BERKELEY 
 
 GENERAL 
 LIFRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 
 CALIFORNIA 
 
 
- 
 
THE 
 
 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 OR 
 
 WALTONIAN CHRONICLE, 
 
 CONTAINING MUCH 
 
 ORIGINAL INFORMATION TO ANGLERS GENERALLY 
 
 COMBINED WITH NUMEROUS 
 
 AMUSING SONGS AND ANECDOTES 
 
 OF FISH AND FISHING, 
 
 NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED. 
 
 TOGETHER 
 
 WITH AN ENTIRELY NEW DESCRIPTION 
 vF THE THAMES, FROM LONDON BRIDGE TO STAINES, 
 
 THE LEA FROM THE THAMES 
 TO HERTFORD, THE WANDLE, THE MOLE, THE WEY, 
 
 THE COLNE, 
 
 THE BRENT, THE RODING ; AND EVERY RIVER AND STREAM 
 
 WITHIN 20 MILES OF LONDON, 
 
 WORTH FISHING IN. 
 
 And this our life, exempt from public haunt, 
 Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, 
 Sermons in stones, and good in every thing. 
 
 SHAKSPEARE. 
 
 LONDON : 
 PUBLISHED BY JOHN BADDELEY, 
 
 63, COMPTON STREET, GOSWELL STREET, 
 
 And Sold by all Booksellers and Fishing Tackle Makers. 
 
 PRINTED BY G. PARSONAGE, 149, OLD STREET. 
 
 MDCCCXXXIV. 
 
DEDICATION. 
 
 TO MY MOST RESPECTED AND VALUED FRIEND, 
 CHARLES HOLLOWAY. 
 
 Friend Charles, 
 
 You and I have over and over again jour- 
 neyed the darksome night and sunny day side by side ; 
 we have drank from the murmuring brook, and ate 
 the Anglers meal together, our angling propensities 
 are reciprocal, your tackle has been mine, mine yours, 
 no paltry selfish feeling has prevented us from enjoying 
 to the full extent our piscatorial rambles ; I have tried 
 your friendship by the most severe tests, it has remained 
 pure and immoveably firm, you have kindly told me of 
 my faults when alone, and encouraged me with your 
 approbation when in the right. Permit me then, with 
 feelings the most sincere, to dedicate this my rude at- 
 
 M839038 
 
11 DEDICATION. 
 
 tempt to you, I know of none more fond of the delight- 
 ful art 9 none more worthy of the name of a true 
 Angler. 
 
 I flatter myself what is herein written will accord 
 with your ideas in the main, but if any thing appears 
 in opposition to your opinions, we will ( God willing) 
 argue the point in our usual way, while wandering 
 some morning when the wind is Southerly to our fa- 
 vourite amusement and retirement. 
 
 Inclination I know you cannot lack, and that you 
 may have health and prosperity to follow the joys of 
 Angling for many, very many, years, is the earnest 
 wish of 
 
 Yours, ever faithfully , 
 
 John Baddeley* 
 
GOOD FRIENDS 
 
 IP TIEIIS 
 
 My Fishing exploits commenced 
 about the age of ten, at Hampstead Hall in 
 Staffordshire, the seat of Wirley Birch, Esq, 
 where I, by mere accident, succeeded in cap- 
 turing some fine Perch with tackle of a very 
 primitive description, and worms obtained from 
 underneath a clod between each bite. This cir- 
 cumstance inoculated me, but soon after leaving 
 Staffordshire, my native place, for London, I 
 was prevented for some time following up a sport, 
 the delights of which I was unable to forget. At 
 length a friend told me of the success of several 
 
 A2 
 
IV 
 
 persons who had been fishing for Barbel in the 
 Thames, and described the fish as being generally 
 many pounds weight, and as long as his arm, this 
 information was immediately followed by preparing 
 such tackle as we considered best calculated to 
 cope with these tenants of the deep ; we ac- 
 cordingly, full of expectation, proceeded to 
 Twickenham, but failing to meet with a man 
 and punt, were necessitated to undertake the 
 navigation of the boat ourselves ; it was in the 
 month of June, the sun was shining brilliantly 
 above us, and the water as clear as crystal, to these 
 obstacles we were then insensible, and indifferent 
 alike to the weather and the scoffing of some rude 
 persons who witnessed our embarkation, we toiled 
 for three or four hours before we were able to fix 
 the punt, it was our intention to proceed upwards, 
 but after passing round the aight 2 or 3 times, we 
 abandoned the bark to the force of the stream, 
 
V 
 
 which made many revolutions and then settled itself 
 opposite the lawn of the Duchess of Buccleugh's, 
 near Richmond, we there fastened it in the best 
 manner we could and fished till evening, when 
 upon counting our sport we found we had taken 
 99 Bleak. To describe our features next day 
 would require the pencil of a Wilkie, our noses 
 were completely skinned, and the backs of our 
 hands remained sore for some time. 
 
 Frequently alone, and sometimes with my 
 aforesaid friend, I continued to fish with various 
 success, but under great disadvantages for 
 want of proper instruction, till an incident, 
 which I shall hereafter relate, introduced me to 
 some of the best Anglers in London, and I 
 have no hesitation in adding, in England, follow- 
 ing up the sport with a spirit which almost 
 amounted to enthusiasm, I became an Angler. Of 
 
 A 3 
 
VI 
 
 my abilities I leave others to judge, but in many 
 years practice I have gained some knowledge, 
 and what I have proved by experience I respect- 
 fully offer each Brother Bob, in hopes my ideas 
 will meet with confirmation by the skilful, and 
 give information to the novice. 
 
 J. B. 
 
 March 1st, 1834. 
 
THE 
 
 BOOK. 
 
 THE followers of Old Izaak Walton are thought by 
 many to be insignificant characters, and they are 
 subject to all sorts of jeers and insulting remarks; 
 but those who smile at them and ridicule their amuse- 
 ment, cannot conceive half the pleasure attendant 
 upon Angling, for, as Walton says, " A man must 
 be born an Angler to thoroughly enjoy the Art/' 
 
 It will be understood that I belong to that class in 
 society who have not many days to spare, generally 
 speaking, from business. Those situated as above are 
 in the habit of communicating in the course of the 
 week, and forming parties of three or four to meet on 
 the Saturday evening, or early on Sunday morning, at 
 a given time and spot, and so punctual have I known 
 these appointments kept, that a party consisting of 
 four have, notwithstanding they had to come a 
 distance of, in some instances, two or three miles in 
 
2 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 various directions, actually placed their hands on the 
 same post, or their feet upon the same stone at the 
 same instant, and so tenacious are they of their word 
 in this respect, that any individual who does not keep 
 his time correctly, and cannot give a good reason for 
 his absence, is scouted as unworthy of confidence, 
 but disappointment is a rare occurrence among us. 
 Within a short period I have known several persons 
 who previously cared little or nothing for breaking 
 their promise, and who were naturally inattentive and 
 dilatory, become, from associating with Anglers, 
 remarkably punctual and assiduous, these notions 
 imbibed, while following the recreation of Angling, 
 have not been lost sight of in business, and have pro- 
 duced beneficial results to themselves and society at 
 large. 
 
 Having so met, they cheerfully journey together to 
 the appointed spot, say twelve or fourteen miles mer- 
 rily, happily, and soberly, enlivening the road with 
 details of their previous exploits, and delivering their 
 various opinions as to the prospects of success in the 
 day before them. These Anglers carry with them 
 tackle, baits, and provisions, which render their 
 progression much more difficult. But those who may 
 have passed the vigour of life get a cast by the nearest 
 conveyance, not being particular to a comfortable 
 snooze in a stage waggon, if by that means they can 
 get an hour or two sooner to their favourite swim. I 
 have rode many miles by the above conveyance and 
 snoozed comfortably to my journey's end without 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 3 
 
 harm, for owing to the march of intellect the car- 
 riers are not what they were in Henry IV's time.* 
 
 Some have their own conveyance, and to their 
 credit be it said, they are always ready to give a tired 
 Angler a cast home, although his jacket may be a 
 little more threadbare, and his rod not so highly var- 
 nished. The London Angler does not require a 
 servant to carry his fish and landing net, or to wade 
 the water to land a fish, but trusts to his own dex- 
 terity for his success, that when he has taken a good 
 fish he may enjoy all the glory. 
 
 Some may condemn the practice of fishing on a 
 Sunday, but it is the only day many Anglers can 
 spare to cleanse their lungs from the infectious 
 air they have breathed in confinement during six days, 
 and without which purification, (I can speak confi- 
 dently as to myself,) would carry on a miserable and 
 painful existence. 
 
 Bishop Hurley has declared there is no harm in 
 pursuing innocent sport and pastime on a Sunday, and 
 does not the pleasure of contemplating the broad book 
 of nature create reflection scarcely inferior to those 
 produced by the sacred volume, whose precepts are 
 so much abused. 
 
 Those who have, through interest, access to pre- 
 served spots, though comparatively ignorant of the 
 art, may take fish in these preserves, but let them try 
 in open waters where skill alone will avail, then, in 
 competition with the London Angler, they will have 
 
 * See Shakspeare's Henry IV. part lit. 
 
4 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 no chance. I have no hesitation in asserting that a 
 London Angler can take Salmon and Trout in any 
 river in Great Britain as easily as he can take Trout, 
 Dace, and Chub in the rivers near London, and any 
 one sceptical on this score may, if inclined, soon 
 satisfy himself. 
 
 Rain, wind, or weather form no impediment to 
 him, calculating what may be unfavourable to day may 
 to morrow be to their advantage, neither can he know 
 the state of the water he intends fishing in, for it 
 frequently happens that after walking fifteen nay even 
 twenty miles he finds the water out of order, these 
 disappointments he is quite prepared to meet, endur- 
 ing it with a philosophy, he, by the sneers of some 
 is not thought to possess. Quantity is not his object, 
 a brace or two of Jack or Trout, or a dish of Chub, 
 Roach, or Dace will satisfy his utmost desires, unin- 
 terrupted sport, a cheerful company, fresh air and 
 exercise renovate him and prepare him for the ensu- 
 ing duties of the week. 
 
 I alluded at the commencement of this introduction 
 to an incident that introduced me to some of the best 
 Anglers in London, I will now explain that event. 
 Business called me to Guildford, and hearing of the 
 Trout fishing to be obtained near Leatherhead, I made 
 that place in my way home, intending to try my 
 luck there. In the afternoon, I walked by the rive r 
 side to reconnoitre, where I met with an old fly-fisher 
 from London ; being unacquainted with the localities 
 of the stream, 1 asked several questions concerning it, 
 and received from him much friendly information, and 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 
 
 by appointment enjoyed his society in the evening, at 
 the Inn, where he introduced me to some of his angling 
 friends from town. It afterwards happened that I had 
 the pleasure of meeting these Gents in London very 
 frequently, and also again at Leatherhead; a serious 
 illness prevented my continuing to enjoy their com- 
 pany for many weeks; upon my approaching conva- 
 lescence, I began to think of them, and by way of 
 amusement penned the following verses, which I 
 ultimately was persuaded to sing in their society. 
 
 LEATHERHEAD ONE MORNING. 
 (TUNE.) " Johnny Cope." 
 
 I. 
 
 Tommy, Dickey, Charley, and Crooks 
 All got ready with line and hooks 
 To go and fish the river and brooks, 
 
 At Leatherhead one morning. 
 They places book'd by the Dorking stage, 
 
 To go by the mail they'd not engage, 
 With Davy and Johnny a war to wage, 
 With fishes there that morning. 
 
 2. 
 
 When met together at breakfast time, 
 To eat and drink they thought no crime, 
 
LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 The rolls, butter, and ham were prime, 
 
 After fishing all that morning. 
 Their appetites were very keen, 
 They ate with a relish both fat and lean, 
 For nearly all of them had been 
 Out since three that morning. 
 
 3. 
 
 Then away they trudg'd in merry mood, 
 The wind was fair, the water good, 
 While some among the alders stood 
 
 To try their luck that morning. 
 Some fish at bottom and some at top, 
 And every now and then they'd stop, 
 To take from the bottle a little drop, 
 
 To cheer them up that morning. 
 
 There was Tommy with his little legs, 
 Splaih'd about among the sedges, 
 For he had a pair of Johnny Clegs 
 
 To keep out the wet that morning. 
 He has a true and honest heart, 
 And if distress a tear should start, 
 He is always found to do his part, 
 
 To help his friend in the morning. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 
 
 5 
 
 There's Dick who every body knows, 
 Has a curious knack to rub his nose, 
 And like a chro-no-meter goes 
 
 To bottom fish in the morning. 
 His fishing dress being very neat, 
 And his tackle always so complete, 
 There's very few that can him beat, 
 
 By the Farm in the morning. 
 
 6. 
 
 Old Davy tried his choicest flies,* 
 Before he found the fish would rise, 
 At length caught some of fairish size, 
 
 At Leatherhead that morning. 
 With a fly he'll kill both Trout and Dace, 
 And tell a tale with merry face, 
 And walk for ever, if you'll go his pace, 
 
 To fishing in the morning. 
 
 7. 
 
 Fiank came and tried with a worm about, 
 In hopes to play the devil with the Trout, 
 He hook'd and got one fairly out 
 Of the river Mole that morning. 
 
 * Alas, poor Yorick. 
 
LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 He cock'd his hat and raised his crest, 
 He clenched his fist and smote his breast, 
 And swore he was the very best 
 Of Fishers there that morning. 
 
 8. 
 
 George came, though weighing 16 stone, 
 (He dearly loves his dog and gun) 
 To fish or shoot, he'd walk or run, 
 
 At mid-day, night, or morning. 
 His corduroys fit him so tight, 
 In jolly hearts he takes delight, 
 Though Yorkshire, he's no Yorkshire bite 
 
 When fishing in the morning. 
 
 9. 
 
 Crooks is English every inch, 
 
 From fishing he will never flinch, 
 
 He'll flourish his stick and turn a winch, 
 
 To fight or fish in the morning. 
 He'll rig his pals* with noisy fun, 
 And from his grog he'll never run, 
 Till his face is as red as the rising Sun, 
 
 When he goes out in the morning. 
 
 * Companions. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 
 
 10. 
 
 Harry fished with his Canary fliea, 
 The Trout and Dace he did surprise, 
 Hit or miss he always tries 
 
 Every way in the morning. 
 With bits of cloth to make a knat, 
 And a coil of hair stufFd in his hat, 
 He'll kill any fish, from whale to sprat, 
 
 So he says in the morning. 
 
 11. 
 
 Johnny with his broad brim'd tile, 
 
 He look'd a very curious file, 
 
 The daisies and grass he did revile, 
 
 That caught his flies that morning. 
 He perseveres without a sigh, 
 And every likely way he'll try, 
 And stand the hazard of the die, 
 
 As Shakespeare said one morning. 
 
 12. 
 
 One man he walk'd down in the dark, 
 Somehow he thought it was no lark, 
 To go all round Prince Cobourg's Park, 
 For the nearest way that morning. 
 
LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 And when he got to Leatherhead, 
 He was so tir'd he swore and said, 
 He was more fit to go to bed, 
 Than go to fish that morning. 
 
 13. 
 
 Charley, who sings "My village fair/' 
 Or helps to chaunt " Begone dull care,' 
 But now he'll not find Mary there, 
 
 At Leatherhead in the morning. 
 In peace he takes so much delight, 
 He ne'er was known to snarl or fight, 
 Content if he can get a bite, 
 
 While fishing in the morning. 
 
 14. 
 
 They fish'd till they could see no more, 
 And caught of Trout and Dace a store, 
 But all were tir'd when they gave o'er, 
 
 And as hungry as in the morning. 
 And when returned at eve to dine, 
 Not one among them did decline, 
 But all declared it was as fine, 
 
 As the breakfast there that morning. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 11 
 
 15. 
 
 But in high glee they now regale, 
 With social glass and Lipscomb's ale,* 
 The joke goes round and merry tale, 
 
 Until they thought of morning. 
 They call'd the bill, each paid his part, 
 Each thought of home with cheerful heart, 
 And now they are prepared to start, 
 
 To get to town by morning. 
 
 16. 
 
 In angling there's a mighty charm, 
 An Angler's heart is always warm, 
 Oh ! may they never come to harm, 
 
 When they go out in the morning* 
 And he that wont an angling go, 
 In wet or dry, in frost or snow, 
 Can ne'er the joys of Anglers know, 
 
 When they go out in the morning. 
 
 I would here observe, the above was written upon 
 characters, but from motives of delicacy, the real 
 names are omitted, which circumstance greatly detracts 
 from what little merit there might have been attached 
 to it; as this song created some merriment, I was 
 induced to try again, and still meeting with encourage- 
 
 * Lipscomb keeps the Running Horse, at Leatherhead, a civil, worthy 
 fellow, and where a real Angler will be completely at home. 
 
12 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 ment, my attempts in this way became rather numerous, 
 and at the repeated solicitations of my friends, I have 
 ventured to publish them but hope the reader will not 
 be too severe in his criticism, as they were written 
 hastily, in what few moments I had to spare, at the 
 conclusion of my daily avocation. 
 
 BOBBERS' LAW. 
 
 There is rule or law practised by the London Anglers, parti- 
 cularly those who fish in the Lea, which is that of waiting for any 
 of their party that may drop in the rear, it arose from the follow- 
 ing circumstance : 
 
 Some years since several Anglers were proceeding on a trolling 
 excursion to a favourite spot at some distance fiom London, up 
 the Lea river, when it happened that one of them, without being 
 observed by the rest, loitered behind, and his absence was not 
 discovered till they had travelled a considerable way ; they 
 waited in hopes their companion would overtake them, but his 
 not coming up, they hallooM and called him by name, but 
 received no answer, alarmed for his safety, they retraced their 
 steps, when to their utter astonishment and horror, they found 
 him quite dead, with his throat cut from ear to ear, and robbed 
 of every thing he possessed ; it is supposed he staid behind for a 
 natural purpose, and was attacked and murdered while in a defence- 
 less position. Since this lamentable occurrence, if an Angler 
 has occasion to stop, he has only to call out the word, " Law," 
 and the whole party wait till it is convenient to continue the 
 journey. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRON1CLL, 13 
 
 Contained in the Waters near London. 
 
 THE STICKLEBACK, BARNSTICKLE, 
 OR SHARPLING 
 
 Is the very smallest of all fishes, with by far the 
 longest names, of no use* but to amuse and inoculate 
 little boys with a desire to become anglers (in summer) 
 but what he is good for, or where he goes to in winter, 
 I cannot tell, neither could our Father Izaak. 
 
 THE MINNOW. 
 
 SONG MICHAEL MINNOW. 
 (TUNE.) " Over the Water to Charley." 
 
 I. 
 
 Mike Minnow one day with his sweetheart walk'd out, 
 
 Thro' Islington to the New River, 
 
 He lov'd his dear Mary, but she'd often pout, 
 
 * Some Anglers use it as a bait for Perch or Trout, but it can only be 
 considered as a make-shift. 
 
14 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 And went with him seldom or never. 
 
 In a box he had gentles, he'd worms in a pot, 
 
 And of Cloves got a quartern at staiting ; 
 
 A walking-stick rod in his right hand he'd got, 
 
 And under his left was Miss Martin. 
 
 Tol de rol fal de ral, disaster and woe, 
 Misfortune quite grievous to mention, 
 Mike Minnow he lost Miss Martin you know, 
 By not paying her proper attention. 
 
 2. 
 
 When near to the Sluice-house, Mike Minnow said dear, 
 
 How delightfully pleasant 's the weather, 
 
 Suppose we now take a pint of mild beer, 
 
 On the bench we can sit down together ; 
 
 Then over the rails I will put out my rod, 
 
 And catch a few Roach for our dinner, 
 
 Miss Martin she gave an assenting nod, 
 
 Which mightily pleased Michael Minnow. 
 
 Tol de rol, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 With his rod held straight out, at his float he did stare, 
 
 While swimming along very steady, 
 
 When Mary said Michael, what is that there 
 
 Which hangs out of your pocket my heady ; 
 
 To know what she meant he was not at a loss, 
 
 For he felt what was twisting and wriggling ; 
 
OR WALTONJAN CHRONICLE. 15 
 
 Oh ! says he, that's a lob-worm crept out of the moss 
 Whicln I have brought with me for sniggling. 
 
