about the same distance beyond the railway bridge, is Y Culham Lock, 3 miles from Clifton lock, 94% from Putney, and 10% from Oxford. The fall here (7 feet) is the greatest on the river. A long lock-cut here again saves a considerable curve, past Sutton Courtney village, with its mill and weir pools. The old bridge crosses both lock-cut and main stream, a little below the 38 ‘GUIDE To THE THAMES. lock. Culham village is on the right hand of the lock-cut, in Oxfordshire, and Culham station lies about a mile to the eastward, being situated about half-way between this village and Clifton Hampden. The river now turns sharply north, and cuts through the higher land formed by the escarpment of the Lower Greensand, a lower and less regular ridge, running parallel to the Chilterns, on which Nuneham Park is placed. Emerging into the open, we arrive, about two miles from Culham look, at Abingdon (Pop. 5,684), where the Isis is joined by the Ock, a considerable affluent from the west, the town standing at the confluence. Abingdon has been a municipal borough since 1557, but it owes its origin to the great Benedictine Abbey, founded originally in 675 A.]). by Cissa, the Viceroy of Centwine of Wessex, and it was a royal residence of Offa, King of Mercia, and other Saxon monarchs. The Abbey was burnt by the Danes, but. rebuilt by Edred in 963, and it was a wealthy foundation at the Conquest. In its precincts was buried Geoffrey of Monmouth, and for a time also Edward the Confessor; and here Henry I. was educated. It owned vast landed estates, even as far distant as Kensington (London), but was dissolved, with the rest of the religious houses, in 1538 . Only a few remains of the Abbey now exist. The general trade of the town was fostered by the bridge, built in 1416, and there was a considerable cloth industry. At the present time, the town contains a Market House and Town Hall, built in 1667, by Inigo Jones, a grammar school, founded in 1563 and now located in new buildings near Albert Park, the interesting buildings of Christ’s Hospital, founded in 1553, and several old timbered houses. St. Helen’s Church, the spire of which is visible from the river, deserves a visit. There are several hotels, and a railway station communicating with the Great \Vestern line at Radley (fares to London, 10s. 10d., 8s. 2d., 5s. 1d.) Albert Park, on the- north of the town, was presented to the public, in 1864, by the Hospital Trustees; and at Bessels Leigh, close by, lived Lenthall, Speaker of the House of Commons under Charles I. Abingdon Lock is about a third of a mile above the town, 2% miles from Culham lock, 96% from Putney, and 8 from Oxford. It- has a fall of six feet. A mile and a half further up, the Great Western line again crosses the river, which has described a semicircular bend since we left the bridge at Culham, so that Oxford lies on the left ; on the right is the overfall leading into what was the old channel of the river (not now navigable), which then avoided Abingdon town and passed close under the hills to a point about half-a-mile below the mouth of the Ock. We now obtain a view of the noble woods and hills of Nuneham Park, which is skirted by the river for about a mile. It is the seat of Sir Wm. Vernon Harcourt, in whose family it has been for 750 years. The Park is accessible to the public (by permission) ~on certain days, and is a favourite place for picnics. The prettiest spot, looking from the river, is that where GUIDE To THE THAMES. 39 the wooded island, at which there was once a lock, is joined by a rustic bridge to the Oxfordshire bank; but the chief point of attraction is the Carfax Conduit, a monument brought from Oxford, standing on the edge of the hill, whence a splendid prospect is obtained stretching from Oxford to the White Horse Hill. The house is a large classical mansion, containing some interesting historical portraits, especially one of Milton in his youth, and isassociated with Pope, Horace Walpole, and many other celebrated men. From Nuneham a long stretch of 2% miles of uninteresting river, sometimes shallow, and having a swift current, brings us to the next lock, Sandford Lock, which is 4% miles from Abingdon Lock, 101% from Putney, and 3% from Oxford, and has also a fall of six feet. The lock is prettily placed by the well-known water mill, with its poplars and other trees, and there is an inn close by. Sandford village has a small Norman church; this, being well within reach of an afternoon’s trip from Oxford, is a favourite place of resort, and the river consequently here begins to wear a more lively aspect. Above the lock is the dangerous “ lasher,” or weir, at which so many fatal bathing accidents have taken place. The obelisk at the weir commemorates two Oxford undergraduates who were drowned here. The numerous falls and backwaters make this an attractive spot. Rather more than half a mile further up, a sharp'bend to the left leads past Rose Island, with its little inn, a favourite place of resort from Oxford; and then the Thame and \Vycombe line crosses the river, the Oxford Sewage Works are passed, and another half-mile brings us to the next, and last, look before Oxford. Ifiley Lock is 1% miles from Sandford Lock, 103 from Putney, and 1% from Oxford. On the hill above is the village, notable for its beautiful 12th century Norman church, which is complete and admirably preserved, for the famous yew and ancient cross in the churchyard (restored by Street), for its Gothic Vicarage, and for its Manor House. The doorway and the piers and capitals of the church are among the most florid and beautiful specimens of Norman work in the country ; and the west window commemorates Warbnrton, the author of The Crescent and the Cross. Iflley Mill is well known to frequenters of picture galleries, but has lost much of its picturesqueness since the disappearance of the old trees which formerly surrounded it. There is a roller-slide at the lock for rowing boats. Leaving Ifiley, a Short distance brings into view the spires and towers of Oxford, and the starting-point for the college races or “ bumping ” contests. In these contests the boats are placed one behind the other, and the object is for a hinder boat to overlap the stern of the one in front, and to take its place in the order of merit. Consequently, to be “head of the river” means to have 40 GUIDE To THE THAMES. won the first place in this procession by a series of successful “ bumps,” which in old days were more literally interpreted. Here, too, are the University bathing-place, on a side stream, and the Isis Tavern; and then, a little higher up on the opposite shore, we see the mouth of the river Cherwell, an important tributary from Banbury and the North. The Cherwell passes along Christchurch meadows, forms the famous Waterwalks of Magdalen College, and is navigable for a long distance for boats and canoes. Opposite the mouth of the Cherwell will be found Clasper’s Boat-house. We next approach the “ Barges ” moored along the Oxfordshire bank, and belonging to the various colleges, for which they serve as boat-club lounges, dressing rooms, and coigns of vantage for visitors to witness the bumping and other rowing matches. Along this reach the river is usually alive with boats, testifying to the popularity in Oxford of “ the river,” both with University men and with the townspeople, who hold their Regatta on the August Bank Holiday. The great summer festival of Commemoration is celebrated by a grand procession of boats, -and in the Lent and summer terms the races are well attended. At the end of the line of barges are the boat builders’ rafts .(Salter’s, Timm’s, &c.), and a few yards beyond is Folly Bridge, which seems to block up the river and forbid all further progress. Underneath this Bridge, however, there is a lock, and the river bends away to the left, though between this point and Oxford station it is very little frequented, as Folly Bridge is the landing-place for the city itself. Oxford (Pop. 35,264). It would be useless to attempt to give a description of this most beautiful and interesting of English cities, as to do justice to it would require a small volume ; but, in order to answer the possible inquiry of a tourist, oarsman, or angler on the Upper Thames, as to whether he should extend his trip to Oxford, or as to what there is to see there, a short outline may be here given. The greater part of the buildings and obj ects of interest can be seen at all times, but a visit will assuredly be more agreeable if paid during term time—la, before the middle of June, when “The Long” (z'.e., vacation) begins—and the pleasure will be enhanced, and time will be saved, if the visitor has any friend among the initiated who will accompany, or at least direct, him. Oxford can be visited with little ditficulty from all parts of the country, as it has a first-class station on the main (northern) line of the Great Western Railway, and the terminal station of a branch of the London and North Western line from Bletchley. Oxford is distant 63% miles from London (Paddington), and can be reached by express in one hour and twenty minutes. (Fares : 11s., 8s. 4d., 5s. 3%d.) It is the county town, the seat of a bishopric, and one of the ‘oldest cities in the kingdom, being identical with the Saxon Oxna- GUIDE TO THE THAMEs. 41 forde or Ousenforde, the latter being connected with the old British or Keltic word for water, which reappears in the various rivers Ouse, and the frequent prefix wz's. The city itself has a unique appearance, both from a distance and from within, owing to the domes, towers, spires, and pinnacles rising from its numerous beautiful or imposing buildings of all ages and styles. The quaint mixture of what is old in form and new in thought and action, the continuity of the romantic and historic past with the busy and energetic present, gives Oxford a charm quite peculiar to itself; while, in its associations with and relics of the past, and its intimate and active connection with the best intellectual life of the present, it presents, as no other city can, an epitome of English History and Institutions. Some of its streets are among the finest in existence, and urban picturesqueness here attains its most satisfactory results. The Castle, of which the keep remains and is used as a gaol, was founded after the Conquest to hold in check the haughty city which had dared to resist William the Norman, who took it by storm. The Church of St. Michael has a Saxon tower, and the ‘Cathedral dates from the 12th century, being the church of the former great Convent of St. Frideswide, a canonised Saxon prin- cess, which became in turn a college of secular priests and a Benedictine Monastery. Besides the Church, which now serves as the Chapel of Christchurch College, there are still standing the chapter house and (late Norman) cloisters, and various additions were made up to the time of Wolsey, who founded the present Christchurch (at first called Cardinal) College, in 1525. St. Mary’s, or University Church, in High Street, has a beautiful spire and a remarkable Renaissance porch, and contains the grave of Amy Robsart, while it is closely associated with the Protestant martyrs and the chief men and many other events of academic and ecclesi- astical story. Other objects of interest in the town mainly belong to or are connected with the UNIVERSITY, which is governed by a Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, High Steward, and Proctors, and is simply a corporate body enforcing discipline, holding examinations, awarding certain prizes and scholarships, and conferring degrees, but without any special “local habitation,” though it possesses certain build- ings and property. The visible University is composed of 21 Colleges and four Halls, which are independent institutions, each having been separately founded, and possessing its own buildings, chapel, gardens, revenues, and establishment of fellows, lecturers, officials, &c. The University, which is one of the most venerable in Europe, dates principally from the 13th century, but a school certainly existed at Oxford in Alfred’s time, and Henry I. here .acquired the learning which earned for him the sobriquet of “ Beauclerc,” while Vacarius taught Civil Law here in 1149. The students were often unruly in the middle ages and extremely ‘jealous of the Civil authorities, and the Town and Gown Riots 42 GUIDE To THE THAMES. were so violent that, in 1209, Oxford was placed under a papal interdict in consequence of a murder. This traditional jealousy and animosity survived down to the present century. The oldest existing foundation is ST. EDMUND’s HALL, an unpre- tentious building in New College Lane, which dates from 1226,. and is now specially noted for its splendid wistaria. The Colleges seem at first to have been monastic in character, and were often founded by bishops, as Durham (now Trinity) College, founded in 1268 ; but these were gradually replaced by secular establishments. Both kinds, however, existed down to the 15th century, and the ecclesiastical spirit is still strong, though in 1853 the University was thrown open to all by the abolition of religious tests. MERTON COLLEGE, in King Street, with the low, square tower seen from the river, was founded in 1264 by \Valter de Merton, Bishop of Rochester and Lord Chancellor, for non-monastic students. Its library (which still possesses some chained books) dates from 1349, and its chapel, treasury, &c., are among the oldest buildings in Oxford. Duns Scotus, Massinger, Sir T. Bodley, and Steele were members. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE dates from 1280, and has fine old buildings fronting the High Street. Bishop Ridley and Sir W. Jones, the Orientalist, were members. BALLIoL was founded in 1281 by the mother of the Scottish king of that name, but was rebuilt by Wren, and has recently been much enlarged. Wyclif and Evelyn were members, and its roll includes many famous men of recent times, as it occupies a very high position with regard to academic distinctions. EXETER, in Turl Street, was founded in 1314 by Stapleton, Bishop of Exeter, and has a fine gateway, dining hall, and a modern library and chapel built by Sir Gilbert Scott. ORIEL, dating from 1324, was founded by‘ Edward II. and Adam- de Brome, and is near Merton and Corpus. It has picturesque buildings, and numbers among its old alumni Raleigh, Butler, Warton, Arnold, Whately, \Vilberforce, Pusey, Keble, and Newman. - QUEEN’s, in “the High,” founded in 1340, takes its name from Philippa, Queen of Edward 111., and was rebuilt by \Vren (1714). Jeremy Bentham was a member. NEW, in New College Lane, a turning out of the High Street beyond Queen’s, was founded in 1380 by \Villiam of VVykeham, architect of Windsor and \Vinchester. It has a fine (restored) chapel, and a window by Reynolds. ALL SouLs, in “ the High,” was founded in 1437 by Archbishop Chichele, in memory of those who fell at Agincourt (1415). It has a fine chapel, with a beautiful gateway and several good monuments. MAGDALEN, at the end of “the High,” by the bridge over the Cherwell, dates from 1448, and is one of the most charming sights of Oxford. It is celebrated for its noble tower, its ivied and GUIDE To THE THAMES. 43 cloistered “ quad.,” and its beautiful water-walks and grounds. Among its members were Latimer, Hampden, Addison, Collins, and Gibbon. LINCOLN, in Turl Street, next to Exeter, was founded in 1426 by Flemyng, Bishop of Lincoln, and has a fine hall and library, with good stained glass. John \Vesley was a Fellow (1726). CHRISTCHURCH, founded by Wolsey, is the largest of the Colleges, and the nearest to the river, from which it can be reached across Christchurch Meadows, but the main entrance is in St. Aldate’s Street. It contains the Cathedral, a beautiful fan-vaulted staircase, the famous bell Great Tom of Oxford, and some good paintings. On its roll are the names of More, Sidney, Camden, Ben J onson, Boyle, Locke, Canning, Peel, and Gladstone. BRASENOSE, west of the Radcliffe Library, was founded in 1509, and was the College of Fox (of the “Martyrs ”), Reginald Heber, and Barham, of Ingoldsbg/ fame. CORPUS CHRISTI, at the back of Christchurch, was founded in 1516 by Fox, Bishop of Winchester, and has some rare books, good