 Tol de rol, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 He caught a few Roach, and was pleased at the sight, 
 
 Thinks he to himself, it's now certain, 
 
 If I catch a few more I shall make it all right, 
 
 And I shall be wed to Miss Martin. 
 
 But she from his side had wandered away, 
 
 He put down his rod for to hail her, 
 
 When despair seized his frame as the waiter did say 
 
 Miss Martin's a kissing a tailor. 
 
 Tol de rol, &c. 
 
 5. 
 
 His hair stood on end, and he trembled with rage, 
 
 And to take her away he was wishing, 
 
 When she said Mr. Minnow, pray Sir don't engage, 
 
 You'd much better go mind your fishing ; 
 
 He called her false hearted, and heaved a deep sigh, 
 
 And said she'd soon hear of a burying, 
 
 He took up his rod, but some one passing by 
 
 Had hook'd on his line a Red Herring. 
 
 Tol de rol, &c. 
 
 6. 
 
 He met Peter Pike and told him his grief, ' 
 That Miss Martin was gone with a dandy, 
 
16 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 Says Peter then look to your rod for relief 
 
 And here take a drop of my brandy, 
 
 You know I'm an old one, now mind what I say, 
 
 And when out to fish you are strolling, 
 
 Leave your sweetheart at home till some other day, 
 
 Or else never think about trolling. 
 
 Tol de rol, &c. 
 
 The Minnow being the smallest of all fishes of any 
 consequence to the angler, has no scales, the back 
 darkish, and the sides white and silvery, with a shade 
 of purple ; this fish, when in season, is very beautiful, 
 and is considered equal in taste to any of the finny 
 race. If fried with eggs and crumbs of bread, first 
 taking out the gut, and clipping off the heads and tails, 
 they make a most excellent dish. When full grown, 
 in some rivers they are 3 inches and more in length, 
 and are a thick broad fish for their size; you may fish 
 for them with two or three hooks on your line, they 
 should be very small, and baited with a small piece 
 of red worm, but they will bite at every bait, 
 and feed at almost any depth below midwater. The 
 Minnows in the river Ravensborne, near Southend in 
 Kent, are the largest I have ever seen. This fish is a 
 most excellent bait for every fish of prey, but in warm 
 weather they are very difficult to keep alive. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 17 
 
 THE GUDGEON. 
 
 SONG GABRIEL GUDGEON. 
 
 (TUNE.) " Soldier gave me one pound." 
 
 1. 
 
 Gabriel Gudgeon was a fisherman, 
 Some people called him flat 
 When he declared he lik'd to catch 
 Roach and Dace and that. 
 One day he went to Twickenham, 
 Thro* Brentford was his route, 
 With Titus Ticklehat he took 
 A punt to fix it out. 
 
 You may think you have a real friend, 
 
 In summer's sunny hour, 
 
 But if you'd prove him to the end, 
 
 Just try him in a show'r. 
 
 2. 
 
 Their system was economy, 
 
 I mean not to affront, 
 
 But Anglers are but simpletons 
 
 In managing a punt. 
 
 And so it proved ; for many hours 
 
 They toiled, tho' hot the sun, 
 
18 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 The perspiration down them ran, 
 Before their job was done. 
 
 You may, &c 
 
 3. 
 
 Their, shade was on the water, 
 
 The sun was hot behind, 
 
 Says Titus unto Gabriel 
 
 This is just unto my mind, 
 
 The scenery's so beautiful, 
 
 I could sit here for a week. 
 
 They offish at eve had ninety-nine, 
 
 And all of them were Bleak. 
 
 You may, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 Now Twickenham most people know 
 Is not far from Richmond town, 
 When up the river they would go, 
 Why they got further down. 
 Round and round they pushed the boat, 
 At last got bump ashore ; 
 When Titus turned his tail about 
 And swore he'd have no more. 
 
 You may, & 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 19 
 
 5. 
 
 'Twas not the first time Gabriel 
 
 Had been left in the lurch, 
 
 For they'd been before to try to catch 
 
 Trout and Pike and Perch. 
 
 He met a Richmond waterman 
 
 And gave him half-a-crown 
 
 To take the punt home, while he made 
 
 His way to London town. 
 
 You may, &c, 
 
 He got home quite late at night, 
 
 As you may well suppose, 
 
 He'd two great blisters on his feet, 
 
 The skin was off his nose. 
 
 He told his tale and shew'd his fish, 
 
 Got laugh'd at for his pains, 
 
 He began to think he had been fool'd, 
 
 Tho' he had all the gains. 
 
 You may, 8ce 
 
 7. 
 
 Home in a coach rode Titus, 
 And laughed at Gabriel's woes ; 
 Ask'd for some fish, and laugh'd tlie more 
 When he saw Gabriel's nose. 
 B 
 
20 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 When shall we go again said he, 
 I should like to go once more, 
 Said Gabriel not with me indeed, 
 I've been deceived before. 
 
 You may, &c. 
 
 8. 
 
 'Now Mr. Titus Ticklebat 
 
 I wish to tell you plain, 
 
 A chance to serve me as you've done 
 
 Will never come again. 
 
 He who leaves his friend in trouble 
 
 And does otherwise deceive, 
 
 In my opinion don't deserve. 
 
 To have a friend to leave. 
 
 You may, &c. 
 
 This fish is excelled by none of the fresh water tribe 
 for its excellent taste and nutritious qualities. Most 
 of the rivers near London are well supplied with them. 
 They spawn about May, and once more during the 
 summer, about which time they are to be met with on 
 the scoures and shallows, and remain there till the cold 
 weather and sour weeds drive them to deep water. 
 They afford much sport to the young angler, being 
 easily taken with a small red worm at bottom (on 
 the shallows in summer, and deep water as the weather 
 gets cold.) It is of a silvery color, with dappled spots 
 of black. They are a well formed fish, and are leather 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 21 
 
 mouthed, and, if well hooked, rarely get off. No. 9 
 or 10 hook is a good size to take these fish with. 
 
 Many dozen Gudgeons are taken daily during the sea- 
 son in the Lea and Thames ; in the latter river by means 
 of a punt, which can be obtained at any of the villages 
 on the banks of that river, but more particularly about 
 Twickenham/Teddington, Kingston, Ditton, Hampton, 
 Shepperton, and so on to Staines. In the Lea they 
 are taken from the banks, large rakes being kept at 
 the subscription houses for the accommodation of the 
 anglers. A rake is indispensibly necessary in angling 
 for these fish, which must be used every quarter of an 
 hour. 1 have been greatly amused in witnessing the 
 swarms of boys perched upon the rails of the New 
 River, near Sadler's Wells, and at the various arches 
 on that river near Islington. There twenty in a row 
 are as intent as the most experienced angler, occasion- 
 ally catching a little fish, when he is instantly 
 surrounded by his associates, who are loud in their 
 praise of his dexterity. 
 
 At the tackle shops, near the above place, willow 
 wands are sold for the use of these young Piscators. 
 Equipped with a penny float and hair line, a farthing 
 rod and halfpennyworth of blood-worms, he feels quite 
 as proud and is as happy as the lordling who may 
 have paid pounds to Martin Kelly for Irish hooks and 
 Irish tackle, particularly if he is lucky enough to 
 possess ajar or can to keep his fish alive in. (See 
 Frontispiece.) 
 
 This place is the nursery for London Anglers, in 
 
 B2 
 
22 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 fact, many of the best anglers of this day made their 
 debut as above, and under similar circumstances. 
 
 These fish are an excellent bait for Pike or Perch, 
 either alive or dead. 
 
 THE BLEAK. 
 
 SONG. BILLY BLEAK.* 
 (TUNE.) " The King of the Cannibal Islands" 
 
 l. 
 
 A tender parent had a lad, 
 
 She fear'd somehow his ways were bad, 
 
 And she an inclination had, 
 
 That he should he an angler. 
 
 Near Lea Bridge, twenty years ago, 
 
 One night while walking with her beau 
 
 She made a slip and you must know, 
 
 Bill's father was an angler. 
 
 Winches, reels, and lines and hooks. 
 Trolling rods and sniggling crooks, 
 Gut and float and tackle hooks, 
 For Billy Bleak the angler. 
 
 * This and the Leatherhead song lose all their point by the names bein; 
 Hiiaroidably omitte;!. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 23 
 
 2. 
 
 To keep him from lewd women's charms. 
 
 She sent him to the Penton Arms,* 
 
 And this she thought would end her qualms, 
 
 While he learned to be an Angler. 
 
 He heard them talking with delight 
 
 Of fishing and what fish would bite, 
 
 Thinks he to himself 'twill be all right, 
 
 I'll be a fisher from this night. 
 
 He wink'd his eye and gave a nod, 
 
 I've a bran new fishing rod, 
 
 And I think, or it's very odd 
 
 If I am not an Angler. 
 
 Winches, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 He calPd for pen and ink, and wrote 
 To his tailor for a fishing coat, 
 And said I'll be a man of note, 
 As I'm a jolly Angler. 
 His watchmaker a watch should make, 
 That no appointment he might break. 
 Captains' biscuits he would take, 
 And snuff to keep him wide awake. 
 
 * Barren Street, Peutonville, where the Waltonian Society is held. 
 
 B3 
 
24 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 He bought a bran new tackle case, 
 And fishing boots so tight to lace, 
 Thro* wet and mud to run and race, 
 To be first among the Anglers. 
 
 Winches, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 His gentle box and Minnow can 
 
 Were made him by a famous man, 
 
 No one could find fault with the plan, 
 
 If he was an Angler. 
 
 A handsome fishing knife was made, 
 
 And further to encourage trade, 
 
 A fancy brooch he'd have he said, 
 
 And chased thereon a small Jack's head. 
 
 He said, and gave his pipe a puff, 
 
 When he'd caught a fish that was large enough, 
 
 He'd give it somebody to stuff, 
 
 Just like a jolly Angler. 
 
 Winches, &c. 
 
 5. 
 
 At Lea bridge he his money paid, 
 And on the ground his tackle laid, 
 While he the -balls of ground-bait made, 
 As should a jolly Angler. 
 "IVas wet, he could not get a fin, 
 He thought to himself it was no sin 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 25 
 
 As he was wet outside to wet the in, 
 So he took a hearty swig of gin, 
 I don't know how it, came about, 
 He must have been a stupid lout, 
 For he fell in the river, and couldn't get out, 
 And there was an end of the Angler. 
 Winches, &c. 
 
 6. 
 
 His mother thought at first 'twas chaff, 
 
 And tried to pass it with a laugh, 
 
 But when she read his epitaph, 
 
 She sigh'd for the loss of her Angler. 
 
 She took a dram, and wip'd her eye, 
 
 And said it was no use to cry, 
 
 But now and then would heave a sigh 
 
 For the loss of her son the Angler. 
 
 I had almost forgot to state 
 
 What was on his coffin plate, 
 
 Twas a lamentation for the fate 
 
 Of this unlucky Angler. 
 
 Winches, &c. 
 
 a 
 
 THE BLEAK. 
 
 The Bleak is a small lively fish, much resembling 
 the sprat, he is very restless, feeding alike at top and 
 
26 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 bottom. They spawn in May, and are always iii 
 season, except at that time. Fine tackle and small 
 hooks are necessary to take these fish ; you may have 
 three or four hooks on at once, either as flies or baited. 
 They are well tasted, and are not particular as to their 
 feeding, taking either gentles, paste, or worms : they 
 are a good bait for large trout when used as a spinning 
 bait, and for Jack in a thick water. Many Bleak are 
 taken in the Thames and Lea by whipping with a 
 small black gnat or the natural house fly. They are 
 excellent practice for the young fly fisher. The largest 
 I ever saw was taken at Cheshunt, in the Lea, Sep- 
 tember I6th, 1832; it was 7 inches long. 
 
 o 
 
 THE LOACH. 
 
 The Loach is nearly the color of the Gudgeon, but 
 darker, and longer in proportion to the thickness; it is 
 barbed and wattled like the Barbel, and feeds close 
 to the bottom ; he is found in small rivulets, and is 
 easily taken with a bit of red worm, which may be put 
 before him without disturbing him from the bottom, 
 of which he almost appears to form a part from his 
 color. They are sweet food and are recommended to 
 sick persons as extremely nourishing ; they are slimy 
 and without scales, and are a good bait, especially for 
 Eels. I have taken four or five dozen at a time in the 
 waste water stream of Large's Mill, Southend, Kent. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 27 
 
 THE ROACH. 
 
 Roach breed in large quantities, and are, in the 
 neighbourhood of London, very numerous, perhaps 
 more than any other fish, therefore it happens that the 
 unskilful will often succeed in taking them; but if 
 they find them biting so fine as scarcely to agitate 
 the float, they will never take a fin, while the skilful 
 Angler will kill a good dish, although the water may 
 be clear and low. 
 
 In Roach fishing in particular, I think the London 
 Anglers may challenge all the Kingdom for superiority. 
 The excellence of their tackle and practice, and their 
 general judgment, defy all competition ; it is not an 
 unfrequent occurrence for a single rod and line to take, 
 in a few hours, from twenty to thirty pounds weight. 
 
 Roach are very pretty fish when in season, have 
 small mouths and their teeth in their throats, as have 
 Chub, Dace, Barbel, Bream, Gudgeons, &c. They 
 spawn about May or June (uninfluenced by the season) 
 The color and appearance of all fresh water fish depend 
 upon the state of the water they are taken from, as 
 after the rivers become thick from rain, &c. the fish 
 are pale and apparently out of condition, but they 
 recover their brightness after they have lain awhile. 
 The brighter the water, the finer the appearance of all 
 fish. 
 
 The river Roach are superior to the pond, as indeed 
 are all other fish ; they delight in deep running water 
 and well shaded holes with a sandy bottom, in summer 
 
28 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 they frequent shallow places, hiding among weeds ; 
 but about September the weeds rot, and they retire to 
 the deeps ; then commences the Roach Angler's harvest. 
 
 The season for Hoach fishing in the Thames, begins 
 about the end of August, and continues much longer 
 than it is pleasant, except to a thoroughbred Angler, 
 about this time the weeds become disagreeable to their 
 palate, and they leave them. This happens sooner or 
 later, according as the season is wet or dry. The 
 fishermen on the Thames are constantly on the watch 
 to sweep them away with nets, but great numbers 
 escape to the deeps, which in many places are staked 
 to preserve the fidh. 
 
 Single hair lines are mostly in use by the London 
 Anglers, and these are of so good a quality, that 
 they, with ease, can kill the heaviest Roach. (An 
 old New River Angler, caught a Roach at the 
 Rack Bridge, New River, weighing 2lbs. Joz. with 
 a single hair line.) I must differ from them in this 
 respect, as I cannot possibly be brought to believe 
 that fish can distinguish between fine gut and single 
 hair ; it is true, I am almost alone in my opinion as 
 the objections to gut are numerous, some asserting 
 that gut beads in the water, that the stiffness will 
 always be an impediment, however fine stained or 
 pliant, it is contended that the pliancy of single hair 
 greatly increases the success. It is my opinion that 
 single hair has no advantage over fine gut, and never 
 can believe that fish can tell the difference, perhaps 
 I may be wrong. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 29 
 
 Broxbourne, on the Lea, is much frequented by 
 Roach Anglers, and good sport is obtained here in 
 the season. The Crown, at the bridge, is kept by the 
 Messrs. Wants who rent the water, which house is 
 frequented by many excellent Roach Anglers. 
 
 The finer you fish for Roach the greater will be 
 your success ; small floats, small hooks and shot 
 must be used, fish near the bottom occasionally vary- 
 ing the depth, should the fish leave off biting. Bot- 
 tom fishing is often interrupted by the presence of 
 some fish of prey ; in this case, a bait thrown in for 
 him will often remove the difficulty. 
 
 The weight of your tackle must be suited to the 
 force of the stream, fishing always as light as possible. 
 The ground bait should be either soaked bread and 
 bran, or flour and bran, pitching in every now and then 
 a small piece. A mouthful of chewed bread occasi- 
 onally scattered about in a still hole will attract the 
 fish. 
 
 Hooks, No. 10 and 11. baits, gentles, red worms, 
 greaves, and paste made of the finest bread, and 
 worked in the palm of your hand till stiff and glutinous, 
 this must he made with clean hands, or it will not do ; 
 this is a winter bait. Fish as fine and as far off as 
 you can : plarab the depth without disturbing the water, 
 and when you have ascertained the bottom, and fixed 
 upon a spot, throw in your ground-bait gently and hope 
 for success. I would always advise the Angler, to 
 use as little line as circumstances will allow, between 
 the float and the point of the rod, especially in Roach 
 
30 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 fishing, and where you do not expect other fish, a run- 
 ning line may be dispensed with, you can then strike 
 much more certain. Roach are likewise taken with- 
 out a float; this manner of fishing is only to be 
 practised with a very short stiff light rod, and a swan 
 shot placed on the line about six inches from the hook, 
 letting the shot touch the bottom, then gradually 
 raising it to the required depth : this way is generally 
 practised round the piles of bridges, and from wood 
 work, or from a barge or boat. In the above manner 
 a Brother Bob, at the Rye House in old Shepherd's 
 time, once caught so many Roach against the piles of 
 the bridge, that the old man, seeing them lying on the 
 bottom of a barge that was moored close by, expressed 
 his fears lest some unfair method had been used to 
 take them, never having seen this way of fishing 
 before. My companion sat astride one of the beams 
 of the bridge, that projects over the water, and many 
 of the finest fish were lost, by his not being able to use 
 a landing net. 
 
 To reach some of the best swins in the Lea, a rod 
 twenty or twenty-four feet long is requisite, made of 
 the lightest materials, so that it is straight and strikes 
 true. 
 
 THE DACE. 
 
 The Dace resembles the Roach very much, but the 
 scales &re smaller, and fins not red, and in make not 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 31 
 
 so wide ; they are met with in most rivers near London 
 in great quantities, and afford the Angler much 
 amusement ; they are caught at bottom in the Thames 
 and Lea, c. in common with the Roach, and are a 
 game and powerful fish for their size ; the haunts of 
 the Dace are gravelly, sandy, or clayey bottoms, and 
 deep holes that are shaded ; in hot weather they are 
 found on shallows, and are best taken with an artificial 
 fly, or whipping with a single gentle or grasshopper 
 on your hook; they spawn in March, and are best 
 about Michaelmas, and on till February; though Dace 
 are often caught with a float with Roach, they are 
 not altogether float fish ; fish for Dace about two 
 inches from the bottom, use a ground bait made with 
 bread and bran, or two or three handfuls of flour, with 
 a quart of bran moistened with water ; I prefer the 
 flour to bread, being easier made, and sinks better, 
 but many prefer bread and bran ; Dace are taken in 
 great quantities of a very good size at Drayton and in 
 the Wandle, between the town and Thames, and upon 
 all the shallows in the Thames, between Kew and 
 Staines bridge ; they are a good bait for Pike, and 
 are taken with a red worm, gentles, and greaves; in 
 the Thames the fishermen use bran and clay, mixed 
 with greaves, pounded very fine, and scalded, pouring 
 the water in which they are soaked over the bran ; the 
 Dace at Leatherhead in Surrey are very large, and in 
 the Lewisham stream they are most excellent, in fact 
 the Dace here are superior in quality to any I ever 
 saw. 
 
32 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 Dace in mill streams are mostly met with near the 
 top part of the mill head : they are a brisker fish than 
 the Roach, and having a larger mouth, you may use 
 a No. 9, hook ; they are very good eating. 
 
 SONG. YOUNG BEGINNERS. 
 
 (TuNE.) t( Now let's away to the Wedding." 
 
 1. 
 
 Richard Roach, Daniel Dace, Barney Bream 
 
 Had purchased, of tackle a store. 
 
 And amongst them was poor Mike Minnow, 
 
 Whose story I've told you hefore ; 
 
 Boh Bleak too was one -of the party, 
 
 A 'prentice h'd not long been bound, 
 
 I believe he's a distant relation 
 
 Of that Billy Bleak that was drowned. 
 
 Some people do sneer at us Anglers, 
 And call us all this, that, and t'other, 
 But they cannot say we are wranglers, 
 But live, as should brother and brother. 
 
 2. 
 