pictures, a curious sun-dial, and the University Chest. ST. J oHx’s, a picturesque building in St. Giles’s Street, was founded by Sir T. \Vhite, Lord Mayor of London, in 1555, extend- ing an earlier foundation of Archbishop Chichele, and contains some good pictures and books, besides interesting monuments. The gardens are large (five acres) and beautiful. TRINITY, in Broad Street, was first founded in the thirteenth century by a Bishop of Durham, but was replaced by a new insti- tution, founded in 1554 by Sir T. Pope. The buildings are mostly classical, but they have some fine carving by Gibbons, and the gardens are very attractive. William Pitt studied here. WADHAM dates from 1613, and bears its founder’s name. It has a fine Chapel, with good stained glass and pretty gardens. JESUS, in Turl Street, was founded by Dr. Price, assisted by Queen Elizabeth, in 1571, for Welshmen, though the rule has not been strictly observed. PEMBROKE, in St. Aldate Street, dates from 1624, and hasa good gateway. Dr. Johnson studied here as a servitor. WORCESTER, in Beaumont Street, founded in 1714, is remarkable for its highly ornate Chapel and its extensive and beautiful grounds. KEBLE is a large modern foundation (1868), in memory of the author of the Christian Year, the funds having been raised by subscription. HERTFORJ) represents also Hart Hall, founded in the thirteenth century, and Magdalen Hall (1312), and has recently been recon- stituted and endowed by private munificence. SOMERVILLE and LADY MAHGARET’S are Ladies’ Colleges. The BoDLEIAN LIBRARY, in Broad Street, is one of the most valuable in existence, on account of its rare books and MSS. It possesses 300,000 volumes, a picture gallery, and museum of curiosities, and was founded in 1602 by Sir T. Bodley. 44 GUIDE To THE THAMEs. The RADCLIFFE LIBRARY, dating from 1749, bears its founder’s name. The DIvINITY SeHooL, close to the Bodleian, is a fine Gothic building, and was the scene of the trial of Ridley and Latimer, and of the session of the House of Commons in 1625. Other places of interest are the Sheldonian Theatre, the University and Ashmolean Museums, the Clarendon Press, Taylor Institute, Ox- ford Union Club and Debating Society, Martyrs’ Memorial, the Botanic Gardens, &c.; and the excursions in the neighbourhood, to Godstow, Shotover Hill, Woodstock, and Blenheim Palace, &c., are numerous. _ The River above Oxford is not very frequently explored to any considerable distance by oarsmen, though it is traversed by those going on to the Severn by the canal, and anglers may find their account in making the attempt. After leaving Folly Bridge, we pass Oseney Lock, and under the Great Western line near the Oxford station. Binsey Weir is 1% miles from Folly Bridge; and then comes a wide reach, which, however, is rather shallow, except in the dredged channel, and here heating is again common enough. At Godstow, 1% miles up stream, where there is a lock, we find a well-known hostelry, “ The Trout,” and a bridge; and, as the country is pretty about Wytham Woods, this is a popular resort. The stream has now, however, very sensibly shrunk in size, and shrinks still more after the junction of the Evenlode is passed, about two miles above Godstow, King’s Weir intervening. Ensham Weir and Bridge are 7 miles above Oxford, and Pinkhill Lock is one mile beyond. Owing to the paucity of traffic, there are no regular lock-keepers above this spot, and, the passage of the lockless weirs is a slow and wearisome process. Enterprising boating parties, however, occa- sionally push onwards, though in summer the channel is much obstructed by weeds. The chief places are Bablockhythe Ferry, (11% miles), near which is Stanton Harcourt, with its interesting old manor-house, New Bridge (15 miles), Tadpole Bridge, near Bamp- ten (22 miles), Radcot Bridge, not far from Faringdon (26 miles), Buscot (30% miles), and Lechlade (32% miles above Oxford). Just beyond is Inglesham Weir, a fixture (137 miles from Putney), which blocks further navigation, though, by means of the Thames and Severn Canal, which opens into the river ust below, a means of communication with the Severn is afforded, which is sometimes used by canoeists to gain access to new waters. The canal itself passes through the fine scenery of the Cotteswolds. At Lechlade (Pop. 1,300) boats may be hired for the trip down stream. The Great Western Railway Company have a station here, 86 miles from London (fares, 15s. 9d., lls. 7d.,. 7s. 11%d.) The place is very quiet, but has a good Late Gothic church and a bridge. There are also two good inns. By portage of the boat or canoe over Inglesham and other weirs, the jpurney may be prosecuted as far as Cricklade. INDEX. Abingdon, 2, 6, 38. Angling, 11. Anglers’ Tickets, 12. Barnes, 15. Barnes Elms Park, 15. Basildon, 34. Bell-weir Look, 23. Bells of Ouseley, 24. Bensington, or Benson, 6, 36. Berks and Wilts Canal, 6. Bisham, 2, 28. Boats, Boating, 10. Boulter’s Look, 26. Boveney Look, 25. Bradshaw, 21. Bray Lock, 26. Brent, River, 9, 17. Brentford, 16. Bushey Park, 19, 21. Camping Out, 10. Caversham, 6, 32, 33. Chaucer, 17, 36. Chertsey, 22. Cherwell, River, 6, 40¢. Chiltern Hills, 5, 6, 31, 34. Chiswick, 3, 15. Cirencester, 4, 5. Cleeve Lock, 35. Cliefden, 6, 27. Clifton Hampden, 37. Cole, Vicat, 3. Colne, River, 7, 23. Conservancy Board, 11. Cookham, 27. Cooper’s Hill, 2, 3, 24.. Cotteswolds, 4, 5. Cowley, 2, 15, 22. Craven Cottage, 15. Cricklade, 4, 44.. Cromwell, 21. Crowmarsh, 36. Culham, 37, 38- Current, 7, 8. ___.°.—-- Danesfield, 29. Datchet, 3, 24. Day’s Look, 37. Denham, 2, 3, 24. Distances, Table of, 12.. Dorchester, 6, 37. Eel-pie Island, 18. Egham, 7, 23. Ensham, 6, 44. Eton College‘, 2, 24, 25. Ewelme, 36. Fawley Court, 30. Fence Months, 11. Fox, Chas. Jas., 15. Fulham Palace, 13. Garrick, 3, 21. Gathampton Ferry, 34. Godstow, 6, 44. Goring, 34. Great Marlow, 3, 6, 28. Greenlands, 30. Halliford, 22. Hambledon Look, 30. Ham House, 18. Hammersmith, 15. Hampton, 3, 21. Hampton Court, 19, 20. Henley, 6, 30. Hogarth, 3, 15. Hooker, Sir W. , 16. Hotels, 10. Hurley, 29. Iffley, 39. Ingleshamv Weir, 5, 44. Isis, 6, 30. Isleworth, 11, 17. Kennet, River, 6, 32. Kew, 16. Kingston, 7, 19. Kitcat Club, 15. Kneller, Sir Godfrey, 15, 18, 30' Lady Place, Hurley, 29. Laleham, 23. 46 INDEX . Laud, Archbishop, 3, 36. Lechlade, 5, 44. Looks and Dues, 8. Loddon River, 6, 31. London Stone, 11, 23. Maidenhead, 7, 26. bIapledurham, 6, 33. Marlow (see Great Marlow). Marsh Lock, 31. Medmenham Abbey, 29. Milton, 38. Mole, River, 7, 20. Molesey, 7, 20. Monkey Island, 26. Mortlake, 15. ‘ Moulsford, 35. New Bridge, 6, 44. Nuneham, 6, 38. Oatlands Park, 21, 22. Ock, River, 6. Old Windsor Lock, 24. Orleans House, 18. Oseney, 2. Oxford, 2, 40. Pangbourne, 6, 8, 34. Penton Hook Lock, 23. Petersham, 18. Pope, 2, 15, 18, 39. Putney, 14. Quarry Woods, 28. Railhead Ferry, 17. Ranelagh Club, 15. Reading, 2, 3, 6, 32. Regatta Island, 30. Remenham, 6, 30. Richmond, 2, 7, 17. Romney Lock, 24. Rose Island, 39. Rule of the River, 11. Runnymede, 2, 24. St. Anne’s Hill, 23. St. George’s Hill, 22. Sandford, 39. Seven Springs, The, 4. Shakespeare, 3. Sheen, 17. Shelley, 3, 24, 28, 33, 35. Shepperton, 22. Shillingford Bridge, 36. Shiplake, 31, 32. Sizeable Fish, 12. Smith, Sydney, 32. Sonning, 6, 32. Source of Thames, 4. Staines, 7, 23. . Strand-on-the-Green, 16. Strawberry Hill, 18. Streatley, 6, 34. ' Sunbury,. 21 . Surbiton, 19, 20. Surly Hall, '25. Sutton Courtney, 37. Taplow, 26. Teddington, 7, 19. Temple Lock, 29. Thame, River, 6. Thames Angling Preservation Society, 11', 21. Thames and Severn Canal, 5, 44. Thames Conservancy, 11. Thames Ditton, 20. Thomson, 3, 18. Tide, 9. Tilehurst, 33. Towing, 11. Turner, 3. Twickenham, 18. Virginia Water, 24, 25. Wallingford, 36. Walpole, Horace, 18, 38. Walton, 7, 21. Wandsworth, 14. Wandle, River, 9. Wargrave, 31. Warwick, Earl of, 2, 29. Wey, River, 7, 22. Weybridge, 7, 22. Whitchurch Look, 34. ‘Vindsor, 7, 24. Windsor Forest, 2. Wittenham, 36. Wolsey, Cardinal, 20, 30, 36. Wraysbury, 24. Wyeombe, 28. Zion House, 17. INDEX. Those marked with an asterisk refer to the Advertisements. OXFORD. Bryant's.‘ Clarendon. Golden Cross. Leopold Arms.* Mitre.‘ Railway.‘ Randolph. Roebuck. IFFLEY. Tree.* Isis.‘ SANDFoRD. King's Arms. * ABINGDoN. Crown and Thistle. Nag’s Head.‘ Queen's. CULHAM. Railway.‘ CLIFTON HAMPDEN. Barley Mow.‘ DORCHESTER. George.‘ SHILLINGFoRD. Swan.‘ BENsoN. Crown.‘ White Hart.‘ WALLINGFoRD. George.‘ Lamb.‘ MOULSFORD. Railway.‘ GoRING. Miller of Mansfield.’ STREATLEY. Bull. Swan. PANGBoURNE. Bear Cafe.‘ Elephant.‘ George. Swan. TILEHURST. Roebuck."l READING. . Blagrave. Criterion.‘ Forbury.‘ George. HOTELS. READING—continued. Gt. Western. Queen's. Ship. Vastern.‘ CAVERSHAM. Crown. * White Hart. SoNNING. French Horn.‘ White Hart. HENLEY. Anchor.‘ Henley Temperance.* Red Lion. Royal.‘ AsToN, Flower Pot,‘ MEDMENHAM. Dog and Badger.‘ Fe rry. GT. MARLow. Crown. Fisherman’sRetreat.* Fryer’s.* George and Dragon.* Railway.‘ BoURNE END. Railway.‘ Red Lion.‘ COOKHAM. Bell and Dragon. Ferry.‘ King's Arms. BoULTER’S LOCK. Ray Mead.‘ MAIDENHEAD. Skindle’s. Thames.‘ BRAY. George. MONKEY ISLAND. Island. SURLEY HALL. Hall. WINDSOR. Castle. Royal Oak. White Hart. EToN. Bridge House. OLD WINDSOR. Bells of Ouseley. STAINES. Pack Horse.‘ Swan.‘ CHERTSEY. Bridge. Crown. SHEPPERToN. Anchor. HALLIFORD. Red Lion. Ship. WALToN. Swan. SUNBURY. Castle. Flower Pot. HAMPTON. Bell.’ Red Lion.‘ TAeG’s ISLAND. Island.‘ EAST MoLEsEY (Hampton Cou Castle. Thames.‘ THAMES DITToN. Swan. KINGSToN. Griffin. Sun. TEDDINGToN. Angler’s.‘ Clarence. TWIGKENHAM. Island. RIeHMoND. Star and Garter, KEw Boat House Restau. rant.‘ Oxford & Cambridge. BARNES. White Hart.‘ PUTNEY. Fox and Hounds. Star and Garter. INDEX . BOAT AND PUNT BUILDERS, From whom Steam Launches and House Boats can be hired. Full details will be found in our advertisement pages. OXFORD. CooKHAM. WEYERIDGE. Salter, J. Lacey, E. Nicholls, G. G. Tims, T. Llewellyn, W. EAST MOLESEY (Hampton STREATLEY. MAIDENHEAD. Court). Saunders, S. E. 120113, $3183 8%1 son, T- G- os , . agg, . CAv‘iléfiigtfié'y T Woodhouse, H. KINGSTON. M 088 w ’ ' WINDSOR. - Turk, R. J. ’ ' Allen, R. Burgoine. READING~ White, F. RICHMOND. East, A- H‘ ETON. Messum 8; Sons. HENLEY. Winter, C. F. MORTLAKE. Parrott, A. STAINEs. Pembery, J. Peacey, G. Burgoine, E. A. HAMMERSMITH. GT. MARLOW. Tims, J. Biifen & Sons. Shaw & Sons. CHERTSEY. PUTNEY. Cannon, J. Taylor & Son. Clasper, J. H. STEAM LAUNCH BUILDERS. Bond, J ., Maidenhead. | Miller, Tupp, & Rouse, Hammersmith. Meakes & Redknap, Great Marlow. l Tagg & Son, East Molesey. FISHING TACKLE MAKERS. Bernard & Son, Church Place, Piccadilly. Chevalier, Bowness, & Co., 230 Strand, W.C. Young, A., “ Golden Perch,” 402 Oxford Street, W. KEMP & JACOB, Willa 63 Spirit methane, THE "ANGLEII’S HOTEL,” TEDDING'TQN. GOOD ACCQMMODATION FOR BOATING ' PARTIES. SHIP INN, WEST STREET, GREAT MARLOW. Good Accommodation for Boating and Fishing Parties. T. BARNES, Proprietor. "ROEBUOK’f A/VD TILEHURST STAT/0N HOTEL, READING. Every Accommodation for Boating, Fishing, and Tourist Parties. Good Stabling. H. .I. NOYES, Proprietor. F- WHITE, House Boat and Pam‘ Builder, GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY BRIDGE, WINDSOR. House Boats and Punts for Sale. Steam Launch for Towing. Boats Housed for the Season. TOM TAYLOR & SUN, . RIVERDALB COTTAGE, BRIDGE ROAD, CHER'I‘SEY. Ema, %imt, 6: (113mm Quilters, jislgzrmm, 6a. House Boats Built, Let, and Repaired. Boats Housed, Repaired, and Varnished. All kinds of Boats to Let, Season or otherwise. Boats Bought, Sold, or Exchanged. “SWAN HOTEL,” STAINES BRIDGE. Every Accommodation for Anglers, Boating and Pleasure Parties. One of the best Fishing Districts on the Thames. Boats, Punts, and Fishermen provided. Boats Housed. Good Landing Stage, Stabling. 850- “ONLY JONES,” Proprietor. S 'I' A. I N E S. _ PACK HORSE IE-ICD'I'EL, (The only Hotel on the River in Staines. 7 minutes from Rail.) Private and Public Apartments overlooking the River. Boats Housed and Varnished. Boat Building and Sail Making in all its Branches. ' W. S. WALLIS, Proprietor. T/MS’S BOAT HOUSES A/VD DRESSING ROOMS. JOHN TIJVIS, BQAT BUILDER, NEAR THE CHURcH, AND AT THE NEW AND CoMMoDIoUs BoAT HoUsE BELOW THE RAILWAY BRIDGE, STAINES. House Boats and Boats of every description for Sale or Hire. Gentlemen’s Boats Housed, Repaired, and Varnished. BOATS BUILT TO ORDER. GOOD BATHING PLACE. Oars, Sculls, Cushions, Mats, Sails, &c., always ready for Sale. New Skiffs and Punts Fitted complete, always in Stock, to Let on Hire for the Season, or for Sale. GEORGE G. NICEOI-LS, (24 years at Searle’s & Mortlake), Practical Boat Euflder, WEYBRIDGE. Having erected a large new Boat-house close to the backwater and the Lin- coln Arms, is prepared to supply every description of Racing or Pleasure Beat on the most modern and improved principles, combined with first-class workman ship & materials,at moderate terms. Boats 8: Canoes Let or Housed. MILLER, ‘1302929, 8: HOUSE, Steam Yacht 8t Launch Builders & Engineers, CREEK WORKS, LOWER MALL, HAMMERSMITH, LONDON. Steam Yachts and Launches always in progress in Wood and Steel. Inspec- tion and Correspondence are invited. Steam Launches Hauled up, Housed, or Repaired during winter on moderate terms. New Illustrated Descriptive Price List of Steam Yachts, Launches, Machinery, and Accessories, with Sheet of Photographs, sent on receipt of One Shilling in Stamps. E. A. BURGOINE, CENTRE-BOARD YACHT AND BOAT BUILDER, S '1' A I N‘ E S. E. B. begs to call the attention of the aquatic world to his im- proved Centre-Board Rowing and Sailing Beat, for Coast or River use, rendering Sailing an attainment not generally found in Rowing Boats. Material and Workmanship unequalled. The Centre-Board arrangement in Yachts does not interfere with the cabin accommodation. Gentlemen’s Boats Housed and to Let. Steam Launches for ‘ large or small Parties. AG. . \w-Wumemmam _ CDXFCDRD. J. MORGAN & SONS, OXFORD UNIVERSITY BOAT SMITHS, 6 THAMES STREET, ST. ALDATE’S, OXFORD. J. MORGAN & SONS beg to call the attention of Boat Builders and others to the fact that they are the Makers of every description of IRON WORK FOR RACING AND PLEASURE BOATS. All Orders by Post pmzcmally attended to. A TRIAL SOLICITED. J. REYNOLDS, NAG-’S HEAD IlI—ICD'I‘EL, A B l N G D O N. This most convenient Riverside Hotel offers excellent accommo- dation for Water Parties. The Landing Stage adjoins the house, and can be used by parties visiting any of the other Hotels or Inns in Abingdon, and Boats can be left in care of the Proprietor. ‘ L UNOH AL WA YS READ Y. Goon STABLINC AND EXCELLENT CAMPING GROUND. THE “TREE” HOTEL, IFFLEY, near OXFORD. (Two Minutes’ “Talk from Ifilcy Lock.) These new premises, commanding a magnificent View of the Isis and surrounding Scenery, ofier every Comfort and Con- venience for RIVER TOURISTS, OA'RSMEN, AND ANCLERs. The Grounds are laid out for Lawn Tennis, Cricket, Quoits, &c., and the Gardens afford accommodation for Tea and other Parties. Wines and Spirits of the Best Quality. THOMAS \VHITE, Proprietor. FULKER’S LIBRARY (IN CONNECTION WITH MonIE’s), BoaéseZ/er, Sm flower, (3’ Primer, MARKET PLACE, ABING-IDON. ./\/\_f'\ /\ /\/\f\ /\_I\’\/\ /\"\/\/\f\_f\/\/\/ PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS AND FANCY GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. FISHING. An Illustrated Journal. Every Saturday. One Penny. Articles on Fish- ing by all the best authorities. Spe- cial features are made of Salmon and Fly-Fishing, and Salmon Flies. LAND & WATER. Every Saturday. PRICE 30. Land & \Vater is the only Weekly Newspaper which has a practical Sports- man and Specialist at the head of each department of Sport. SHOOTING. A New Paper. Devoted exclu- sively to Shoot- ing, its appliances and surroundings. Articles and Let- ters from thor- oughly well- known Sportsmen and Specialists. EVeryNVednesday Price 2d. Publishing Offices of above, 182 Strand, London, W.C. RED LION HOTEL, HAMPTON. Large Coffee Room, Commercial Room, Private SittingRooms, Bed Rooms, Billiard Room, and every convenience for the comfort of Visitors. \Vithin 7 minutes’ walk of the Railway Station and close to the River. Good Stabling and Coach Houses. W. BALLARD, Proprietor. THE BELL HOTEL & ASSEMBLY ROOMS, BELL HILL, HAMPTON. (Next the Church.) ROBT. FAIRCLOUGH, Proprietor. R. WOOTTON, Manager. This comfortable Hotel, whose “ old-fashioned appearance, neat without and clean within,” attracted the attention of Dr. Johnson, situate in one of the most lovely spots on the banks of the Thames, directly opposite Molesey Hurst, commands a charming view of the country for miles round; also a splendid view of an extensive reach of the River, on which, in the season, is to be seen a moving panorama that will challenge comparison with anything of the’ kind onany part of the Thames. ’\I\N\f\f\ Mflflflhn .