 It was settled, next week they would go out, 
 Each prayed that time fast might run on, 
 To leave toil and sorrow behind them, 
 In smoaky and dirty London, 
 
Oft WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 33 
 
 Dan Dace took his mother's best saucepan, 
 That his greaves might be soft and well boiled, 
 For this master Dan got a hiding, 
 For his mother's new saucepan was spoiled, 
 Some people, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 A bag that might carry his rod in, 
 Dan made from two sleeves of a coat, 
 He got sixpence for going an errand, 
 And bought him a porcupine float. 
 A box that once held paste blacking, 
 A pen'worth of gentles contained, 
 And he said he would take his umbrella, 
 To sit underneath if it rained. 
 
 Some people, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 Barney's father was one of Reid's draymen, 
 He stole to the stables one day, 
 And tugged at the tail of a dray horse, 
 And tore a good handful away, 
 His mother boiled him some bacon, 
 And filled a quart bottle with pease, 
 And 'tis certain he's not the first bobber, 
 That has made a good dinner on these. 
 Some people, &c. 
 
LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 5. 
 
 They melted the tea-spoons for plummets, 
 And cut the lead windows for shot, 
 And on Saturday night about seven, 
 They every thing ready had got. 
 They merrily trudged till near Enfield, 
 There laid in a stack for a snore, 
 By sleep very soon overtaken, 
 They woke not till very near four. 
 Some people, &c. 
 
 6. 
 
 The river was reached they got ready, 
 Each picked for himself a prime nook, 
 But the very first swim, Barney Bream 
 Cried, blow me I've lost my gut book. 
 Richard got fast to a bramble, 
 And Daniel got hold of a post, 
 But to crown their misfortunes and crosses, 
 Discovered their grub was all lost. 
 Some people, &c. 
 
 7. 
 
 By hunger and thirst overtaken, 
 They studied what was to be done, 
 When Richaid thought of the hay stack, 
 And called out as sure as a gun, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 35 
 
 When we were disturbed by the farmer, 
 Our provision was left in the stack, 
 And no doubt but he or his joskins, 
 Will eat it before we get back. 
 
 Some people, &c. 
 
 8. 
 
 Bob Bleak put his hand in his pocket, 
 But sixpence was all it contained,* 
 With this money he purchased some porter, 
 Amongst five it was very soon drained, 
 Dan stood twirling his new umbrella, 
 Ah now I've a thought, cried Bob Bleak, 
 Suppose we leave that with the landlord 
 In pawn for some meat till next week. 
 Some people, &c. 
 
 9. 
 
 The landlord, a good sort of fellow, 
 Their sorrowful talk overheard, 
 Consented at once to relieve them 
 And trust to their honor and word ; 
 He was paid as I am lold well and truly, 
 For honesty 's best in the end, 
 And may every way weary bobber, 
 Meet just such a landlord and friend. 
 Some people, &c. 
 
 * So determined were the rest to be fishermen, that they spent every 
 farthing iu tackle, &c. never dreaming *>f refreshment, 
 
LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 THE CHUB. 
 
 o 
 
 CHARLEY CHUB AND THE PUNT PROPRIETOR. 
 (TUNE.) " Ye Zephyrs gay." 
 
 1. 
 
 Charley Chub, Esq. a citizen, 
 Lived very near to Pudding lane, 
 And every summer went a week, 
 By the Thames at Ditton to remain. 
 He gave his 'prentice half-a-crown, 
 To be a steady boy. 
 
 And mind the shop, while he went down 
 His fishing to enjoy. 
 
 With rod and line and hook, 
 By river, pond or brook, 
 Strange things we fishers see. 
 
 2. 
 
 He as a man of substance was 
 
 Allow'd to be in every sense ; 
 
 He'd a large amount in banker's hands, 
 
 As many pounds as some had pence. 
 
 His person portly as a butt 
 
 Prov'd how he liv'd full welJ, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 37 
 
 And how he did enjoy himself 
 I am about to tell. 
 
 With rod, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 He to the Swan at Ditton drove, 
 And call'd aloud for Bob, the groom, 
 Meanwhile a chubby chambermaid 
 Trip'd before him to his room ; 
 Said he, send for a fisherman, 
 Get supper in a trice, 
 A duck, a fowl, or pigeon pie, 
 I am not over nice. 
 
 With rod, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 The man soon came, and made his bow, 
 I hope, Sir, you are well, said he ; 
 Yes, Joe, I'm very well, said Chub, 
 Now hold your tongue, and list to me ; 
 Get lots of bait, your punt well cleaned, 
 And ope' that tackle chest, 
 And look out for to-morrow's sport 
 What you consider best. 
 
 With rod &c. 
 
38 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 5. 
 
 He rang the bell, the waiter came, 
 I want some brandy and some wine, 
 And something nice prepare for me 
 For lunch till I have time to dine ; 
 And fisherman exact at six, 
 Be at my chamber-door, 
 Myself to-morrow I'll enjoy, 
 If I never did before. 
 
 With rod, &c. 
 
 6. 
 
 True to his time old Chub was wak'd, 
 He was fidgetty to be afloat, 
 And waiter, ostler, fisherman, 
 Convey'd provision to the boat. 
 The pole that mark'd the pitch was near'd, 
 (Old Chub this custom blames* ) 
 But he soon was seated in his chair 
 Upon the mighty Thames. 
 
 With rod, &c. 
 
 7. 
 
 Awhile he fished, the fisherman 
 At length called out, Sir, I've a bite, 
 
 * It is well known to Thames Anglers that the punt owners fix a pole in 
 the best pitches, in expectation of customers, they having received a com- 
 munication to that effect. Old Chub thinks it ought to be first come, first 
 ser ved . 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 39 
 
 I've miss'd him, but I think my bait 
 
 Was not fix'd exactly right. 
 
 The deuce a bite, says Chub, have I 
 
 Perceived to move my line, 
 
 I feel quite faint, so fisherman 
 
 Give me a glass of wine. 
 
 WithroJ, &c. 
 
 8. 
 
 Another and another glass 
 
 Chub took, and then he took a snack, 
 
 And when the sun grew warm above, 
 
 He took a little nap. 
 
 The moment that his eye lids clos'd, 
 
 The man cried, strike, Sir, strike ; 
 
 Chub woke, and in a pucker struck, 
 
 You never saw the like. 
 
 With rod, &c. 
 
 9. 
 
 His bait renew 'd, he tried again, 
 
 But 'twas in vain for him to try ; 
 
 And thirsty Chub requested Joe 
 
 To hand a glass, for he was dry ; 
 
 And then he dozed, which Joe perceived, 
 
 Called aloud, a bite again, 
 
 Chub woke, and struck, but as before 
 
 His striking was in vain. 
 
 With rod, &c. 
 
40 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 10. 
 
 So often foil'd, Chub rous'd himself, 
 
 Thinks he that same fishing spark, 
 
 I more than half suspect with me 
 
 Is playing off a lark. 
 
 But when asleep I fall again, 
 
 I'll doze with one eye ope', 
 
 It's very strange if Charley Chub, 
 
 With this Gudgeon cannot cope. 
 
 With rod, &c. 
 
 11. 
 
 Chub nodded, Joe was wide awake, 
 And to the well he slyly went, 
 And on Chub's line a Barbel hook'd, 
 But one eye was intent. 
 Says Chub you do it very well, 
 Upon my word you do, 
 Put me on shore, and Master Joe 
 I'll come no more with you. 
 
 With rod, &c. 
 
 The Chub evidently derives his name from his 
 make, he, however, can boast of numerous other 
 names, as Nob, Botling, Cheven, Chavenden, &c. 
 When in season they are handsome, having broad 
 scales and a thick bold looking head, Small Chub, 
 Roach, and Dace resemble each other so much, that 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 41 
 
 old and experienced Anglers are often deceived as to 
 the identity, so much so, that in a company of ac- 
 knowledged Anglers there has been various opinions. 
 The Chub and Dace are the most difficult to dis- 
 tinguish, but the points to be observed are (in the 
 Chub), a larger mouth, broader head, thicker lips, 
 and the scales immediately behind the head larger, 
 aud distinctly marked, and the general make of the 
 fish rounder, and the throw of the Mouth larger and not 
 so forward as the Dace, the roe is the best part to 
 eat. They are in the finest condition from October 
 till the end of April or beginning of May. The Chub 
 spawn about the beginning of May, sooner or later, 
 and are sickly, rough, and out of condition for some 
 time after, but they will take flies greedily, all fish 
 soon after spawning are unhealthy, and should not 
 be taken. They are fished for in the same manner as 
 Roach, but, of course, with stronger tackle, and when 
 you expect large fish use a running line, although 
 an Angler of the Lea caught one 6lbs. with a 
 single hair tight line. Their baits are gentles, paste, 
 and greaves, the latter must be the whitest piece you 
 can get, they will also take worms, some use colored 
 paste in imitation of Salmon roe, but of this I have 
 no opinion, never having heard much in its favour. 
 Wasp maggots are most excellent bait, Cheshire 
 cheese, pith from the back bone of an ox, and bul- 
 locks brains are likewise considered equally good 
 bait. The latter may be good under some circum- 
 stances, but it is not so pleasant to angle with as the 
 
42 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 former.* The Chub having a large mouth, you 
 should fish with No. 7 or 8 hook, keep off the water, 
 and when you have taken a good fish, which will 
 generally alarm his companions. I should recom- 
 mend you to go to another swim for a while, after 
 throwing in a little ground bait; it is not a bad plan 
 to fix on two or three spots, and fish them alternately 
 if you can prudently leave, Chub being very shy. 
 
 Where you find Chub once you will find them 
 again; hence the old proverb, " Once a Chub hole, 
 always a Chub hole." 
 
 They are also taken in the summer by whipping 
 and dipping, the former with a stiff rod and a large 
 fly in imitation of a wasp, bee, grasshopper, cock- 
 chaffer, &c , and by dipping with a stout rod and 
 short line, trying under bushes and banks, keeping 
 always off the water, with a natural bait, cockchaffer, 
 humble bee, &c. Their haunts are holes shaded 
 with trees, under hollow banks, or in any deep shady 
 place, sometimes among weeds in deep water where 
 there is a stream. The Mole about Esher, the Colne, 
 near Harefield, and Drayton, the Lea, in most of 
 its fisheries, and the Thames produce many Chub. 
 1 have taken Chub near five pounds at Esher Copper 
 Mills, and in the Spring of 1832, two friends took 
 Icwt. at Harefield Broad water, in the Colne. 
 
 The Chub is in temper much like a pig, for if you 
 want him to go one way, pull him the contrary, and 
 you will generally accomplish your object. 
 
 * Chub are sometimes taken with Minnows, and frequently whentiolling 
 with the gorge hook in this way. I have seen them take their own ipeciei. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 43 
 
 THE BREAM. 
 
 The Bream is a broad thin fish, often compared to a 
 pair of bellows, he is very bony, and but little es- 
 teemed as food, he is of the Roach make, but twice 
 as broad in proportion, a small sucking-mouth, head 
 large, and forked tail, they frequent deep water in 
 quiet parts. When the Bream bite, they very fre- 
 quently cause the float to lay flat on the surface of the 
 water ; this would, of itself, be sufficient to convince 
 the Angler that his bait should swim some distance 
 from the bottom, the fish could then take it with alter- 
 ing his horizontal position. 
 
 The Bream spawn about July, and are in best sea- 
 son just before. Their best baits are paste, gentles, 
 wasp grubs, and red worms, a strong hook. No. 9. 
 He is a strong fish when first hooked, but after the 
 first turn or two you may land him without much 
 trouble, use a ground bait of clay and bran, grains, 
 &c. thrown in some time before you fish. 
 
 Dagenham Breach, a large piece of water belong- 
 ing to Mr. Fry has numerous Bream, but of their 
 quality I cannot speak favourably, they have a sickly 
 unhealthy appearance, and when taken void a black 
 matter just like ink, arising from the soil on which 
 they feed. The Roach, Perch, &c. here, are all bad 
 tasted. 
 
 Bream are found also in the Brent, between Han- 
 well and Brentford, in the Mole and Wey at Wey- 
 
 c 
 
44 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 bridge, but very few in the Thames and Lea. Some 
 fine Bream are taken in the Thames, near Walton 
 bridge, occasionally, and in the docks they run to an 
 enormous size. 
 
 THE CARP. 
 
 SONG. KATE CARP. 
 (TUNE.) " Last Week I took a Wife." 
 
 In the deep near Richmond town, 
 
 Kate Carp had took her station, 
 
 A flood had brought her down 
 
 From the Wey in emigration. 
 
 She found a mate, this finny pair 
 
 Rear'd many a brood with caution, 
 
 As Carps are crafty every where, 
 
 These had of course a portion. 
 
 List ! Oh ! list ! to me, 
 And as my tale is running, 
 You shall hear a tragedy, 
 Of a Carp that was so cunniDg. 
 
 2. 
 
 One moxn she rous'd her fry, 
 
 And thought they look'd much thinner, 
 
 But told them by and bye, 
 
 They would find a hearty dinner. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 45 
 
 Last night while swimming near the shore, 
 
 I overheard two boatmen 
 
 Say they must be awake at four, 
 
 And have a punt afloat then. 
 
 List, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 By my craft and here they come, 
 
 Now mind and pay attention, 
 
 If safe you'd reach your home, 
 
 To every thing I mention. 
 
 If your Sire had taken my advice, 
 
 We need not now deplore him, 
 
 He was hookM, aud kill'd and in, a trice 
 
 Away an Angler bore him. 
 
 List, c. 
 
 4. 
 
 He in tippling took delight, 
 Which caus'd us for to garble 5 
 He'd been drinking over might 
 With that ugly beast Ben Barbel. 
 A gentle swallowed, up he went, 
 Oh ! dreadful situation, 
 And deeply I his loss lament, 
 But you'r my consolation, 
 
 List, &c. 
 C 2 
 
46 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 5. 
 
 See the ground-baits coming down, 
 Now mind my litttle chickens, 
 There's two above from town, 
 We shall find some pretty pickings. 
 This bait you see's put loosely on, 
 This Angler is a stranger, 
 You may take the gentles one by one, 
 In him there is no danger. 
 
 List, &c, 
 
 6. 
 
 This tackle new and rough, 
 Of coblers' wax the hook smells, 
 The shot too bright enough, 
 And a flopping float which us tells. 
 Despite his glaring rod and line, 
 He has no pow'r to harm us, 
 If tackle always did thus shine, 
 The baits would only charm us. 
 List, &c. 
 
 7. 
 
 Oh ! heavens, that other face, 
 That's he that kill'd your father, 
 See the Barbel going a-pace, 
 We're all in danger rather. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 47 
 
 So neat and crafty is that line, 
 Go near it and you're undone, 
 It had been well for me and mine, 
 If he had ne'er left London. 
 
 List, &c. 
 
 8. 
 
 For twenty years or more, 
 
 (I wish old Nick had claim'd him,) 
 
 Those specks he's always wore, 
 
 So spectacles we named him. 
 
 The slaughter that I've seen him make 
 
 Among each finny neighbour, 
 
 'Twould make the stoutest of us quake 
 
 To see how he did labour. 
 
 List, &c. 
 
 9. 
 
 Unperceived the Anglers chang'd 
 Their rods, their swims, and places ; 
 Their baits are fresh arranged, 
 Which altered much their cases. 
 Kate thought full surely all was right, 
 But fate that day had book'd her, 
 She bit, that bite was her last bite, 
 For old spectacles had hook'd her. 
 List, &c. 
 C 3 
 
48 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 10. 
 
 Up and down, and round about 
 She swam, 'twas unavailing, 
 She her last advice shriek 'd out, 
 While her fry in tears were wailing. 
 I die, said she, but you are taught, 
 If here you longer tarry, 
 You certainly will all be caught, 
 For old specks will catch old Harry. 
 List, &c. 
 
 The Carp is the most crafty of fresh water fish, 
 originally a foreigner, has a fleshy palate and leather 
 mouth, a strong, broad, large scale, the fins blackish ; 
 when stewed with red wine, they are considered very 
 good ; they spawn several times a year, but principally 
 about May, and are in best season just before; their 
 haunts are in the deepest parts of rivers, where there 
 is a gentle stream, with a marly or muddy bottom ; 
 your rod must be long and strong, ditto your line, 
 hook, No. 8; use a ground-bait made of grains, 
 bullock's blood, broken worms, bran, and clay thrown 
 in some hours before you begin to angle, approach the 
 water as slowly and silently as possible, and keep out 
 of sight, or you might as well be at home ; when you 
 have a bite, strike immediately. Let an Angler be in 
 possession of ever so large a stock of patience, he will 
 need it all in fishing for Carp ; their sagacity and cun- 
 ning can only be compared to the fox, nor is patience 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 49 
 
 arid perseverance alone necessary, for when you have 
 hooked a large fish, all your judgment will be required 
 to land him ; swimming steadily to whatever part of 
 the water he is disposed for, in spite of your endeavours 
 to the contrary, nor is it well to oppose him, only 
 holding tolerably tight against him, he will try every 
 means to disengage himself; if in a river; he will 
 sometimes make a steady course to the opposite bank 
 and then back under your feet, then up and down, 
 taking every advantage of weeds, posts, &c. and when 
 you consider him subdued he will start again as fresh 
 as ever ; I need not say a tight line is almost useless 
 in angling for large Carp. 
 
 Bream, Carp, and Tench angling are nearly similar, 
 only that Carp are more cunning, for in the Portmore 
 park, near Weybridge, Surrey, I was contesting for 
 nearly an hour with a large Carp, and in spite of my 
 utmost endeavours, we were obliged to part, he broke 
 me. The Carp in this river are the most beautiful of 
 the kind, excelling all I have seen. Many fine Carp 
 are taken in the Horse and Groom Fishery, Lea 
 bridge, about April, also at Beresford's water below. 
 Many ponds near London contain fine Carp, (Oatlands , 
 Wanstead, Hampstead, &c.) 
 
50 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 THE TENCH. 
 
 SONG. TIMOTHY TENCH. 
 
 (TuNE.) " Miss Worgman's Hornpipe." 
 1. 
 
 'Twas the latter end of August, 
 When Timmy Tench walk'd out, 
 His head was full of fishing, 
 
 For he'd read Izaak Walton ; 
 Along the famed Lea river 
 He meant to take a rout ; 
 And readily to reach the spot, 
 
 Slept over-night at Dalston. 
 I will let each Angler see, 
 A bohber true I mean to be, 
 And what is more than that, said he, 
 
 Despise each poacher shabby, 
 For I have rods, and lines, and hooks, 
 And better than them all, odd zooks, 
 I've got leave to fish the " crooks " 
 
 Not far from Waltham Abbey. 
 
 CHOR. -At bottom or a bait to trip, 
 
 To sniggle, ledger, rove or dip, 
 
 By Minnow, spinning, trolling, whipping 
 
 He became an Angler. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 51 
 
 2. 
 
 He took an early breakfast, 
 
 And soon was in the road. 
 
 He jump'd upon the Hertford coach, 
 
 And reach'd the spot in no time, 
 Said he, I'm told this crooked place 
 Is with fish well stow'd, 
 And if I get a pound or two 
 
 I won't forget to shine. 
 Dissolve gum ivy in oil of spike, 
 Therewith anoint your bait for Pike, 
 (Walton says,) or something like, 
 
 I've done so with a Gudgeon ; 
 I here and there will cast my bait, 
 And if a run ten minutes wait, 
 I'll have a fish as sure as fate, 
 
 Before that home I'm trudging. 
 
 At bottom, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 Far and near he cast his bait, 
 
 A.t last he felt a tug ; 
 
 His line ran out for 20 yards, 
 
 Before it made a stop ; 
 He open'd wide his eyes and mouth, 
 And made a curious mug, 
 
52 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 For he'd seen the fish that took his bait 
 
 When very near the top ; 
 Now anxiously his heart did beat, 
 Indeed, says he, this is a treat, 
 Then on the ground he took his seat, 
 
 Awaiting the time to strike. 
 When thro* the mist, the day was dull, 
 By turning round he saw a bull, 
 Not far off, stare at him full, 
 
 And roaring, leap a dyke. 
 
 At bottom, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 He had no time to hesitate, 
 
 So up he pick'd his rod, 
 
 By the stream there stood a tree, 
 
 He clim'd it like a cat, 
 The fish he plung'd about, 
 The bull tore up many a clod, 
 Between the bull and fish ke scarcely 
 
 Knew what to be at ; 
 
 The bull bang'd the tree with all his might 
 But Tim the tree and fish held tight, 
 Sure he was in as sad a plight 
 
 As any one could wish to be. 
 Again the tree received a bump 
 Which broke it off close to the stump, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 53 
 
 Then in the river it went plump, 
 And with it Timothy. 
 
 At bottom, &c. 
 
 Ag on the river lay the tree, 
 
 And nearly half across, 
 
 To wade the water, Timothy 
 
 Soon made up his mind, 
 Said he, it's no use staying here 
 To ride this wooden horse, 
 If over I might kill my fish 
 
 And leave my foe behind. 
 'Twas difficult to reach the shore, 
 The disappointed bull did roar, 
 But he car'd not now he was o'er, 
 
 Awhile the fish did flounder, 
 But when subdued he ope'd his jaws, 
 With wonder Tim awhile did pause, 
 For staring surely he'd good cause, 
 
 The fish was a ten pounder. 
 
 At bottom, c. 
 
 6. 
 
 He pack'd it in some sedges 
 And placed it at his back, 
 
54 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 Alexander of his conquests 
 
 Surely never felt more proud 
 Than did this honest Angler 
 When he had kill'd his Jack, 
 Tho' he'd been bother'd by a bull, 
 
 His spirits where not cow'd ; 
 From that day forward he has been 
 An Angler true as e'er was seen, 
 Despising every thing that's mean, 
 
 But most of all a poacher. 
 He grieves that trimmers slyly placed, 
 An Angler's name some have disgraced, 
 But from him they are always chased 
 
 As rascally encroachers. 
 
 At bottom, &c. 
 
 The haunts of the Tench are nearly the same as the 
 Carp ; they are said to be possessed of healing qualities, 
 and that fish of prey will not meddle with them ; I 
 have made every enquiry, and havelieard of no instance 
 where Tench have been taken by Jack, Perch, 
 &c., the experiment having been made, by some 
 friends, and the baits were always found free from 
 laceration. With regard to their healing qualities, it 
 is generally believed that wounded fish are benefited 
 by rubbing against the Tench, the slime on his body 
 acting as a balsam to their wounds, this may or may 
 not be true, I leave the naturalist to decide. 
 
 They spawn in July, and are in season about Sept. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 55 
 
 and continue till they spawn again ; bait as for Carp, 
 with the addition of a well scoured lob-worm ; fish 
 at bottom, hook No. 8 or 9, follow the same directions 
 as for Carp, and you cannot be wrong. The Tench 
 like muddy water better than clean, and breed better 
 in pits and ponds than rivers, they will live in mud, 
 and are sometimes found so thick and ugly as to be 
 disagreeable to look at, they have been known to take 
 the shape of a hole, where they must have been fixed 
 for many years. 
 
 Although they breed best in pits and ponds, still a 
 river Tench is a beautiful fish, he has a handsome eye 
 and small smooth scales, tinged with gold, and their 
 fins are of a dark slate colour, are thick and large ; 
 they are a strong fish, but nothing like so crafty as 
 the Carp. When you take them from muddy places, 
 put them in water for a day or two, and they will im- 
 prove ; like the Carp, they are tenacious of life, and 
 may be carried to almost any distance in a wet cloth. 
 They are excellent eating, especially when taken from 
 a stream, and dressed the same as Carp. 
 
 o 
 THE PERCH. 
 
 SONG. THE PATRIOT PERCH. 
 (TUNE.) " Katty o' Linc/i." 
 
 1. 
 
 Now let us suppose brute creatures could speak, 
 And plain English too, or I should puzzled be, 
 Knowing but little of Latin or Greek, 
 Or French, its all of it gibberish to me ; 
 
56 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 Twas on a Spring morning, 
 Just as 'twas dawning, 
 
 When I wandered as free and as light as the wind, 
 By a clear purpling river, 
 Where I would be ever, 
 When this little ditty came into my mind. 
 'Twas on, &c. 
 
 2. 
 
 In thought, an old otter came by with his prize, 
 A Trout which you all know, if real, would grieve me sore, 
 No wonder, cried I, that I can't get a rise, 
 You grizzly old poacher let me see your face no more, 
 Indeed but you will Sir, 
 I will never keep still Sir, 
 
 I have sworn that the fishes shall die one and all, 
 For the keeper that sad he, 
 Killed my poor grand-daddy, 
 And my father and mother both fell by his ball. 
 'Twas on, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 Away then he stole thro' the reeds to his den, 
 While I, wondering, walked on my way by the river, 
 Astonished at what I had seen there and then, 
 I heard a shrill voice say, I'll love you for ever. 
 'Twas an amorous Perch, 
 I found upon search, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE, 57 
 
 Was talking aloud to a female, his cousin, 
 That old otter, he said, 
 Shall die ere we wed, 
 
 Or I'll fall in defence of my kin and my chosen, 
 'Twas on, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 An old fish in a hole heard his saying with pride, 
 Replied, my brave son, in thy spirit I glory, 
 That fin on your back, and those bars on your side, 
 Are honours of which none but I know the story ; 
 In the time of the gods, 
 When art conquered odds, 
 A Perch choked an otter, who presently died, 
 The gods then decreed, 
 For this daring deed, 
 
 To all Perch their strange fins and the bars on their side. 
 'Twas on, &c. 
 
 5. 
 
 Since the gods condescended to notice us Perch, 
 Said the lusty young lover to her of his choosing, 
 For this blood thirsty otter I'll instantly search, 
 And die, though my life in the cause I am loosing j 
 'Twas no sooner said, 
 But away then he fled, 
 The otter was met always ready for battle j 
 He opened his jaws, 
 
58 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 Neither wished for a pause, 
 
 In his throat the Perch stuck, while the otter's teeth rattle. 
 'Twas on, &c. 
 
 6. 
 
 Nearly choked, the old otter flew he knew not where, 
 He climbed up the bank which I was then nearing, 
 He lay down exhausted, but dreadful his stare, 
 When he saw the keen spear of my fly rod uprearing, 
 Foul traitor, said I, 
 'Tis now you must die, 
 
 In his old poaching heart the spike was soon hidden ; 
 His death struggle thrust out 
 The Perch from his snout, 
 
 Quite surprised to find from his foe to be ridden. 
 'Twas on, &c. 
 
 7. 
 
 Could I for a moment forbear to assist 
 This Patriot Perch that had acted so bravely, 
 So taking him up from (he ground in my fist, 
 Cried, bold heart, true Anglers can never act knavely. 
 He swam not much hurt, 
 When freed from the dirt, 
 
 His lov'd one and kindred throng'd round him carressing, 
 And for this daring deed, 
 All fishes agreed 
 
 To vote him their thanks along with their blessing. 
 'Twas on, &c. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 59 
 
 Perch is a bold, saucy, pert, looking fish, caring little 
 about anything on land or water, not even the tyrant 
 Pike, he will swim, in fact, where he pleases in spite 
 of him, and if he should attempt to harm him, he will 
 erect his peculiar back fin in defiance, although he falls 
 a victim to his temerity; they are a restless, bold biting 
 fish, taking the bait in right earnest, if they mean to 
 feed at all, and if you are careful not to strike too soon 
 you may take many of them at the same standing. 
 
 This should always be borne in mind when angling 
 for Perch, as they swim in shoals, and if one should 
 start away, the others would follow him, not so much 
 out of respect for his company, but because they are 
 perhaps jealous he may have some motive for leaving 
 them, they have no brotherly love, for if one is in 
 distress, the others will assuredly attack him ; they 
 will pull him by the tail, and I have known several 
 instances where two have been taken at the same time 
 this way ; I once saw in the Lea, above the powder 
 mills at Waltham Abbey, a Perch about a pound, 
 seize another by the tail, a friend of mine had hooked 
 and held him some time ; they will start at anything 
 thrown in the water, I have taken them while whipping 
 for Dace with a small red palmer. Perch breed in ponds 
 as well as rivers, they like clear, swift streams, that 
 are moderately deep, under hollow banks, by the side 
 of wood work, bridges, and old stumps of trees ; they 
 spawn about March, sooner or later as the season may 
 be mild, or the locality of the stream may influence 
 them. They bite best in cloudy weather, particularly 
 
60 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 if there is a breeze ; your tackle need not be over fine, 
 and you may put two hooks on your line ; angle at 
 six or eight inches from the bottom if with a float, but 
 in my opinion, the best way is to rove without one, 
 having shot enough to sink your bait, and no more ; 
 if you bait with a live minnow, perhaps a float is best, 
 but otherwise 1 prefer roving without a float. Minnows 
 Loaches, small lobs, marsh worms, brandlings, red 
 worms, and gentles are the baits; if you use a Minnow, 
 hook by the nose, as a Perch cannot take his bait 
 crossways like a Pike ; when you rove, cast your bait 
 gently between weeds, under roots, banks, about piles 
 and bridges, you will soon distinguish a bite, give a 
 little time and the fish is yours, if fishing with proper 
 tackle (that is strong enough.) Perch are not often 
 taken in the winter in any quantity, yet some are taken 
 of a large size when trolling ; the river Perch are a 
 very handsome fish, differing much from most of the 
 finny tribe, they are hog backed, and have a parti- 
 cular fin on the back, which they erect, and this ren- 
 ders them very formidable, it being armed with strong 
 sharp bones, they have very red fins, their tail is also 
 red, small hard scales, with dark bars down their sides, 
 which are of a grey olive colour. A few worms 
 occasionally thrown in where you know there are 
 Perch, may induce them to feed; always have a 
 superior worm on your hook, this is the only ground- 
 bait of any use in Perch fishing. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 61 
 
 THE BARBEL. 
 
 SONG. BENJAMIN BARBEL. 
 (TuNE.) " Mjj bonnie bra' John Highland Man." 
 
 1. 
 
 Near Kingston was Ben Barbel spawned, 
 
 The angling art he long had scor'nd, 
 
 He knew full well each fisherman, 
 
 Their favourite ways and every plan, 
 
 Among the piles of the hridge he found a hole, 
 
 And very seldom from it stole, 
 
 Except to sup on the whitest greaves, 
 
 That floated to the scour along the waves. 
 I will not say this tale is true, 
 As it came to me, I'll tell it to you, 
 'Twas before the old bridge was pulPd down, 
 That join M Hampton wick to Kingston Town. 
 
 2. 
 
 Ben never took his nightly round, 
 When he heard above a netting sound, 
 Then snug at home he would repose, 
 In safety cock'd his sneering nose ; 
 He drank large draughts of heavy wet, 
 Of course the choicest he could get, 
 He weigh'd 15lb. at 5 years old, 
 His tail was strong and his heart was bold. 
 I will, &c. 
 
62 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOR, 
 
 3. 
 
 Says Ben in conceit I am no fool. 
 I've a precious good mind to keep a school, 
 And teach young fishes how to come on, 
 Examples set and lessons to con, 
 At all events I can hut try. 
 Kit Carp I think will send his fry, 
 When my mind is known sure all will come, 
 To Kingston bridge Gymnasium. 
 I will, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 But ahove all I'Jl teach what will most avail, 
 To use with a grace their fins and tail, 
 To lie in the current as well as the deep, 
 And free from slaughtering nets to keep, 
 To patiently wait till Anglers tire, 
 Tho' they with hunger should expire, 
 And ne'er to touch a baited line, 
 When the hooks are gone each fish may dine. 
 I will, &c. 
 
 5. 
 
 The school was formed, Kit Carps fry came. 
 On a broad pile was chalk'd this name, 
 Benjamin Barbel's academy, 
 On the best of instruction you may rely, 
 Ben flourish'd, but soon grew full of pride 
 And out a fuddling often hied, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 63 
 
 Till his winking eyes and ruby snout, 
 Shew'd the liquor was in and the wit was out. 
 
 I will, &c. 
 
 6. 
 
 From his school one day al a guzzling den, 
 Bad news was brought to drunken Ben, 
 The grating saw and hammers clink, 
 Alarm* d him altho' full of drink, 
 He flounder 'd out to know the cause, 
 And a sight beheld that made him pause, 
 For his scholars' school and all was gone, 
 To make room for a bridge of stone. 
 
 I will, &c. 
 
 7. ' 
 
 He raved and roar'd, but all in vain, 
 He ne'er could form a school again, 
 And his little usher, Peter Perch, 
 Set up for himself, and left him in the lurch, 
 He glump'd and sulk'd, but all too late, 
 He saw, but could not brave his fate, 
 So swallow 'd a hook, despair'd and died, 
 Twas piscatorial suicide. 
 I will, &c. 
 
 8. 
 
 The wooden bridge, the Barbel's pride, 
 Is carried away and their holes destroyed, 
 No more the Angler seeks the swim, 
 'Tis gone thro* architectural whim, 
 
64 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 And the Puntmen say that near the post, 
 Where BeDJamin lived is seen a ghost, 
 A spect'ral fish with glaring eyes, 
 And fiendish look all sport destroys. 
 I will, &c. 
 
 The Barbel is a strong game obstinate fish, and 
 affords good sport when hooked, they are met with in 
 all the deeps in the Thames, and in the Lea as far as 
 the Weir, below the Crown at Broxbourne, but 
 higher up the Lea than Ponder's End they are rarely 
 taken, it may be in consequence of their not being 
 fished for, or places baited, or proper swims made. 
 It is very certain that enormous large Barbel are in 
 the waters about Waltham Abbey and on to Brox- 
 bourne. I have heard, that in the year 1831, Messrs. 
 Wants caused to be turned in the Broxbourne 
 water a vast number of Barbel obtained from the 
 Thames, but I never heard that any had been taken. 
 
 Barbel fishing commences about May in the Lea, 
 and June in the Thames, and continues till August 
 and September, they are a coarse, bony fish, their 
 roe acts as an emetic and cathartic. I have known 
 many persons made very ill by eating the roe of this 
 fish unwittingly, therefore, I would advise all Anglers 
 to caution their friends against eating it. Barbel 
 spawn about the end of April or beginning of May, 
 and are less affected by spawning than any other 
 fish. 
 
 They frequent gravelly rising ground, and in the 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 65 
 
 Summer, the deeps and strong current near Weir's 
 bridges, among the piles, &c. They are a strange 
 feeding fish, for at times they feed greedily and may 
 be taken in great quantities, but at others they defy 
 every means that can be used to capture them. 
 
 Their baits are lob-worms, gentles, and greaves, 
 particularly clean and fresh. They are a leather- 
 mouthed fish, with thick gristly lips, and have barbs 
 from their mouth, from which circumstance they may 
 have derived their name, they are something in shape 
 like a Gudgeon, but more hog-backed, with small 
 regular scales. 
 
 A winch is indispensably necessary when angling 
 for Barbel, with a running line, strong gut, and well 
 tempered hooks, 
 
 The Barbel swims in the Thames are princi- 
 pally in the deeps, and the particular pitches well 
 known to the punt proprietors, who claim these as 
 their property, and take especial care during the 
 Barbel season to have a pole fixed in one or two 
 places in the deeps near which they reside, to acco- 
 modate their particular customers. Barbel feed close 
 to the bottom, and are very frequently taken foul by 
 their rubbing against the bait as it lies on the bottom. 
 
 A friend of mine (Mr. James Brady) while ledger 
 fishing at Teddington near the Tumbling Bay in Oc- 
 tober, 1833, took a Barbel about a pound and a 
 half, with an artificial black fly in his mouth ; this 
 fish was taken with greaves, the fly was fixed in the 
 fishes lip just as though it had rose at it, and my 
 
66 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 friend feels assured that the fish took the fly in the 
 regular way, while some person was whipping for 
 Dace. 
 
 Another friend (Mr. Benjamin Fowler) some years 
 ago near the Armoury Mills, Waltham Abbey, took 
 a Barbel about 5lbs. while trolling for Jack, with a 
 Gudgeon, the bait was gorged in the same way as 
 would a Jack. This will appear a most singular cir- 
 cumstance, but the gentleman who took the fish, as 
 well as others who witnessed the fact are now living, 
 and well known to most of the river Lea Anglers, 
 and their veracity may be fully relied on. 
 
 Barbel should be angled for with strong tackle, 
 either with ledger line or with a float, the first men- 
 tioned way is generally practised where the current 
 is too strong for a float to live, you should have an 
 oval shaped perforated lead of sufficient weight to 
 sink and lie on the ground, about a yard of gut and 
 a No. 6 or 7 hook, or larger if you expect large fish, 
 about a foot from the hook, place a shot firmly on 
 the gut, and above the lead another about a foot dis- 
 tance, the lead will then move on the gut from shot 
 to shot, this enables you to feel a bite without the 
 lead being moved from the bottom ; when the Barbel 
 are on the feed, you cannot mistake a bite, for the 
 rod will be moved pretty perceptibly, strike hard and 
 be cautious, for you will have your work to do; 
 hold as hard against him as the strength of your 
 tackle will allow, keep him at play as much as pos- 
 sible, and take every advantage, for he will often 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 67 
 
 make steadily off to some favourite hole, never rising 
 from the bottom, but run straight a-head till you are 
 broke, in consequence of having no more line to give 
 him, he strikes the line with his tail, and being so very 
 powerful, often succeeds in breaking your hold ; when 
 he runs as above stated, your only plan is to follow 
 him with the boat. 
 
 I prefer, when Ledger fishing, a piece of clay 
 ground bait, worked on a hollow piece of bone or 
 ivory, placed in lieu of lead, on the piece of bone 
 there should be fixed some pins sticking out all 
 round, this prevents the clay from being washed off, 
 and I have been more successful this way than any 
 other ; this is called the clay ledger. 
 
 Another way to angle for Barbel is the same as for 
 Roach and Dace, but this being finer fishing you are 
 more likely to get broke, unless you are a skilful 
 Angler, and then it is rare sport. Barbel are obsti- 
 nate to a degree, I held one when fishing for Roach 
 and Dace at Hampton for 20 minutes, without the 
 least appearance of a move, but at last he started as 
 before described, and before the boat could be loosed, 
 I was broke. 
 
 Ground bait with clay, bran, and greaves broke 
 very fine before they are scalded ; take care to have 
 large white pieces for your hook, you cannot well use 
 too much ground bait. 
 
 Break up the greaves with a hammer, select the 
 whitest pieces for your hook, then pound the rest as 
 fine as powder with a large pestle and mortar. One 
 D 
 
68 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 pound of greaves well pounded for ground bait, will 
 go as far as three but indifferently broken, besides, 
 if large pieces are thrown in, the fish have no induce- 
 ment to feed on your baited hook in preference to 
 what lies on the bottom, your bait should always be 
 a tit bit, compared to the ground bait, which is only 
 intended to attract and keep the fish together. 
 
 An old brother of the angle and myself had a rare 
 day's sport at Lady Youngs, we caught more than 
 three of us could carry, they were not over large, but 
 very game, and we often had one on each of our lines 
 at the same time, crossing each other while playing 
 them ; this was from the bank, and my friend was 
 broke at least twenty times, his tackle having been 
 kept some time by him, had become rotten, this was an 
 excellent spot, but a flood one Winter broke the 
 banks and destroyed the swim. 
 
 o 
 
 THE RUFF. 
 
 Is a fish much resembling the small Perch, but not 
 so handsome, having a curious rough shaped head, 
 they are well tasted and easily taken by a small red 
 worm, they are not very numerous, but in the Brent, 
 at the back of Colonel Clitheroe's, I have taken at 
 times a good fry. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 69 
 
 THE RUDD. 
 
 Rudd are not often met with by the London Ang- 
 ler, being not very numerous in the waters within their 
 reach ; they are fished for as for Roach, and are in 
 make something between a Bream and Roach, with 
 a touch of the Carp about the head. 
 
 THE MILLER'S THUMB. 
 
 Is of no use to the Angler, and easily known 
 by his great head, which has given him also the name 
 of the Bull-head. 
 
 THE EEL. 
 
 Eels are found in all the rivers near London and 
 are much esteemed for their taste, the clearer and purer 
 the water, the finer their taste and quality ; they are 
 so well known that a description is unnecessary. 
 
 I will here mention, I am convinced that the long 
 disputed point of the generation of Eels can be no 
 longer doubted, for if any Angler will take the 
 trouble to open an Eel about April or May, he will 
 find, upon close inspection, the small Eels knotted 
 together in a soft white substance, I was shown this 
 by Brown the boatman, of Kingston, and am con- 
 vinced of the fact. Eels are taken by night lines 
 
 D2 
 
70 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 baited with lobs or small fish. They are also taken 
 by sniggling. 
 