- SUPERI ACCOMMODATION FOR BOATIN G, FISHING, CYCLING, AND PIC-NIC PARTIES. BALL RooM, CoFrEE RooM, DINING RooMs, AND BILLIARD RooM. Spirits, Wines, &c., are of the Finest Quality. Open, and Closed Carriages for Hire by Day or Hour. and Loose Boxes. Good " Stalls RAY MEAD HOTEL, BOULTER’S LOCK, near Maidenhead Bridge, Beautifully situated on the Banks of the Thames, is now considerably Enlarged. RooMs AND APARTMENTS FACING THE RIVER. STEAM LA UNOHES FOR PIC-N10 PAR TIES Pleasure Boats and Punts of every Description for Hire. H. Ross, Boat, Farm‘, 69’ Cd7/l06 Built/er, RIVERSIDE, MAIDENHEAD. Boats to Let by the Day, Week, Month, or Season. Boats Housed, Repaired, Varnished, 850. New and Second-hand Boats, Punts, and Canoes for Sale. H. WOODIIOUSE, THAMES HOTEL, NEAR MAIDENI-IEAD BRIDGE. Beautifully situated on the Banks of the Thames. First-class Billiard Saloon, with two Tables. Rooms and Apart- ments on reasonable terms. Steam Launches, Boats, Punts, and Canoes on Hire. Stabling and Coach House. UNDER ROYAL PATRONAGE. J. BOND, Designer & Constructor of Steam Launches, Boat Builder, MAIDENHEAD BRIDGE. The well-known Launches “Formosa,” 60ft., “ Gainsboroug ,” 50 ftv ‘‘ Sunbeam,” 50 ft": “ Gem,” 45 ft., “ Sportsman,” and‘ others, are now fitted up to run to Oxford, London, and other places, and for Pic-Nic purposes. Steam Launches of superior class Fitted-up and Let to private Gentlemen, with good atten- dance. Terms: 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2 Guineas per Day. All Communications addressed to J. BOND, Sole Proprietor. R. SHAW 85 SONS, Boat Builders and Steam Launch Owners, MARI-OW, BUCKS, Beg to intimate that they are prepared to execute orders for Launches and Boats of every description, to accommodate large or small parties, on moderate terms. Special arrangements can be made for meeting parties at favourite resorts on the Thames. The well-known and commodious Launch “North Star ” (50 ft. long, 8 ft. 6 ins. beam), fitted with every convenience, is now anchored above Marlow Bridge, and can be had on special terms at an hour’s notice, when not engaged. Licensed Fishing Pants and Boats to Let, with or without Fishermen. .FRYER’S TEA AND DINING ROOMS, MARKET SQUARE, GREAT MARLow. Every Accommodation for Boating and Fishing Parties. Good Beds and Apartments. RAILWAY HOTE L, BOURNE END, BUCKS. Landing at the Boat Yard, just above the Railway Bridge. Every Accommodation for Boating and Fishing Parties. Close and Open Carriages. Choice Wines, Spirits, and Cigars. A. P. SPEECHLEY, Proprietor. THE “ RED LION” HOTEL, BO‘URNE END. (Between COOKHAM and BIARLOW. Three Minutes’ Walk from ‘Station and River Thames.) Every Accommodation for Boating and Fishing Parties. Wines and Spirits of the Choicest Quality. Bottled Ales and Stout. Terms Moderate. G. F. DICKINSON, Proprietor. THE FERRY HOTEL, COOKHAM. Beautifully situated on the Bank of the River, with Landing Stage adjoin- ing the Hotel, close below the Bridge. This Hotel, having been extensively enlarged, offers superior accommo- dation to Anglers, Boating Parties, and others visiting this the finest part of ‘the Thames. Gentlemen’s Boats Housed. Boats, Punts, and Canoes to Let by the Hour, Day, Week, or Season, on reasonable terms. JAMES LLEVVELLYN, Proprietor. MEDMENHAM. DOG AND BADGER INN. THREE MINUTEs’ WALK FROM THE RIvER. Good Accommodation for Boating and Fishing Parties. Fine Ales, Wines, and Spirits. Good Beds. F. \VRIGHT, Proprietor. Telegraph Ofiice :—-GREENLANDs, HENLEY. WHITE HART HOTEL, BENSON, near WALLINGI‘ORD. WINES, SPIRITS, and ALES of the Finest Quality, at Moderate‘ Prices. DINNERS, TEAS, &c., ON THE SHORTEST NOTICE. Fishing Punts and Pleasure Boats to Let. Good Accommodation for Fishing and Boating Parties. J. DEARLCVE, Proprietress. Rf’cIlQWAY j—IOTEL, CULT—TAM STATION, ABING-DON, BERKS. This Hotel is situated a quarter of a mile from the Thames, .vhere Good Accommodation can be had, with Moderate Charges. Posting in all its Branches. J. R. REYNOLDS, Proprietor. ORlTER/O/V TEMPER/l/VOE & COMMERCIAL HOTEL, 35 and 37 GREY FRIARS’ ROAD, READING. Good Commercial Room. Good Accommodation for Boating Parties and Cyclists. One minute’s walk from Railway Stations. Turn to the right. “THE FURBURY” COMMERCIAL TEMPERANGE HOTEL AND CAFE, BLAG-RAVE STREET, READING. I‘wo Minutes’ \Valk from the Railway Station. Good House for Cyclists and Boating Parties. \V. J. TEE, Proprietor. Telephone N 0., 4.4. ARTHUR EAST, Boat Builder, KENNE'I"S MoU'rl—I, READING- Boats of every Description built to Order and let on Hire. Gen- tlemen’s Boats Warehoused with great care. THE VASTERN HOTEL, READING. The Hotel is fitted with every convenience for the comfort or‘ Commercial Gentlemen and Private Families, havinz; large COMMERCIAL, COFFEE, and STOCK ROOMS. Sitting Rooms en suite, and 26 