 This is performed by procuring a very stout line 
 (plaited silk is the best) about three or four yards is 
 quite enough, this is held in the left hand, at the end 
 of which tie a common sized stocking needle, from 
 the eye end to the centre, this done, half the needle 
 will be bare, the line issuing, as it were, out of the 
 centre of the needle ; this is called a sniggle ; you 
 must likewise have a crook, this is a small rod about 
 four feet long, with a brass joint, similar to a hinge, 
 it should move smoothly but stiffly, from this joint 
 there should be about a foot of hard wood or whale- 
 bone, terminating in a sharp point, this is for the 
 purpose of conveying the baited sniggle to the hole or 
 blow, as it is called ; get some large lob worms, well 
 scoured, and run the head of the needle into the worm, 
 about the middle, passing the whole of the needle up 
 to the head of the worm ; the point of your crook 
 must then be entered about the knot on the worm, for 
 the purpose of conveying it as your judgment may 
 direct, in such a manner that the head of the worm 
 may be presented first to the eel. Thus prepared, 
 you will then direct your bait to such places as are 
 likely to contain Eels, as under clods or hollow banks, 
 roots of trees, and about old wood work, they are 
 likewise taken out of the bed of the river, where the 
 soil is of a soft nature, and are met with in what is 
 termed a blow, which is distinguished by a small 
 aperture in the soil, usually about the size of a shilling ; 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 71 
 
 when an Eel takes your bait, he draws the worm 
 off the sniggle, this is called a take off; give him 
 a little time to feed, then tug the line, the needle 
 will be fixed across his throat, get him out by gentle 
 means, rather than force, for he will hold round any 
 thing rather than quit his haunt. This way is best 
 performed between the months of April and July, 
 when the water is low and bright, and, in my opinion, 
 certainly the most successful and only pleasant way of 
 taking Eels with a rod and line. 
 
 Eels are sometimes taken by bottom fishing, but 
 when this has happened to me, I have always consi- 
 dered (as Pat says,) that I gained a loss ; most of the 
 Lea fishers are excellent snigglers, and, by a practical 
 lesson, will readily instruct any true Brother Bob in 
 an hour. I may here observe, the lightest hand will 
 make the best sniggler. 
 
 THE PIKE. 
 
 SONG. PETER PIKE. 
 (TUNE.) " With a Helmet on his Brow." 
 
 1. 
 
 Not long ago there lived 
 A man called Peter Pike, 
 Who dearly lov'd to troll for Jack, 
 In river, pond, or dyke. 
 
 D3 
 
72 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 He was the pal and friend 
 
 Of honest Tommy Trout, 
 
 They o'er a social glass agreed 
 
 To have a fishing bout. 
 
 Not long ago there lived 
 A man called Peter Pike, 
 Who dearly lov'd to troll for Jack 
 In river, pond, or dyke, 
 
 2. 
 
 Now Peter never let 
 
 Any likely time go by 
 
 For he'd heen a troller thirty years 
 
 Or nearly, man and boy. 
 
 His baits he ready had 
 
 In a cistern, made of lead, 
 
 And his tackle always was look'd out 
 
 Before he went to bed. 
 
 Not long, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 His time he always kept 
 As near as near could be. 
 And Peter had his jacket on 
 Just as the clock struck three. 
 He gently ope'd the door, 
 When up came Tommy Trout, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 73 
 
 He shook him kindly by the hand, 
 Then away they started out. 
 
 Not long, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 It rained and blowed quite hardj 
 But they cared the devil a bit, 
 Said Peter we're both tough and strong, 
 And more, we are used to it. 
 They trudged an easy pace, 
 Till Tottenham cross they pass'd 
 When Tommy said to Peter Pike 
 The rain has ceased at last. 
 
 Not long, &c. 
 
 5. 
 
 When near to Ponder's-end 
 
 They heard a mighty splash, 
 
 And looking forth, they saw two men 
 
 A net in the water dash. 
 
 Now Peter in a rage 
 
 Was going to call out, 
 
 But he very gently was kept back 
 
 By cautious Tommy Trout. 
 
 Not long, &c. 
 
74 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 6. 
 
 Behind this hedge well stand 
 
 Till they are passing by, 
 
 And then I'll gently lend a hand, 
 
 With them our strength to try ; 
 
 I do not like to fight, 
 
 But poaching I detest, 
 
 Yes, I know very well, said Peter Pike, 
 
 That you will do your best. 
 
 Not long, &c. 
 
 7. 
 
 By this time the netters came 
 To where they lay concealed, 
 Peter put his tackle on the ground, 
 Then off his jacket peeled, 
 He on them made a rush, 
 Tom Trout was not behind, 
 They fought away like devils, 
 Till the poachers they resigned. 
 Not long, &c. 
 
 8. 
 
 Peter took his fishing knife 
 
 And cut up their spacious net, 
 
 He hack'd and chop'd full half an hour, 
 
 He was in such a pet. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 75 
 
 He borrowed an old saw 
 From a lock-man that he knew, 
 He worked till he blistered both his hands, 
 But he cut their poles in two. 
 Not long, &c. 
 
 9- 
 
 He fill'd them full of hooks, 
 Then drove them in a hole, 
 And may this ever be the fate 
 Of every plunging pole. 
 Then success to Peter Pike, 
 And his friend, Tommy Trout. 
 And may every poaching rascal get, 
 As these were, well served out. 
 Not long, &c. 
 
 The Pike is called the tyrant of the fresh water, 
 and, except Carp, is the longest lived of all fishes ; he 
 seizes indescriminately every moving thing in the 
 water, and they will frequently take their own species, 
 young geese, ducks, &c. and I have known an instance 
 in Staffordshire, of one hanging to the foot of a youth 
 when bathing, till he was taken, and Mr. Cox Brooks, 
 an experienced Trolier, and a well known Angler of 
 the Lea, once was witness to a Jack taking a lark ; 
 some men were practising what is called daring for 
 larks, with an artificial hawk, near Cobmead, by 
 Waltham Abbey, and the lark was so frightened that 
 
 
76 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 he fell in the water, and was instantly taken by a 
 Pike ; one a very short time since, was taken by a 
 friend of mine, which only weighed 2lbs, and upon 
 opening it, a full grown water rat was found in his 
 belly, he is in fact a fresh water shark ; they are a 
 solitary fish, and always found alone, except when 
 near spawning time, then they are met with in pairs ; 
 Pike grow to an unlimited size, some say to 70lbs. 
 
 They commence spawning about March, going out 
 of the rivers into creeks and ditches, and to the edges of 
 ponds, and among weeds for that purpose ; they are 
 in season from Michaelmas, till near their spawning 
 time. 
 
 The Pike being a ravenously disposed fish, seizes 
 his bait with a sudden jerk, and which will be easily 
 felt, but Anglers are often deceived by fancying the 
 jerking occasioned by the hook striking a weed, this 
 will be easily known by your tightening your line j I 
 should advise the Troller always to run the risk of 
 being wrong in that respect, rather than snatching the 
 bait out of the mouth of the fish by any impetuosity ; 
 when a fish takes your bait he will frequently run off 
 with it for some distance, then, if he stops, you should 
 wait about ten minutes, or till he moves again, which 
 may be almost immediately, in this case do not inte- 
 rupt him, but ease out your line with as little check 
 as possible, as he may settle again, then wait as above, 
 but if he should, after about 5 or 6 minutes, move 
 slowly off, shaking the line, then tighten, and he is 
 yours, if you manage him properly ; I am of opinion 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE, 77 
 
 that a small check is quite sufficient to fasten your hook 
 if the fish has gorged the bait. 
 
 Your rod for Pike fishing should be about 16 feet, 
 (but some prefer it longer) stout, but as light as 
 possible, with upright rings that the line may run 
 glibly through, these rings should be large; your 
 line should be plaited or twisted silk, (the former is 
 the best, as that will not kink) not too coarse, but of 
 a good quality ; your hook should be always propor- 
 tioned to the bait-fish, not too rank or too small, and 
 leaded so as to sink the bait readily to the bottom ; 
 the best shaped lead for gorge hooks is flat and oval, 
 something like the shape of a Bleak, the hooks point- 
 ing as it were from the nose downwards ; some are of 
 opinion that the hook, when baited with a Gudgeon, 
 should turn up to the eyes, the size of the hook pro- 
 portioned to the bait-fish. 
 
 As gimp is indispensibly necessary in Jack fishing, 
 (and some use it for Perch, made very fine) you should 
 have it of the best quality ; excellent gimp may be 
 procured at any of the tackle shops, choose that which 
 looks clean, round, and regular, and good gimp may be 
 known by drawing a little of the wire off, which will 
 display a good substance of silk, and the wire will be 
 very fine ; the size of gimp depends much upon the 
 fancy of the Troller, but fine gimp of the quality 
 before described will hold a heavy fish. 
 
 Instead of a winch for trolling, I prefer a hand 
 runner, these are generally made so as to hold about 
 thirty or forty yards of line, holding this in your left 
 hand, you can gather up your line much quicker than 
 
78 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 a winch, it is useful while waiting for a fish feeding, 
 as you can stick it in the ground, taking care to fasten 
 it so as the line will easily run off. 
 
 Pike frequent deep, heavy, sedgy water, and the 
 still places about bridges, weirs, &c. among weeds, 
 but to give a proper description as to where Pike are 
 found would almost be impossible, further than as 
 before stated ; their haunts are various in different 
 rivers, there are particular places in every river con- 
 taining Pike, where they will be always taken, more 
 or less. 
 
 When you have supplied yourself with rod, line, 
 and hooks, as advised, get a Dace, Roach, or Gudgeon 
 about five or six inches long ; take a baiting needle, a 
 little longer than the fish, and only sufficiently strong 
 to pass through the fish conveniently, with a hook at 
 the end, so contrived as not to be much thicker than 
 the needle, or it will not easily pass through the bait ; 
 take your gorge hook, with about a foot of fine gimp 
 attached, and looped at the end ; hook this on the 
 needle, then pass it through the fish, from the mouth 
 to the tail ; tie the tail fast to the gimp with a 
 small piece of thread, tight yet neat as possible, then 
 fix this to your line. Proceed to the river, and 
 casting your bait as lightly as possible, where your 
 judgment best directs, letting the bait sink to the 
 bottom, then raising it, and so till you feel a knock.* 
 I have said upright rings are best for a trolling rod 
 
 * A term used by Trolleri . 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 79 
 
 principally on the upper joints, two on the top, one on 
 the next, one on the two next, and one on each of the 
 remaining joints, will be sufficient, those on the bot- 
 tom joints about the size of a sixpence in diameter, 
 but of course those towards the top must be smaller 
 in proportion. To throw a baited gorge hook pro- 
 perly can only be accomplished by assiduity and 
 practice, I will endeavour to describe the best method : 
 take your rod in your right hand, place the but 
 against the top part of your right thigh, you will 
 soon find at what distance you have the best com- 
 mand of the rod in holding it; some Anglers wear a 
 patch of leather buttoned on in the front, to prevent 
 the rod wearing a hole by repeated friction ; I had 
 intended to make myself a patch of this description, 
 with a turned socket or saucer of a piece of light 
 durable wood attached to the leather, this will allow 
 the rod to work easily, and keep it in one position, 
 and prevent the unpleasant soreness which often occurs 
 after a long day's trolling. Unwind as much line from 
 your hand runner as will reach the spot you intend to 
 cast your bait to, in coils about a yard in circumfer- 
 ance, hanging from the fingers on the left hand, near 
 the runner, letting as much of the line from the top to 
 the bait out as will be easily commanded, if you have 
 more you will strike the bait against the bank, or it 
 will fall in the water before you can give it a sufficient 
 impetus to reach the place you intended to try, 
 throwing your bait under your rod, a little inclined to 
 your left hand ; when it is brought back to the extent 
 of the line, cast it forward to the intended destination, 
 
80 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 letting the loose line from your left hand out regularly, 
 and without checking your bait, or it will fall slap on 
 the water, you must not cast your bait with a sudden 
 jerk, but gently at first, increasing the force, till your 
 bait shall have reached two-thirds of its distance, then 
 lowering your rod, at the same time gradually slack- 
 ening your force ; when fishing near shore, a very 
 short line, suited of course to the depth of the water, 
 will be sufficient ; in trolling always try close in shore 
 first ; your line will be kept in check by your right 
 hand, which will grasp the line and rod, regulating the 
 distance and length of line required. It will require 
 much practice before the Angler can cast his bait to 
 a certainty, and let it fall in the water properly ; I 
 have seen some of the old Trollers of the Lea cast a 
 bait to an incalculable nicety, the same falling into 
 the water so as scarcely to disturb it in the smoothest 
 part, altho' thrown to an immense distance, in fact their 
 dexterity is truly admirable, and they are certainly 
 second to none in this particular. 
 
 Live bait fishing is another way, and a very killing 
 way it is, so much so that I think it little better than 
 a walking Trimmer, however there are some that 
 prefer this method to the gorge bait ; as it is easy to 
 get acquainted with the method I need not here 
 describe it. 
 
 Trolling- is certainly a very sportsmanlike way of 
 Jack fishing, and requires considerable practice to 
 arrive at perfection and is certainly, from the exercise 
 used, most conducive to health. 
 
 As the best Roach Anglers are those that fish the 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 81 
 
 Lea, so the Trollers of that river cannot be excelled 
 by any Anglers in the kingdom, if they can be equalled. 
 A novice in trolling will sometimes be lucky where the 
 expert will not ; at the first attempt I made, I killed 
 a Pike above 7lbs. but this was not without some 
 difficulty, being obliged to drag for nearly an hour 
 to clear the weeds, in a heavy rain. This happened 
 in Want's water, at Broxbourne ; the next fish I 
 killed was about the same weight, at the Rye house, 
 a short time after. Skill cannot always command 
 success, but perseverance will do wonders ; a telescope 
 landing hook stick, the hook of stout wire, is neces- 
 sary to land the Pike. 
 
 The waters about London contain many fine Pike, 
 but they are not so numerous in the Lea as they were 
 formerly, owing to there being more Trollers, or 
 perhaps to there being more Poachers, but the Lea 
 will always contain Pike, in spite of all the enemies 
 to fair angling ; the quantity of pools, bays, creeks, 
 ditches, &c. and the supply from preserved waters, 
 tend much to keep up the stock. 
 
 THE TROUT. 
 
 SONG. TOM TROUT. 
 
 (TUNE.) " Harry Bluff." 
 
 1. 
 
 Tom Trout when a boy ran from school to his home 
 To ask for permission a fishing to roam, 
 
82 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 With a straight willow wand, penny float, and hair line, 
 Forth to the New River his course did incline, 
 With delight in his eye as he baited his hook, 
 Success crowned his efforts, some Gudgeons he took, 
 And his playmates all said when around him they ran 
 To look at the fish he had put in his can 
 That he was a good little Angler. 
 That he was, &c. 
 
 2. 
 
 To manhood advancing, tho' slender his frame, 
 Izaak Walton to follow his wish was the same, 
 Contented at heart, his wants were but few 
 When the broad book of nature was ope'd to his view, 
 More choice now his baits, rod, taper and fine, 
 Chub and Roach he could kill with a single hair line, 
 He look'd forward with hope for the fortunate time, 
 When by trolling to kill some good jack in their prime, 
 For he wish'd to become a good Angler. 
 For he wished, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 Matured he became an Angler complete, 
 With Cotton in fly fishing he could compete, 
 Dress a fly, tie a hook, judge of water or wind, 
 Of success not too sanguine, if unlucky resigned, 
 Young Anglers ne'er asked information in vain, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 83 
 
 For he knew very well it was hard to obtain, 
 Respected he lived, moderation his plan, 
 Altogether we scarcely shall see such a man, 
 For he was indeed a true Angler. 
 For he was indeed, &c. 
 
 The largest Trout I ever killed, T took in the Lea, 
 at Waltham Abbey, 20th May, 1821, by spinning the 
 Minnow, this was also the first Trout I ever saw ; the 
 circumstances attendant upon killing this fish was very 
 remarkable ; I was taking some refreshment in one of 
 the cottages near the Armoury Mills, from the back of 
 which the Tumbling Bay could be distinctly seen, and 
 proceeding to adjust my tackle, which being comple- 
 ted, I baited with a fine white Minnow, on moderate 
 thick gut, and five No. 9 hooks; I never spun a 
 Minnow before. 
 
 "When ready, I said to the cottager that a Trout 
 was waiting for me in the Bay that length, putting 
 my right arm out, and my left on the seam of my coat 
 on the shoulder. I was laughed at, and laughed my- 
 self, but set out with a light heart, though certainly not 
 expecting what followed; 100 yards brought me to 
 the side of the Pool I cast my bait in, and was highly 
 pleased with the manner of its playing. Some one 
 being closer than I considered proper, I said in a 
 joke, keep back, you'll frighten the fish. The se- 
 cond throw I hooked a Trout, which proved just the 
 length, to half an inch, 1 had pointed out on my arm. 
 
84 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 I was more than an hour playing him ; he was killed 
 in every sense of the word, for he was so exhausted, 
 that he lay any way in the water I chose to drag him. 
 
 I should not have been so long, but my landing- 
 net being small, and the handle not more than two 
 feet, I was obliged to get a piece of willow stick tied 
 to the end, to make it long enough to reach the 
 water, the bank being very high ; this was the gamest 
 Trout I ever saw ; he leaped three times out of the 
 water a yard high, and repeatedly visited every part 
 of the Pool, but my tackle being good, and having 
 at that time an unaccountable stock of self-possession, 
 I succeeded in capturing the most beautiful Trout an 
 Angler can imagine : ten persons supped off it, and 
 it ate quite as well as it looked. 
 
 There may appear a little of the Munchausen in 
 this, but the fact is as I have stated ; my wife wit- 
 nessed the whole affair, and I can tell the reader I 
 was not a little proud on that account ; several other 
 persons now living at Waltham Abbey witnessed it 
 also. Not that I consider the taking of a Trout that 
 size with minnow-tackle a wonderful affair, as several 
 much larger have been taken, and one in the Pool below 
 by Mrs. Astley; but my saying one was waiting for 
 me, and taking it the length I had described, together 
 with its being the first Trout I recollect seeing, and 
 the first I ever took, that has induced me to relate 
 the adventure as somewhat singular. 
 
 Trout are the most beautiful, as well as the best 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 85 
 
 eating, of the fresh water tribe : the game they evince, 
 on being hooked, afford great sport to the Angler, 
 especially to the fly-fisher. To take Trout with an 
 artificial fly by whipping, is considered the extreme 
 point of excellence in the Angling art, especially if 
 you can dress a fly yourself. 
 
 The reader, if he be a fisher, need uot be told that 
 they are very scarce in the neighbourhood of London, 
 their excellence contributing to make them so. Within 
 thirty miles of town there are many fine Trout streams, 
 but they are all enclosed, or private property, with 
 very few exceptions. 
 
 The Wandle, in Surry, the Mole, the Cray, the 
 Darenth, the Colne, the Hog Mill River, &c. contain 
 many fish ; the Lea, the Gade, the Rib, the Bourne, 
 &c. but to attempt to wet a line, without permission 
 from the proprietor, is abomination. 
 
 Trout, contrary to all other fresh- water fish, spawn 
 in the cold months some in October, and others in 
 November and December ; this is owing to the dif- 
 ference of the waters they inhabit, subject to the in- 
 fluence of the seasons, the same fish, in the same 
 streams, not always spawning at the same time, it 
 being regulated accordingly as the season may be 
 mild or otherwise ; generally speaking, they may be 
 fished for in April, but are better in season as the 
 summer advances. 
 
 The fish in the Ravensborne are generally in season 
 early in May, while those in the Colne are often as 
 black as your hat ; they take worms, minnows, gen- 
 tles, and flies, natural and artificial, but worms are 
 
86 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 best in the spring ; minnows are the best bait for large 
 Trott. 
 
 No ground bait is necessary, except when angling 
 with a float with gentles; then a handful cast in 
 above your float may entice the fish to feed. When 
 angling with a worm, I recommend a well scoured 
 marsh, or small lob worm, in preference to a brand- 
 ling : put this on a hook, No. 6, with a stout gut 
 bottom, and a single swan shot, about a foot above 
 the hook, to sink your bait ; you then may approach 
 the water ; I should say, that a stoutish fly-rod, rigged 
 with a winch and fly-line, is best calculated for cast- 
 ing a worm. I have before cautioned the Angler not 
 to expose himself to the view of the fish more than 
 he can possibly help ; but in Trout fishing it is indis- 
 pensably necessary that you should be as invisible as 
 possible ; the limpid nature of the water they inhabit 
 renders the least movement perceptible to these lynx- 
 eyed water greyhounds ; therefore approach the water 
 as cautious as possible, cast your bait under stumps, 
 hollow banks in deep eddies, swift deep currents, and 
 on the gravelly sharps. If the water be a little thick, 
 worm angling may do wonders ; but I should never 
 think of angling with a worm, except when the 
 woody nature of the banks rendered casting a fly im- 
 possible ; in fact, though you may sometimes make 
 interest for a day's fishing, the worm is strictly pro- 
 hibited, it not being- considered exactly sportsman- 
 like ; and often has worm-fishing prevented the Angler 
 from obtaining a second day's permission. 
 
 You will soon distinguish a bite ; at the second tug, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 87 
 
 strike, and take him down the stream; the nature of 
 your tackle will almost secure you the fish, (unless he 
 be a monster,) if you use any thing like judgment. 
 
 Float-fishing is generally practised in holes and 
 eddies, or gentle gravelly deeps. A No. 8 hook, 
 fine gut line, and shotted to the current, the bait 
 touching the bottom ; put three or four gentles on your 
 hook. When you have a bite, let your float sink 
 about a foot, then strike ; some prefer striking imme- 
 diately, but the tender nature of a Trout's mouth 
 makes me rather wait a moment, than run the chance 
 of losing him, by striking too soon ; in whipping 1 it is 
 different ; you must then have at him when he rises, 
 or not at all. 
 
 Minnow fishing for Trout is with a live Minnow 
 hooked through the upper lip, and a float to swim 
 him, with shot sufficient to keep your bait about 
 mid water, or rather lower ; when he bites, give him 
 a little more time than before, and then strike sharp. 
 
 Minnow spinning is best performed by tying five 
 No. 8 hooks on stout gut ; tie shank to shank at the 
 end of the gut, one about an inch up the gut, another 
 an inch higher, and one between the two on the op- 
 posite side of the gut, that is, between the two top- 
 most hooks ; there will then be two on one side, and 
 three on the other ; stick the end hook of the three 
 through both the lips of the Minnow, the other 
 through the back, and the third through the tail, 
 bending; the tail back a little before you put in the 
 last hook, that the fish may spin ; there will then be 
 
88 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 three hooks in the bait, and two out : it was with 
 this tackle I took my first Trout, and I have killed 
 many others in the same way. If you wish to use a 
 Bleak, which is very successful in the Tumbling Bays 
 up the Thames, your hooks must be a little larger, 
 and further apart, to suit the fish cast in your bait, to 
 deep swift water weirs, bays, mill tails, sluices, &c., 
 and if fortunate, be as cool and collected, as he is 
 strong and impetuous. Trout are caught in great 
 numbers, when the water is a little coloured, by dip- 
 ping with the natural May and other flies ; but this 
 is such a skulking, lazy, unsportsmanlike way of 
 fishing, that I never practice it without being ashamed 
 of myself, and heartily wish every body else was of 
 the same opinion. I have seen, under the above 
 circumstance, in a free water, and where the 
 true sportsman would often kill a brace or two of 
 good fish, about a dozen yokels with a pole and a 
 bit of rope, a great coarse hook, with a hat full of 
 May flies, kill ten or twelve fish each in no time, and 
 afterwards kick them about in mere wantonness. In 
 the May fly time the Trout rise boldly; and as they 
 lie for days in the same hole, they easily fall a prey 
 to poachers, who, by grouping or tickling, take them 
 with their hands. I was obliged to witness a per- 
 formance of this description at Leatherhead : Two 
 persons had been whipping unsuccessful, and meeting 
 an acknowledged otter of the place, sent to the vil- 
 lage for a can of ale, and requested him to go into 
 the water, and procure them some fish. I am sorry 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 89 
 
 to say, he was too successful ; they had all the ap- 
 pearance of being Anglers, but I was much pleased 
 to find they were worthless pretenders. I have seen 
 a beautiful Trout flung at the thick skull of these 
 blackguards, and split to pieces upon his impenetrable 
 cranium; I heartily wished that some magical means 
 could convert the fish into a hard missile, by way of 
 punishment to this two-legged otter. 
 
 I NOW COME TO THE BEST PART OF 
 
 THE SPORT, WHIPPING WITH AN 
 
 ARTIFICIAL FLY. 
 
 This mode is certainly, by many degrees, the 
 most pleasant and sportsmanlike way of Angling; 
 not that I consider it half so difficult to attain, 
 as many writers would have you believe. I do 
 not at all agree with those who pretend that a fly 
 should be made to such a nicety, although the size 
 should be regulated by the depth, colour, or 
 magnitude of the stream. Now, then, for the great- 
 est mystery : it is not in the inconceivable nicety of 
 the fly, but the manner of casting 1 it, not at the thin 
 end of the line, but at the thick end of the rod. The 
 rod in length must be suited to the width of the wa- 
 ter, light and taper at the top, the play commencing 
 about two-thirds down, and increasing upwards; not 
 that the bottom of the rod should be like a poker, it 
 
90 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 should ply in proportion to its thickness; a small rod 
 will not give sufficient impetus to a long line, nor will 
 a long powerful rod cast a short line lightly. 
 
 The winch should be a multiplying one, more in 
 diameter than in length ; if you have a multiplying 
 winch, purchase a good one, and take as much care 
 of it as you do your watch ; many excellent fish have 
 been lost by having a rickety winch, a common 
 winch is better than a bad multiplyer. Every time 
 you return from fishing, see that your winch is screwed 
 tight, and it will last for years a stich in time saves 
 nine ; keep it slightly oiled, and in a leatlier bag. 
 
 Your line must be taper from the winch gradually 
 to the fly, or, at least, the six or eight yards next 
 your gut length, should be taper ; the small end 
 should be near the size of the thickest end of your 
 gut bottom, a taper gut bottom being as indispensa- 
 bly necessary as a taper running line ; this is done by 
 sorting the lengths of gut, and tying them accordingly. 
 Your running line should not be twisted too hard, 
 nor too loose : if too loose, the line will hold water, 
 and if too tight, will, if you hook a weed, or fix 
 your fly on any unlucky obstruction, oblige you to 
 pull it away by force, and twirl in fifty 10,000 cork- 
 screws, (as an old friend of mine would say) it should 
 likewise be smooth and even. Your gut length should 
 be taper, as before stated, and about two or three 
 yards long, the lengths tied, but not whipped, these 
 whippings being totally useless. I have been often 
 annoyed by the fish rising at these dark whippings, in 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE, 91 
 
 preference to my fly ; this has happened to others, as 
 well as myself. 
 
 Your flies should be neatly made, and upon Nos t 
 9, 10, or 11 hooks, according to the size of the fish 
 you expect to take, and the brightness of the stream ; 
 in cloudy water, a larger fly may be used with success. 
 
 I am not of opinion that such an extraordinary 
 quantity of flies are necessary ; on the contrary, half 
 a dozen varieties are quite sufficient : in fact, I know 
 a gentleman (a respected old acquaintance), that can 
 make and throw a fly with any compeer that only 
 uses red, black, grey or grizle, and these not winged 
 flies, but hackles or palmers ; in fact, my friend po- 
 sitively asserts, that he can take as many fish with 
 these as when his book was crammed with all the 
 hues of the rainbow ; and I must say, I am deci- 
 dedly of his opinion, I think palmers certainly pre- 
 ferable to winged flies. The red hackle with peacock 
 herle, do. with gold twist, black hackle with ostrich 
 herle, do. with silver twist, the grizzle, or grey hackle, 
 and the sooty dun or blue, dubbed with a little 
 blue rabbit fur; the above varied with yellow, or 
 scarlet silk, will answer all the purposes of any fly 
 fisher. At least this is my opinion, but many ex- 
 cellent fly fishers would still wish this art to be 
 shrouded in all the long prevailing nonsensical com- 
 plication, some asserting that a certain fly on such a 
 day of the month, in such a stream, at such an hour, 
 will alone take fish ; and at two hours after, another fly, 
 most minutely described, is the only one that will do 
 
 
92 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 any good ; in half an hour, 3 minutes, and 5 seconds, 
 there will be a necessity for another change, which must 
 be made with all the accustomed nicety of shade and 
 size. It is all quackery and nonsense. Throw a light 
 line, keep out of sight as much as possible, use some of 
 the few flies above recommended, and in any stream in 
 England, at some part of the day, if the fish are in- 
 clined to rise at all, you may kill Dace, Chub, and 
 Trout, as well as though you had all the tackle that 
 was ever made to choose from. 
 
 I repeat, it is not at the extremity of your line, 
 but at the but-end of your rod, there lies all the 
 mystery. 
 
 SONG. MY PAL AND I. 
 (TUNE). " Sporting Song in my Spouse and I." 
 
 I. 
 
 When a May morning breaks o'er a dew spangled soil, 
 Ere cheerful the rustic starts forward to toil, 
 I'm off to some Trout stream with my pal health to court, 
 Where it ripples so bright, and where oft we've had sport, 
 With fly rods so taper and hackles so fine, 
 O'er each likely spot we throw a light line, 
 Then we mark where they rise, when one's fated to die, 
 We bog it, then onward trudge my pal and I. 
 My pal, &c. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 93 
 
 2. 
 
 The wealthy and great, with their horses and hounds, 
 May ride break neck hunters, o'er other men's grounds, 
 They by races and chaces to ruin are brought, 
 For my part I never could fancy such sport, 
 Did gaming or wenching ere bring mortal good, 
 Don't they frequently end in broil, battles and blood, 
 Let them seek the swift stream, kill a Trout with a fly, 
 And the'li be as happy as my pal and I, 
 My pal, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 When returning at eve from a cheerful spent day, 
 To some angling friends we then merrily stray, 
 Relating each pleasure, telling where we were cross'd, 
 How this fish was hooked and how that fish was lost, 
 Encircled by friendship, we have no other wish 
 Save this by fair angling to kill the most fish, 
 We drink healths to all, shake hands, bid good bye, 
 Then homewards contented, trudge my pal and I. 
 My pal, &c. 
 
 Throwing a fly neat and clean, is the perfection of 
 fly fishing. To arrive at this perfection, the beginner 
 should choose a rod, as advised before, according to 
 the stream he is likely to angle in : let the but be as 
 thick as he can grasp easily, and hold conveniently ; 
 let the winch be placed firmly on the rod, as near the 
 E 2 
 
94 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 end of the but as possible, and if it could be at the 
 end of the spear, so much the better, your hand-hold 
 being the fulcrum, or point of balance. If you had 
 a long stick, or any other lengthened substance, to 
 carry a distance, you would imperceptibly find the 
 centre, for the purpose of carrying it easier; until 
 this is done, you cannot carry it comfortably, neither 
 can a fly rod and line be used so dexterously as when 
 the weight of the line and the length of the rod is 
 balanced as much as possible ; this can only be ac- 
 complished, by placing the winch as near the extremity 
 of the but as you can. 
 
 When all is prepared, your gut length looped on 
 your line, and your hackle trimmed, take it between 
 the finger and thumb of your left hand; hold your rod 
 easily, but firmly, and make a sweep a little over your 
 left shoulder, to get your line well back ; this is the 
 principal thing to be acquired ; unless you can get 
 the line well and clean behind you, you never will 
 make a good throw. If you return your fly too soon, 
 you will snap it off, and if too late, it will fall on 
 the ground, or fasten on some shrub, or butter-cup, 
 and endanger the breaking of your rod ; at least, it 
 will give you a tramp in the grass to disengage it, 
 This cannot be avoided always by the most expe- 
 rienced Angler, but the novice will be often per- 
 plexed with these mishaps: there is a peculiar feeling 
 which the fisher must learn to judge, when the fly is 
 sufficiently back to be returned ; this should not be 
 done with a jerk, but brought gradually forward; 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 95 
 
 and as your line passes over the stream, your force 
 should increase, stopping rather suddenly,and lower- 
 ing the point of your rod a little. 
 
 When you have a rise, give a sudden light twitch ; 
 and if you succeed in hooking your fish, your best 
 way is to walk backwards as fast as possible*, so as 
 to keep your line on the stretch, and take your fish 
 down stream. This, from the nature of the ground 
 you stand on, cannot always be done ; then you must 
 with your left hand draw up your slack line, laying 
 hold of it near the winch, and by holding it in coils, 
 you may give it out again, if the fish should be re- 
 fractory. 
 
 Your landing net should be light, and made of 
 silk, the meshes about inch square, about 12 inches 
 over, and 18 deep ; I find a light brass ring answers 
 best, the net being whipped on with small whipcord ; 
 my net is not more than 10 inches over, and I have 
 landed many a good fish without any difficulty ; it is 
 screwed to a telescope landing net stick ; in three 
 joints, and altogether about 4 or 5 feet long; when 
 the net is off, I have a screw cap at the end, which 
 keeps it from sliding out ; this I find useful, light, and 
 portable, the thickest joint not being more than an 
 inch in diameter. 
 
 * An excellent fly fisher, now no more, told me, that returning once 
 from Leatherhead much fatigued, he went early to bed, and in the course 
 of the night, he, in imagination, was fighting his battles over again, and 
 fancying he had hooked a good fish, he, as was his practice, began moving 
 back, and this retrograde movement was so rapid, that his wife was actually 
 driven out of bed; and when she awoke him, which was not done withou 
 tome difficulty, he was highly displeased at being interrupted in his sport. 
 
96 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 In landing a fish, of whatever description, do it 
 tail first; do not lift it out of the water up in the air, 
 but drag it to the water's edge, holding the handle in 
 a perpendicular direction. 
 
 When you have left off fishing, and taken off your 
 gut length, pass your line a few times in the air, to 
 clear it from the water. 
 
 If you would make your own flies, take every op- 
 portunity to see one made, and by perseverance, 
 and a little practical instruction, you will learn more 
 than could be obtained from a volume written on 
 the subject. 
 
 Stained gut is, perhaps, better than when in its 
 natural colour : this may be done by putting a few 
 drops of good ink into a tea cup full of water a little 
 warm, or the shavings or sawings of old oak timber, 
 soaked iu water ; put in your gut, and when coloured 
 to your mind, dry it, and pass each length through a 
 bit of cloth, or rag, slightly greased with tallow. 
 
 Use light well-tempered hooks for fly fishing, with 
 sharp points ; the Irish hooks are certainly very good, 
 and I like the shape of the bend, but I think they 
 would be better, if they had a little of the kirby twist. 
 The foregoing observations on Angling are such as 
 I have found to succeed, and are practised by many 
 others with equal success ; but all that has or will be 
 written on the subject, will never make a man an 
 Angler, unless possessed of hope, patience, and per- 
 severance, and a true love of the Art ; but 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 97 
 
 BEAR IN MIND ! 
 
 That, however delightful Angling may be, it ceases 
 to be rational, when used otherwise than as mere 
 recreation. 
 
 Let the beauties of nature dispose thee to thoughts 
 and reflection, and by strictly adhering to the golden 
 rule, of doing unto others as you would have them 
 do unto you ; deserve the name of a True Waltonian. 
 
 SAM SALMON AND THE SAINT. 
 
 (TUNE.) " Dumble dum deary." 
 
 1. 
 
 It happen'd once upon" 8 time, 
 
 'Twas when the Trout were in their prime, 
 
 Sam Salmon would to Watford go, 
 
 For a fish or two to have a throw. 
 
 Wet or weary, 
 
 Dry or dreary, 
 
 Merrily still should Anglers be, 
 
 2. 
 
 One pal was sick and could not roam, 
 Another must stay with wife at home, 
 Says Sam pray never go again, 
 You're only milksop fishermen, 
 Wet, &c. 
 
 E 4 
 
98 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 3. 
 
 I'll go alone, I'll not be baulk'd, 
 He merrily off one Sunday walk'd, 
 He found the fish were on the rise, 
 And soon rigg'd out a brace of flies* 
 Wet, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 Sam threw a fly so neat and clean, 
 To drop, 'twas scarcely to be seen, 
 'Most every throw he hook'd a fish, 
 Till he Had kill'd a handsome dish, 
 Wet, &c. 
 
 5. 
 
 The countrymen that passed that way,, 
 To have a look at Sam would say, 
 One among the rest lean'd o'er a gate, 
 And thus to Sam began to prate. 
 Wet, &c. 
 
 6. 
 
 You ne'er can hope for heaven's bliss, 
 This day warn't made for sport like this,. 
 From such vile deeds do pray refrain,. 
 Nor in this wickedness remain. 
 Wet, &c. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 99 
 
 7. 
 
 Sam put his thumb upon his nose, 
 Saying you're a Saint now I suppose, 
 Find somewhere else to pitch your gammon, 
 You'll get no good with Samuel Salmon. 
 Wet, &c. 
 
 8. 
 
 The day grew hot the fish grew shy, 
 So Samuel put his tackle by, 
 Into the shade he did retreat, 
 To enjoy his meal of bread and meat. 
 Wet, &c. 
 
 Refresh'd again did Samuel rove, 
 Along the mead into the grove, 
 Each plant and shrub he did admire, 
 The drooping fox-glove and the brier. 
 Wet, &c. 
 
 10. 
 
 Their beauties he did contemplate, 
 And thought that natures works were great, 
 When through a parting in a bush, 
 He saw what almost made him blush. 
 Wet, &c. 
 
 5 
 
100 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOR 
 11. 
 
 He stood, and gazing with surprise, 
 Exclaim'd can I believe my eyes, 
 I surely see two persons there, 
 A male and female I declare. 
 Wet, &c. 
 
 12. 
 
 Sam found one was his preaching friend, 
 And shouted loudly to this end, 
 This day warn't made for sport like this, 
 I see you there now doing amiss. 
 Wet, &c. 
 
 13. 
 
 I hate your cursed hypocrisy, 
 There'a nothing like blunt honesty, 
 We all are somewhat prone to evil, 
 But a seeming Saint oft proves a devil. 
 Wet &c. 
 
 14. 
 
 So that's your way, now this is mine, 
 I'll ne'er give up my rod and line, 
 And while I fish and contemplate. 
 You may preach on and fornicate. 
 Wet, &o. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 101 
 
 RIVERS. 
 
 THE THAMES. 
 
 The concluding remark in the title-page of Taylor's 
 Work on Angling, says, that " there are insigni- 
 ficant little pamphlets treating on Angling in the 
 Thames, and New River, and streams of like conse- 
 quence about London," the word consequence 
 printed in Italics, by way of sneer. I must say, if 
 he meant to sneer at the Thames, he deserved a good 
 ducking in it, and wrote in perfect ignorance of the 
 fish therein contained, there being within 14 miles of 
 London twenty-four different sorts of fresh-water fish 
 to be taken in this noble river. 
 