Bedrooms. Is within a minute’s Walk of the Market Place, Post Office, and Railway Stations, and close to the Town Hall and Museum. The Hotel commands beautiful views of Thames scenery. Hot 88 Cold Bathsr Specialities—Comfort & Economy. GEO. COLLINS, PrQprwtor. “ THE LAMB ” FAMILY & COMMERCIAL HOTEL & POSTING HOUSE WALLINGFORD, BERKS. WINES AND SPIRITS OF THE FINEST QUALITY. CIGARS. BILLIARDS, &c. This well-known old-established House will be found replete with every comfort for Boating Parties, Tourists, &c. Omnihuses leave the Hotel for the G. W. Railway to meet every Train. JACKSON 5. LAWVRENCE, Proprietor. “ BARLEY -MOW ” INN, CLIF'I'CDN HAMPDEN, B E R K S (NEARLY 600 YEARS mm.) The best Wines and Spirits, Draught and Bottled Ales and Stout, Cider, &c. Every Accommodation for Boating and Fishing Parties. R. B. REYNOLDS, Proprietor. THE CROWN HOTEL, OAVEBSHAM BRIDGE (Oxon. Side, close to the River). The best Accommodation for Tourists, Anglers, &c. GEO. W. KIMBLE, Proprietor. YWIMOSS, BOAT AND PUNTEH BUILDER AND FISHERMAN, CAVERSHAM BRIDGE (OXFORDSHIRE SIDE). Boats Repaired, Varnished, and Housed. Canadian Canoes and_Boats of every description Built to Order. Good Camping Ground. First Class Boats to Let by the Hour, Day, Week, or Season. Fishing Tackle Sold or Let on Hire. Orders by post promptly attended to. T.FREEB0DE BOAT BUILDER, CAVBRSHAM BRIDGE, 0XON., near READING. ‘Boats Built, Repaired, Varnished, and Housed; also to Let by ' the Day, \Veek, or Season. J. CLEWES. BEAR COFFEE HOUSE, (Opposite the Church), 1? A N G B O U R N E. FIEsT CLAss RErREsHMENTs AT MODERATE PnIcEs. “ MITRE HOTEL,” p x F 0 an I Situated in the centre of the finest Street in Europe, and is one of the most economical in the Kingdom. BRYANT’S OOMMEROIAL TEMPERANOE HOTEL, 98 HIGH STREET, sT. OLEMENT’S, OXFORD. Every accommodation for Boating and Tourist Parties. Orders by post receive careful attention. Charges moderate. RAILWAY HOTEL (FAMILY & commnomo OXFORD. Adjoining the L. & N.W. and G.VV. Railway Stations, and four minutes’ walk from the Colleges and places of interest. Billiards. Lock-up Coach Houses. Charges Moderate. Trams from the Door to and from Folly Bridge. W. DOLLEY, Proprietor. Kl/VG’S ARMS HOTEL, SANDFCRD-ON-TIIAMES. (3% Miles from Oxford.) GOOD ACCOMMODATION FOR BOATING AND FISHING PARTIES. I-UNCHEONS, jEIsH PINNEPQ, TEAS, ETC. Billiards. Lawn Tennis. Private Fishery. PRIVATE SITTING ROOMS OVERLOOKING THE RIVER. I F. G. TAYLOR, Proprietor. GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY RIVER THAMES. THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY, having Stations on the Banks of the River at BRENTFORD, STAINEs, WINDsoR, TAPLow, MAIDENHEAD, Coex- HAM, BoURNE END, GREAT MARLow, HENLEY, READING, PANGEoUBNE, GORING, MOULSFORD, WALLINGFORD, AEINGDoN, and OXFORD, affords unequalled facilities to those desirous of seeing it. The following are the arrangements :— CHEAP DAY EXCURSIONS. CHEAP DAY EXCURSION TIcKETs are issued daily by certain specified. Trains, from 1st May to the 31st October of every year, to the to lowing places, from PADDINGToN, Westbourne Park, Kcnsington (Addison Road), and nearly all the Stations on the Metropolitan and District Railways, at the following Third Class Return Fares :— s. d. s. d. Cookham, 'Iaplow } 3 o GreatjMarlow . 3 6 Maidenhead Shiplflke Henley Tickets from Stations onlltlie District Railway to WINDsoR are only available via Ealing, and to TAPLOW and the other Stations, 'viai Earl’s Court and Westbourne Park only. _ The Trains by which these tic ets are available are published on special bills. CHEAP SATURDAY T0 MONDAY TICKETS. On SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS, all the year round, First and Second Class Return Tickets to Windsor are issued at PADDINGTON, Kensington, and Westbourne Park, and nearly all the Stations on the Metropolitan and District Railways, available for the return journey till the Monday follow— mg, inclusive. Fares——First Class, 48. 6d. ; Second Class, 33. 66.. Similar Tickets are also issued on Saturdays only, from Victoria, Battersea, Chelsea, and West Brompton, available for return during the same period, and at the same fares. Also on SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS, all the year round, Cheap First and Second Class Return Tickets to SHIPLAKE and HENLEY are issued at PAD- DINGToN, Kensington, Uxbridge Road, and Westbourne Park, also from Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush, Latimer Road, and Notting Hill, available for the return journey till the following Monday inclusive. Fares—First Class, 7s. 6d.; Second Class, 5s. Also from Stations on the Metropolitan Railway between Aldgate and Edgware Road inclusive, and from Stations on the District Railway between Mansion House and Gloucester Road inclusive. Fares—First Class, 83. ; Second Class, 55. 6d. Similar tickets are also issued on Saturdays only, from Victoria, Battersea, Chelsea, and West Brompton, available for return during the same period. First Class, '78. 6d. ; Second Class, 58. - These Tickets must be used on the down journey on the date of issue, but are available for the return Journey by any train on Sunday or Monday. Speoialfaoilitios are in operation for the conveyance of Boats and Canoes. Full particulars can be obtained on application. J. GRIERSON, General Manager. PADDINGTQN TEEMINUs, MAY, 1887. . . .5‘ +5“, ....lilllllllun Ill.‘- Fm cm I rill II I Ill/Till“