 The Thames, being not only the largest river near 
 London, but the largest in the kingdom, must stand 
 first on the list ; it matters little to the London An- 
 gler where it rises or whither it flows, my business being 
 only to describe it where it may be interesting to the 
 fisherman. At the starlings of all the bridges^ fish are 
 sometimes taken, and from the banks and wharfs, but 
 the tide and the increased navigation render this fishing 
 very unpleasant, and it is now nearly confined to Batter- 
 sea and Putney bridges, at which places boats may be 
 procured for the purpose ; above Hammersmith bridge 
 
102 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 there are some good holes near the banks, and on to 
 Kew bridge, above which there is a good deep hole, 
 and, when the tidf* serves, many good "Roach are 
 caught; at the back of Brentford town, in a field 
 called Old England, there is good, deep water, and 
 steady swims, and Barbel, Roach, Dace, and Chub 
 are caught ; opposite Isleworth church is a deep hole, 
 called, by Anglers in the neighbourhood, the Barbel 
 hole, this is a famous place in the Barbel season ; many 
 London fishers call this Prideux's Folly, an Angler of 
 that name having frequented this spot so often, when, 
 from the state of the weather or water, success was per- 
 fectly hopeless. Along- the barge path, and on to Rich- 
 mond bridge are several good swims, and near the bridge 
 are fine shallows for whipping for Dace ; above the 
 bridge there are capital deep swims, and much sport 
 may be expected in the season ; the shallows on to 
 Twickenham deeps will afford sport to the fly fisher. 
 Twickenham deeps are much resorted to, and good 
 sport often met with ; near Teddington lock there is 
 good angling, but the willow bed about a mile above, 
 called the Trowlock, is a most capital spot, this can 
 only be approached by a boat, which may be had of a 
 fisherman named Mace, living in a hut better than 
 half a mile on the London side of Kingston bridge, he 
 will boat you over, find you clay, and bring you back 
 again for sixpence.* Kingston has been long famous 
 
 * He will also provide you \fith beer and breakfast, but the latter w 
 certainly very homely. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 103 
 
 for large Barbel, but since the old bridge has been 
 removed, the fish have been disturbed ; on the tow 
 path above Kingston bridge, are fine Roach deeps, 
 and good swims, and in the meadows on the Surrey 
 side, opposite, there is a chance by dipping. The 
 Swan at Ditton is a house much frequented by Ang- 
 lers, and the punt proprietors reap a good harvest in 
 fine weather ; Ditton Deeps contain many fish. The 
 water gallery near Hampton Court bridge is a famous 
 place above which there is good fishing ; at the tum- 
 bling bay, for Barbel, and in the meadows to the right 
 there are many good swims, one in particular, known 
 as Lady Young's hole, has afforded me much sport ; 
 from this swim, and others in the meadows, 1 once, in 
 company with an old friend and Brother Bob, took 
 more Barbel than we could carry, although assisted 
 by a third person, we were very glad to leave some of 
 our sport at Brentford. Hampton Deeps are well 
 known as famous for Roach and Barbel pitches ; in 
 Hampton meadows there is capital bank fishing for 
 Roach in the Winter; on towards Sunbury there are 
 many places that will repay the Angler for his time 
 and patience, and at Walton bridge there is excellent 
 Barbel fishing; Roach, Dace, and Bream are also 
 taken below the bridge, where there resides a person 
 of the name of Rogerson, who will provide you with 
 a punt, and other accommodation if required ; from 
 the banks and osier beds opposite his house there is 
 very good Chub fishing, and many of these Logger- 
 heads are taken. 
 
104 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 On to Shepperton the water runs sharp, and a good 
 Trout is very often taken here ; but Shepperton deeps 
 perhaps are the most famous in the Thames, they are 
 fished by the oldest and most expert Thames Anglers, 
 and from their being staked, and naturally protected, 
 there are always fish to be met with here, added to 
 which, the ground bait thrown in so frequently entices 
 the fish to this spot to feed, this operates in all the 
 other deeps as an attraction. From Shepperton to 
 Wey bridge at the mouth of the Wey, there are to be 
 met with fish of every description, and at the tumbling 
 bay, opposite the village of Weybridge, there are 
 always good Trout to be met with in the season ; and 
 as you travel the river banks upwards, towards 
 Chertsey and Staines you will soon be able to discover 
 where you may wet a line with a chance of success. 
 Indeed the Thames from Teddington upwards is 
 nearly of the same character, viz : a tumbling bay and 
 lock, and then when the river becomes too sharp for 
 navigation, another lock and tumbling bay. 
 
 The London Angler is now brought considerably 
 above twenty miles, and, if acquainted with the loca- 
 lities of the river up to Hampton, may safely start any 
 distance and expect success. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 105 
 
 THE RODING 
 
 Enters the Thames at Barking Creek, and runs by 
 Ilford to Wanstead Park, near the Park is the Red 
 House, where the Angler will find good accomo- 
 dation, near this houfce is Wanstead Bridge, which 
 is about the first open spot for the Angler on the 
 river, here the Angler will find good sport at times, 
 from this place the water takes a winding course to 
 the Old Mill House on the Woodford Road, near 
 this spot an Angler named Edwards, not long since, 
 took a Pike weighed 12lb. ; above this is Woodford 
 Bridge, upwards from the bridge the water belongs 
 to Mr. Watson, and I would recommend the Angler 
 to ask permission of this gentleman before he begins 
 fishing, he resides near. 
 
 From Woodford Bridge, by the Cascade to Chig- 
 well Hall Bridge the water winds, and is a famous 
 place for Jack and Perch, there are many deep holes 
 in which the Angler will find good sport, from this 
 place to Loughton Bridge, the water is of the same 
 character, by Abridge at the Mill there is good 
 fishing, and all the way to Ongar, where the Angler 
 will be repaid for coming the distance, particularly 
 if he happens to be there when the water is in order, 
 the Roding, like the Mole and Wey, being easily 
 affected by rain, at the last named spot an Angler 
 that I know took eleven Jack in one day's fishing, 
 the Jack in this river do not run very large in gene- 
 ral, and are a long made fish, but eat well. 
 
106 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 The Roding is a very uneven river, and in sum- 
 mer very often dry in many places, but there are 
 others that are broad and deep, and of some extent, 
 and in many places strictly preserved, so that in the 
 time of a flood the fish are driven out into the open 
 spots, so it is that this river is always well supplied 
 with fish. 
 
 CHUB FISHING EXTRAORDINARY. 
 
 Once an Angler repaired with his fishing tackle to the Roding, 
 accompanied by a New Policeman, off duty ; this Angler was 
 not very famous for his attention to his companions when the 
 river was in sight, so, giving his friend the Policeman some 
 oeneral instructions, he left him. to himself; the Officer had never 
 been out before on similar duty, and fished without success for 
 several hours, but meeting his companion, he found him more 
 successful, he had taken some good fish with a fly ; I'll try a fly 
 too, said the Policeman, what fly shall I use? a Blue-bottle, 
 nothing better, replied the Angler; this was done, after a good 
 deal of trouble in catching one ; he placed it on his hook, and 
 acted as he observed his friend do, after several trials, he hooked 
 a large Chub, which floundered about in an alarming manner ; 
 he shouted to his friend for help and assistance, but before it 
 could arrive, the Policeman had taken his truncheon from his 
 pocket, and, still roaring out for help, was striking away with all 
 his might ; he had knocked off the fish from his hook with his 
 staff, t and beat the head to pieces, thinking, perhaps, in the 
 anxiety of the moment, that he was belabouring a Calthorpe 
 Street traitor. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 307 
 
 THE LEA. 
 
 SONG. THE LEA, THE LEA. 
 (TUNE.) " The Sea, the Sea." 
 
 1. 
 
 The Lea, the Lea, the roving Lea, 
 Few Anglers know its worth like me, 
 With many a mark, and many a hound 
 It ruimeth the level marshes round. 
 O'er bay it rolls, o'er sharp it flies, 
 Or in a still deep silent lies. 
 When by the Lea, when by the Lea, 
 I am where I would ever be, 
 With the hills above and thy stream below, 
 Delighted wheresoever I go ; 
 If a flood should come, and o'erwhelm thy deep, 
 No matter, no matter, I'll still by thee keep. 
 No matter, &c. 
 
 2. 
 
 On thy banks Oh how I love to bide, 
 And view thy rippling course with pride, 
 Ere the fluttering lark arising soon, 
 To whistle aloft his merry tune, 
 And leave the fisher pleased below 
 To find a south-west wind doth blow. 
 
108 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 I never left thy sedgy shore 
 But I loved the old Lea more and more, 
 And back I came to its banks to rest, 
 And there my truant fault confessed ; 
 And thou will ever be dear to me, 
 For I was born, was born by the river Lea. 
 For I was, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 The wind blew light on the hazy morn 
 O'er the Lea the hour that I was born, 
 The Perch he bristled, the Barbel rolled, 
 And the Carp displayed his side of gold, 
 The Pike and Trout were sporting wild 
 Alarm'd at the birth of the fishing child. 
 I've lived since then midst joy and strife 
 Full thirl y summers an angling life, 
 With a crown to spend, and time to range, 
 And I never have sighed or wished for change, 
 And while I have health and strength to be 
 On thy banks, I'll fish, I'll fish my favorite Lea. 
 On thy banks, &c. 
 
 The river Lea enters the Thames at Blackwall, 
 running past Stratford and Bow, the tide flowing 
 up to Temple Mills, about which, and at Bromley 
 and Old Ford there is good fishing at times, but the 
 nature of the banks and the tide makes it very dis- 
 agreeable. The white house water above Old Ford 
 is a subscription water, and the first on the Lea from 
 
OR WALTONJAN CHRONICLE. 109 
 
 London, there are in this water, Jack, Perch, Barbel, 
 and most fresh water fish. Beresford the proprietor 
 is a civil quiet man and a sportsman, and his water 
 being so near town can be reached in a short time ; 
 there is some excellent fishing here in the seasons ; he 
 has a large family and deserves encouragement. 
 Lockers are kept here as at the Horse and Groom, 
 with rakes for Gudgeon fishing, which is much prac- 
 tised in this water, and with great success. 
 
 The amount of the annual subscription is 10s. 6d. 
 and the Angler paying this will be shown the water 
 by Beresford or his lads, you may likewise be accom- 
 modated with a day's angling by paying Is. 
 
 Next, above is the Horse and Groom water, for- 
 merly Sparrey's, now Snowden's, this water, from 
 its being also near London is much frequented, it is 
 a most excellent water, and contains every variety 
 of fresh water fish, many Jack are taken yearly, and 
 also fine Carp from the swim called Clark's ditch, 
 Salmon were formerly taken here, when coming up 
 from the Thames to spawn, but latterly, owing to 
 the numerous obstructions they cannot get up but 
 with great difficulty, however, I understand many 
 have been seen here, as also at the beforemen- 
 tioned water. Is there any Angler who has never 
 heard of Lea bridge ? I should think not, in London 
 at all events, for among the subscribers to this water, 
 may be reckoned some of the oldest and best fishers 
 of the day. The subscribers here are numerous 
 besides, day tickets may be obtained to bottom fish 
 
110 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 only. In all cases where day tickets are allowed, 
 Jack fishing is not permitted. 
 
 The number of piscatorial disciples frequenting this 
 place is astonishing, on a fine day what a forest of 
 rods may be seen, in truth the interruption occasioned 
 thereby is quite unpleasant to the veteran Angler, 
 but they generally put off their visits till these butter- 
 flies are in cooler weather enjoying their segars in 
 town. 
 
 This place is the rendevous for Lea fishers in gene- 
 ral, many that belong to subscription waters some 
 miles above, frequent here to meet their old friends. 
 Quantities of Gudgeon are taken here in the season, 
 and rakes are kept for Gudgeon fishing, but they are 
 principally private property. There are also lockers 
 in the house where any Angler renting one, may 
 deposit his tackle, &c. and keep the key. 
 
 Up the river past High Hill Ferry is a deep piece 
 of water, and likely to contain fish, but it is so often 
 screened by the net, that not much chance is left for 
 the Angler, about a quarter of a mile above the 
 wooden bridge, commences Hughes 9 water, here the 
 Angler may take fish above and below the house, 
 you will here meet with good accomodation, the best 
 part of this water breaks off at the point opposite the 
 half mile marsh, from this point up to the house the 
 Angler will occasionally find Jack, Chub, &c. ; it 
 is likewise a good spot for sniggling, the pool near 
 the house is a famous place for Perch, on account of 
 its old stumps and piles, the water above the house 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. Ill 
 
 combines several small streams up to Francis Weir, 
 which is the extent of H ughes's water ; next above is 
 what was called Bannister's (now Ford's) water, it con- 
 tains many fine swims for Barbel, particular at the 
 holes known to old Anglers, by the names of Cooper 
 and Tutons, this water is not famous for winter fish- 
 ing it being swift and deep, and contains but few 
 places where Jack will lay. 
 
 Above this Water is Wicks's, commonly known as 
 Cook's Ferry: this Water, being further from town, 
 is more select; several old Anglers belong to it, and 
 many a famous day's sport is recorded as having taken 
 place here. This is a subscription water, and most 
 Anglers acknowledge this to be a general good water 
 for all descriptions of fish. The old wooden house, 
 occupied by Matthew Cook, has been pulled down. 
 
 Near Old Cook's ferry, Benjamin Wicks, 
 Has turn'd the wooden house to bricks. 
 
 In the part of the water, near the pool, are some 
 famous Barbel swims ; above the house the water is 
 more quiet, and famous for its sports, containing 
 many good Jack. In the month of February, Mr. 
 Frank Row don took three Jack, weighing 31 Ibs. 
 
 LABOUR IN VAIN. 
 
 Most of the Fishers in the Lea know Flanders weir, or old 
 Shurry's water ; in this part of the river an Angler had been 
 i oving about without success, although he had tried all he knew, 
 
112 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 while his companion,having pitched upon the right swim, had pretty 
 good luck. About twenty or thirty yards below him, the unsuc- 
 cessful Fisher observed several good fish floundering about, and 
 upon a close inspection concluded them lo be Barbel, at all events 
 they were fish of a good size, so he hastened round to the spot, 
 and prepared to fish for them ; he tried all his skill, but no luck, 
 the fish still floundering, the bait was renewed, the depth altered, 
 still no luck, In this manner he tried for an hour or two, when 
 his attention was directed to his friend above, who had seen him 
 employed, and, knowing the cause of his bad luck, could contain 
 himself no longer, but bursting out into an immoderate fit of 
 laughter, thus addressed the unlucky one; 'What, old fellow, 
 won't they bite, can't you nibble 'em 1 ' ' why no/ says the other, 
 I've tried all I know, but to no purpose.' ' Then come here,' 
 says the lucky one, ' and I will tell you the reason,' Anxious to 
 know what prevented his sport, he hastened to his friend, and won- 
 dered what he was about, as by the time he reached the spot, he had 
 relinquished his rod t and seemed to be pulling up an Eel line, but 
 to his great astonishment he saw a good sized Barbel make its 
 appearance ; this was pitched on the grass ; another, then another 
 followed it, to the number of five or six ; in an instant the cause 
 was apparent, the successful fisher had fastened his fish as he 
 took them, to a stout line, by the gills, and put them in the river, 
 for the purpose of keeping them alive, and they had floated down 
 to where they were seen plunging about, and the Angler had been 
 wasting his skill and patience to take those very fish that were 
 fast to a line. 
 
 A RUN WITH A CAT. 
 
 Every Troller must know the value of a good bait, and how diffi- 
 cult at times it is to get them ready to your hand. Baits are kept 
 at the various fishing houses on the Lea, but in order to have the 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 113 
 
 picking of the store, one of the fishers hastened suddenly forward, 
 there happened to he only one in the supply what an Angler calls 
 a pretty bait, the rest were much too small ; this hait the first in 
 advance secured, put his rod together, baited his hook, reared his 
 rod against the house, and pitched his baited hook on the tiles. 
 
 His companions deprecated the monopoly, when they found he 
 had possessed the only bait worth having, and determined to get 
 possession of it if possible, but this proved impracticable, as the 
 first, suspecting their plan, kept a close watch upon them. A 
 sudden exclamation from the servant girl outside called the atten- 
 tion of the Anglers, who all rushed to the door, when they 
 discovered, to the confusion of the owner of the rod left as aforesaid- 
 that a large torn cat had taken his handsome bait, hook, and all > 
 away bounced the Tabby, the rod was dashed to the ground and 
 broken, the line run out to its full length, twisted and wound 
 round every gooseberry bush ; every hole in the paling, every 
 hedge was threadled, till the line became quite tight, and winding 
 in so many directions that Rosamond's silken clew was a fool to 
 it ; the cat, when he could run no further, bounced, tacked, and 
 jumped till he broke the line, and then ran off at full speed ; 
 the owner of the rod, after trying in vain to unravel the line, 
 abandoned it as hopeless ; thus a selfish disposition was justly 
 punished. 
 
 Shurry's water is next, so called from an old man 
 of that name, residing at the wooden house by the 
 river, near Chingford church ; this water is considered 
 by many old Anglers to be very good, containing 
 numerous fish of almost every description ; from the 
 stop by the osier bed to the pool near the house there 
 are many good swims, and the pool frequently con- 
 tains a good Trout or two ; above to the mill stream 
 is good deep water for Chub, Roach, Jack, &c. ; up 
 
1L4 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 the mill stream are many swims of a good character, 
 and good whipping and dipping in the summer; at the 
 top of this stream is the famous Barbel swim.* Above 
 this water is Austin George's mill, about which there 
 is very good angling, at the mill tail, running into the 
 Barge river, and the stream diverging from the Barge 
 river to supply this mill ; along this part, which is 
 deep and broad, there is good fish and excellent Chub 
 and Roach ; this part is convenient for whipping from 
 the towing path, when the wind is at your back. All 
 along the old river toChingford there is excellent cover 
 for Jack, and the bottom fisher will likewise find some 
 excellent holes for Chub, Roach, &c. From the 
 extremity of this water, which is about 200 yards 
 above Chingford bridge, to within one meadow of 
 what is called the King's Head pool, is rented by Mr. 
 Thomas, a gentleman always willing to oblige his 
 friends with a day's angling. 
 
 From this, past the Silk Mills, towards the Armory 
 Works, is what is called the Crooks, from its being 
 such a crooked place, which is in the possession of 
 Government : this water turns, twists, and winds in a 
 manner different to any other part of the Lea, and 
 
 * It is often necessary, to secure this swim for a day's fishing, to go down 
 over night, and sit by your basket till day light ; this has been done as early 
 as 11 o'Clock at night, and the fortunate occupiers are obliged to witness the 
 disappointment of their fellow fishermen, as this spot cannot be fished by 
 more than two, unless from the opposite side, and then only with a very 
 long rod. 
 
OR WALTON1AN CHRONICLE. 115 
 
 contains many holes, or shops (as they are called) 
 for Jack, and those too of a tolerable size. Upwards 
 towards Waltham Abbey are the works before named, 
 about which there is excellent fishing, and at the bays 
 there are always some good Trout; in fact the fish 
 hereabouts, of every sort, are mostly large, the Barbel 
 and Chub in particular, are enormous. 
 
 The deep, broad piece of water near Cobmead, 
 which is situated opposite to the towing path, between 
 the Armory Mills and Waltham, is a beautiful piece 
 of water, and, from its breadth and magnitude, is 
 certainly the best piece in the whole river, but unfor- 
 tunately for Anglers generally, this favorite place 
 is in the occupation of Government, from below this 
 mill to above the Powder Works at Waltham Abbey. 
 Formerly this piece of water was open, and many an 
 excellent day's sport has been experienced here ; some 
 of the old ones can tell wonders of this spot, it is now 
 strictly preserved ; you may certainly now and then 
 obtain permission from some official person of conse- 
 quence, connected with the Board of Ordnance, but 
 then you are so bothered by an officious little old man 
 called Timmy Bates, that it has become more unplea- 
 sant than otherwise : nevertheless here and about the 
 Powder Works, there is fine fishing, particularly at 
 Newton's pool in the last named works. About a 
 hundred yards above the Powder Mills, the Govern- 
 ment water ends, at a place called Thorogood sluice ; 
 upwards to a white post, a short distance on this side 
 the bay called King's weir, the water belongs to a 
 
 F 
 
LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 Mr. Western, and is a subscription water ; this piece 
 would certainly, if not so exposed to poachers, be one 
 of a superior character; the subscribers are mostly 
 veterans and good fishermen, but the sport has sadly 
 fallen off lately from the above circumstance ; and this 
 water is influenced in a great degree by the uncer- 
 tainty of the water, in consequence of the supply being 
 held back, or suffered to run down, as the navigation 
 may require ; it is generally a swift stream, and 
 adapted to fly fishing; there are Jack, Trout, and 
 most other fish ; the Barbel here may be said to live 
 without interruption, as they seldom or never are taken 
 by angling. Next above this fishery is the famous 
 Broxbourne water, lately belonging to Mrs. Scorer, 
 but now held by her sons, the Messrs. Wants ; they 
 are very civil and attentive to their customers, and 
 deserving of encouragement ; the entertainment at the 
 house is such as will give satisfaction to every bobber, 
 and the humble pedestrian will here find as kind a 
 welcome as the more wealthy one, with Prad and 
 Stanhope. You may fish this water by putting up at 
 the house ; the Roach fishers who frequent here may 
 challenge all others, the quantity taken during the 
 season is extraordinary. Fresh water fish of every 
 sort are to be met with here, and trolling is not parti- 
 cularly restricted ; to enumerate the many fine swims 
 would be almost impossible, suffice it to say they are 
 deep, steady, and very numerous. This water ends 
 at the pool, about half a mile above the house, called 
 Carthagenia weir; as you go up the river, there is a 
 
OR WALTON1AN CHROMICLE. 117 
 
 stream to the left, running to supply Broxbourne mill, 
 that contains good fish ; a short distance farther on 
 will bring you to a wooden public house, kept by a 
 young man named Page, which was very lonely, but 
 latterly, a flour mill has been built at the weir close 
 by ; this water may be fished by any one taking 
 refreshment at Page's house, who is a very quiet, 
 inoffensive young man, and deserves to be encouraged, 
 as he has been a most dutiful son ; the fare here will 
 indeed be found to be very homely, but the prompt 
 arid cleanly manner, and also the civility accompa- 
 nying it, makes up for many deficiencies of a more 
 comfortable nature. 
 
 The water above the house is deep and broad and 
 contains fine Jack ; the Oak tree field is about half u 
 mile upwards from the house opposite the tow path, and 
 is famous for Roach in the winter ; this water, on to the 
 weir near Crane's lock, at the end of the river Stort, is 
 now subscription water, at 10s 6d. per annum, each 
 subscriber; this is the last subscription water on the 
 Lea, and well worth belonging to by those who have 
 leisure to go the distance, At the weir there is 
 always a good Trout or two taken in the season, and 
 in the water above to the King's Arms, near the Rye 
 house, beyond this, there is good fishing, and above 
 the bridge near the house there is often a Trout 
 or two.* 
 
 * In July, 1830, Mr. Richard Britton took a famous Trout, weighing 7&lbB. 
 with a black hackle and silver twist; the same day, or the evening previous, 
 
 pa 
 
118 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 A FOOLISH FISHER. 
 
 Two Anglers passing down the towing path, opposite the Rye 
 House, near Hoddesden, observed a brother Bob fishing on the 
 other side, he was known to one of the party, who called to him, 
 'there you are, I see, making good the old saying about Anglers, 
 " a rod and line with a fool at one end, and a worm at the other." ' 
 The fisher was rather angry, and began to expostulate with the 
 speaker for this abusive expression, who replied that he was not 
 at all out of order, and Mr. Grimaldi must certainly acknowledge 
 it. It was old Joe Grimaldi the Clown, who, forgetting his 
 profession at the moment, did not see the joke. 
 
 This water (formerly Sheppard's) now belongs to a 
 Mr. Webb, and contains fish of every description, of 
 good size and quality ; near the bridge there is good 
 Roach angling and some fine Perch ; up the meadow 
 to the right, facing the house, is famous for trolling, 
 and many good Chub swims ; at the top there is a 
 deep hole, called October hole, famous for its winter 
 sport. Tins house, like the Crown at Broxbourne, is 
 not a subscription house, but you are permitted to 
 angle by putting up at the house ; the attention here 
 is every thing that can be required, and a more 
 beautiful spot no Angler would desire; the charges 
 here are altogether reasonable/ the marshes about 
 these houses of the Lea are, in the winter, resorted to 
 by numerous snipes, and if the Angler is disappointed 
 
 IK oa"uht, with Iht same fly, a quantity of fineChnb, some of which weighed 
 from 3 to 4lhs. and none less than one; in fact, his sport filled a large ham- 
 per, an 1 he astonished his envious broilu-is of the angle in town. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 119 
 
 in the colour of the water, may, if a shot, find 
 amusement with his gun. 
 
 The river upward on to Ware and Hertford, not 
 being rented or preserved, with the exception of a few 
 places is open to the depredation of the poacher, but 
 the London Angler need not wish to go higher than 
 the Rye, unless he can make interest to fish the 
 preserves of some gentlemen who have private water 
 in that part of the Lea. About Hertford, Ware, and 
 in its way to Bedfordshire, where it rises, there are 
 several tributary streams in which there is good Trout 
 fishing, but get good leave before you attempt to wet 
 a line, or you may get into hot water. 
 
 A FISHING INVITATION. 
 
 A good old Angler, whom many must have noticed, in the 
 neighbourhood of Broxbourne, with a ruddy complexion, short 
 in stature, and generally wearing a rough blue apron, (which gave 
 him the appearance of a fishmonger rather than an Angler,) with 
 a tolerably long rod, was once invited by a friend to angle in his 
 fish pond, which was accepted, from the assurance given that there 
 were plenty of fish therein ; full of hope, our old friend journied 
 to the spot, within a few miles of town ; his host welcomed him 
 kindly, and desired he would put his rod together, while he pre- 
 pared to shew him his grounds and introduce him to the water ; 
 nothing behind in complying with this request, our fisher was 
 soon ready, and so was his friend to accompany him ; they took 
 a circuitous route through the shrubbery, then suddenly stopping 
 at a round pool or pond about 12 feet over, the worthy guide 
 pointed this out as his fish pond, desiring him to commence, and 
 wishing him success ; you may judge ot the disappointment and 
 looks of the Angler, he put out his long rod, which reached 
 
 F 3 
 
120 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 6 or 8 feet over the opposite bank ; however there was no com- 
 plaining, our Angler did venture to ask if he had any other pond ( 
 but was answered in the negative, but continued his friend there is 
 plenty of fish here. The rod was shortened, and the fishing com. 
 menced, and very soon a fish was taken (a Perch about 3 oz.) then 
 another, till when summoned to dinner, our Angler had taken 
 35 fish, the first being the largest, he communicated his success to 
 his host, and was astonished at his exclaiming, ' Why bless me 
 you have taken them all but one, I had 3 dozen put in about a 
 fortnight ago." Indeed, said the fisherman, then I'll have him 
 before I eat a bit, he added, as I shall then have taken all the 
 fish, we can sit as long as you like and enjoy ourselves. 
 
 THE NEW RIVER. 
 
 SONG. ANGLING PERPLEXITIES. 
 
 (TUNE.) " My ain kind Dearie, Oh \ ' 
 
 1. 
 
 That patience is a virtue great, 
 There's few here will deny it, 
 Perplexing things I can relate 
 That greatly tend to try it. 
 The Angler that was never croat 
 Must be a lucky creature, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 121 
 
 And he that ne'er his patience lost 
 A perfect Job by nature. 
 
 Then thro' this life let's watch and hope 
 
 With patient perseverance, 
 
 Thus may we with misfortune cope. 
 
 And angle many a year hence. 
 
 2. 
 
 You get an order from a friend, 
 From his friend's friend he brought it, 
 With merry heart your steps yon bend, 
 You are half way ere you thought it. 
 With wond'rous expectation big, 
 You pace tho' fast, made faster, 
 Till you find your letter not worth a fig, 
 For the place has another master. 
 
 Then through, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 You fish a many miles from home, 
 And have ill luck attend you, 
 Till tired at night you think of some 
 Conveyance to befriend you ; 
 You wearily the road approach, 
 Your spirits are departing, 
 When just as you can see the coach 
 You find it full and starting. 
 
 Then through &c. 
 F 4 
 
122 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 4. 
 
 You a bargain make with Tom or Tim 
 To meet at four next morning, 
 To go and fish some favorite swim, 
 All disappointment scorning. 
 True to your time you stump about 
 In the cold, two hours to warm you. 
 Then find yourself a pal without, 
 He don't come, nor send to inform you. 
 Then through, &c. 
 
 5. 
 
 Your fishing boots for many a day 
 Have stood all sorts of weather, 
 No matter smooth or rough the way, 
 They have stoutly kept together ; 
 You always thought them water-proof, 
 Thro' them no wet ere started, 
 But when wanted most the heel com^s off, 
 And the sole from uppers parted. 
 
 Then through, &c. 
 
 6. 
 
 You boldly o'er some meadows stride, 
 Your rod unpacked and jointed, 
 Your baits look'd out, your winch applied, 
 Floats, line, and hooks are wanted ; 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 123 
 
 Each pocket is searched o'er in vain, 
 When a sudden thought reminds you 
 Your tackle case you have let remain 
 Some twenty miles behind you. 
 
 Then through, &c. 
 
 7. 
 
 You hook a fish of many pounds, 
 He struggles with you rarely, 
 Aloft, above the stream he bounds, 
 Your line will hold him barely ; 
 Till tired out he quiet lies, 
 You ask some one to land him, 
 'Tis roughly done, again he flies 
 And breaks you Yore you hand him. 
 Then through, &c. 
 
 8. 
 
 You know from long continued rains 
 
 The rivers are o'erflowing 
 
 For many weeks, and think 'tis vain 
 
 Out fishing to going ; 
 
 Till told that in a certain place 
 
 The water is in order, 
 
 You start, and find it oft the case 
 
 All mud and all disorder. 
 
 Then through, &c. 
 F5 
 
124 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 9. 
 
 You know that often these mishaps 
 
 Do disappoint us fishers, 
 
 But we can better bear them perhaps 
 
 Than our evil wishers. 
 
 Vexations come in many forms, 
 
 True Anglers never heed them, 
 
 Through life's rough swim of many storms 
 
 Philosophy will lead them. 
 
 Then through, &c. 
 
 Sir Hugh Middleton little thought of what conse- 
 quence this stream would be to the London Angler, 
 when he contrived to supply the Metropolis with this 
 necessary article to human existence and health, this 
 river even now is the admiration of men of science, 
 from its flowing gently from near Ware in Hertford- 
 shire to Islington, its numerous and extraordinary 
 windings for the purpose of regulating the speed of 
 the current, renders it very picturesque and beautiful, 
 it is brought to the very highest part of the Metro- 
 polis, and must have been a great blessing to the 
 inhabitants when supplied plentifully through its 
 refreshing channel. 
 
 This river from its head to its rise is nearly the 
 same width, and is accessible almost in every part to 
 the fisher. 
 
 Near Sadler's Wells in the Summer months it is 
 positively besieged, every bridge and wall being 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 125 
 
 crowded with piscatorial pupils. The coffin wall at 
 Islington is considered a crack spot, and in truth 
 there is often a good Perch or Chub taken. 
 
 An old Angler (Mr. Brooks) once fished up the 
 body of a man with single hair and succeeded in 
 landing it near the New River Head. 
 
 From Islington to Newington and Hornsey the 
 river winds amazingly, and the deep water at the 
 back of Canonbury house, where there is a bathing 
 place in Summer, some good Roach, &c. are taken, 
 onward to what is called High Bank, near the Sluice 
 House, at the Sluice House, and at all the bridges 
 towards Hornsey. In fishing this river the bridges 
 are generally the best places, the banks, being open, 
 afford little shelter either to the fish or the Angler ; 
 from Hornsey to Clay Hill, near Tottenham, thence 
 to Southgate, then to the left of Edmonton, on to 
 Enfield, Forty Hill, and Bull's Cross ; through 
 Theobald's Park, to Cheshunt, Wormley, Broxbourne, 
 and Hoddesden, to Stanstead and Ware. Near Bull's 
 Cross, and at the back of Cheshunt, there is good 
 fishing, but the ease with which the river can be 
 netted often disappoints the Angler. 
 
 The Angler that fishes the New River should use 
 remarkably fine tackle, which can be done without 
 difficulty, owing to the smooth and gentle nature of 
 the stream, nevertheless many a good day's sport can 
 be boasted of by the New River Angler. Chub 
 and Dace are taken by whipping with a dub fly, in 
 imitation of a wasp or bee. 
 
126 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK 
 
 The best way to fish this water is to try in various 
 places, and when the fish go off the feed try another 
 spot, and so on, returning again to the first. 
 
 To be initiated as a .New River Angler, rise an 
 hour before daylight, in the month of March or April, 
 and walk to the Jolly Butchers at Wood Green, near 
 Hornsey, and there breakfast, and ten to one you will 
 be able to find an expert New River fisher, from 
 whom, if he be a Waltonian, you may depend upon 
 receiving the whole art and mystery, and he will put 
 you in possession of facts, that will in a short time 
 enable you (if you have angling at heart) to give a 
 good account of yourself, and by being satisfied with 
 your sport, encourage you to explore this pretty river 
 further. 
 
 THE BRENT. 
 
 The Brent enters the Thames at Brentford, where 
 it is joined with the Grand Junction Canal. There 
 are places, however, that are remnants of the old 
 river, which are accessible to the Angler ; one just 
 above the first lock from the bridge, on the right from 
 Brentford, in which there are good Roach, Perch, 
 and Bream ; this water is short, and soon joins the 
 Canal above. In the Canal there are fine Gudgeons, 
 good Jack, Perch, Ruff, &c. About half a mile 
 higher, at the back of Col. Cletheroe's, is a deep- 
 shaded part of the old river, where there are Bream, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 127 
 
 Chub, Tench, and Ruff. Upwards, about the Iron 
 bridge, the Canal is broad, and contains good Jack, 
 &c. Further up, towards Han well, there is a fine 
 deep part of the old river, winding and bending with 
 fine good holes : at the upper part was formerly a 
 mill, and the old wood work harbours the Perch, 
 which are very large, some having been taken 3 or 
 4lbs. Just above here the Canal branches off towards 
 Southall, the Old Brent passing through Han well 
 by Hanwell Church, on to Brent side and Twyford, 
 between which and Wilsden, the Paddington Canal 
 crosses it again; this Canal, from Paddington Hill, 
 joins the Grand Junction, and contains good Jack, 
 Perch, Bream, Roach, &c. ; and about the wharfs, 
 bridges, &c. the Angler may experience good sport. 
 
 The Brent passes Hendon and Finchley, after 
 which it ceases to be of much consequence as a river ; 
 it is rather slow in its course, and subject to the in- 
 fluence of the seasons, as much as the Rod ing, which 
 river it much resembles. In summer there is fre- 
 quently no stream, and the fish in the holes are easily 
 snared by poachers. 
 
 I have been told by several old Anglers, that this 
 river was famous for its good fishing, but it has fallen 
 off in their estimation latterly ; nevertheless, I am of 
 opinion that the Angler would be repaid for his time 
 by giving it a fair trial, as in many parts the water is 
 deep, and cannot be drained off, and it is so well 
 protected by stumps, trees, banks, &c. that there must 
 be good fish taken occasionally. 
 
128 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 THE KNUCKLE OF HAM. 
 
 Two Irishmen and a Yorkshireman, well known Anglers, &nd 
 all tailors, started full of expectation towards a famed spot in the 
 North Road, long before day light they were on their way, and 
 arrived at the appointed place ; but, either meeting with the 
 water out of order, or from some other cause, they, without 
 staying for refreshment, turned round on their way back to Lon- 
 don, and when within a few miles of that place they unanimously 
 agreed to refresh, accordingly they retired to a road side public 
 house and enjoyed to the full extent a draught of good ale. One 
 of them old G n went fast asleep, the other Pat knowing he 
 (G.) had provided himself with something to eat (but his selfish 
 disposition prevented him sharing it with his companions, opened 
 his pocket to see what it was, when he exclaimed in a whisper : 
 " By St. Patrick, there now, there's a beautiful knuckle of ham 
 " that thief of a Jemmy has saved to eat all alone, and wo'nt 
 " we have it with our ale while he's snoring away with his ugly 
 " nose, its myself will begin, and George there's a slice for you 
 " now, and see there's the taties the thief to hide them from his 
 " cronies, its not so much for the knuckle as the pratees I'd care 
 " at all, bad luck to the stingy spalpeen, cold taties the beauty 
 <c o' the world." 
 
 The bone was soon picked, and to compensate the weight, 
 George suggested that Patrick should roll up a brick in the nap- 
 kin and put it in Jemmy's pocket Pat no sooner heard this pro- 
 position than he exclaimed, " By the hookey that's a capital idea 
 " of yours, its myself will get a brick, keep him asleep while I 
 " get it." Patrick taking another swig at the ale, started to look 
 tor this commodity, but was unsuccessful in this, until he tra- 
 velled nearly a mile from where he started, having at length 
 procured one, he returned and found his countryman still in the 
 arms of Morpheus, having carefully wrapped it in the napkin, 
 they placed it in the pocket of their drowsy companion, and then 
 with a shake of the shoulder, Pat exclaimed, Jemmy you 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 129 
 
 " thief wake wid you now, and pay your part like a man, its 
 " myself would be off to get home." Jemmy waked, but instinc- 
 tively putting his hand upon his pocket seemed satisfied all was 
 right. Arrived in town, they parted, each to his separate home, 
 Jemmy, quite exhausted, sat down by the fire with a bump fit to 
 break the chair bottom (a sure indication of extreme fatigue). 
 " Well James," exclaimed his wife, "what sport," none, re- 
 turned he " but how did the bit of ham eat, I hope you relished 
 " it," ' its just as you gave it me, said he," pitching it into her 
 lap, bless iry heart, said she, what a bounce you have given my 
 knee with the knuckle hone, will you have a bit now honey with 
 the cup of tea that's just ready V unfolding the package, she 
 with the greatest amazement exclaimed, " Why bless me hus- 
 " band here is a brick and not a bit of ham, how's this man V 
 Jemmy, rubbing his eyes, exclaimed, after a pause to collect 
 himself, " Hell sweat the pair of 'em, the rogues have eat my 
 " beautiful ham, and put that dirty brick there to deceive me. 
 I have carried it eight miles I am sure I wondered what made 
 me so tired." 
 
 THE HOUNSLOW RIVER. 
 
 The Hounslow river is called the old river, which 
 is a branch of the Colne that enters the Thames at 
 Isleworth; at the mill it runs through Twickenham, 
 under Hamworth Bridge, by Feltram, past the Pow- 
 der Mill, over the Heath, through Longford, Har- 
 mondsworth, West Dray ton, Cowley, to Uxbridge ; 
 this stream contains excellent fish, Trout, Jack, large 
 Perch, Roach, &c. Near Lady Tolmach's Park, I 
 have seen a shoal of 20 or 30 Perch, some weighing 
 full three pounds, this was in July. There were many 
 
130 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 excellent places on Hounslow Heath, before it was 
 so much inclosed. Near the Powder Mills, the An- 
 gler may have, upon a respectful application, per- 
 mission for a day's fishing. From Isleworth to Houn- 
 slow, the water and land belongs to the Duke of 
 Northumberland; and, as usual, the greater the man, 
 the greater the difficulty to the Angler. At Longford 
 there is good Roach fishing, and some Jack. It was 
 here a friend of mine took a Jack with a lead plum- 
 met, while plumbing the depth for Roach; and, 
 strange to say, his son took a Jack the same way, at 
 the same place, if not at the same time ; there is good 
 fishing in this stream, till it joins the Colne at TJx- 
 bridge. The New, or King's River, runs nearly the 
 same, branching off at Longford from the Old River, 
 and runs through Bushy Park to the Thames. 
 
 TROUT SETTER. 
 
 A Butcher, in the neighbourhood of Uxbridge, was in posses- 
 sion of a Dog, who had lost, through his daie-devil exploits, an 
 ear and an eye, his tail was also curtailed, although he was no 
 cur, as his courage would prove, and his other faculties were in 
 perfect order. The Dog was the Butcher's inseparable companion, 
 and accompanied him wherever he went ; their dispositions were 
 similar, and they often wandered about the neighbourhood early 
 in the morning, the Butcher riding a favourite Welsh Pony, more 
 prized for his strength than his beauty ; the Pony was if possible 
 more attached to the Dog than the Dog to the Master. 
 
 The Butcher had observed that his Dog was, by natural incli- 
 nation, fond of sporting, and encouraged him to a certain extent, 
 for at one season of the year, the hares are to be found early at 
 
Ofc WALTONIAN CHRONICLR. 131 
 
 the same, spots, and although disturbed will return to lay at the 
 exact place the next morning. The Dog had found the resting 
 places of all the hares in the neighbourhood, and would make a 
 dead set at them, till he received the word to put them up, which 
 being done, he would then proceed to find another. In this 
 manner the Butcher, the Dog, and the Pony nearly every morning 
 amused themselves, till at last the Pony knew where to find the 
 hares as well as the Dog. One morning the Dog was absent with 
 one of the Butcher's men on business, to fetch some sheep home, 
 the Master and Pony went by themselves the usual round, and 
 the Butcher was surprised to find he was conveyed to the same 
 spots, nor would his companion leave till he had dislodged the 
 game, after which the nag regularly proceeded to find another 
 hare ; thus he discovered a quality in the Pony he was not aware 
 of, and purposely confined Snap the next morning to put the 
 Pony's abilities to a further test, when he found he acted exactly 
 as before. 
 
 An annual coursing match took place about this season, and 
 the Doctor, the Parson, the Lawyer, the Butcher, and several 
 other gentlemen met at an inn to arrange where it should take 
 place. The conversation turning upon the capabilities of the dogs 
 to be engaged in the sport, the Butcher offered to lay a wager of 
 a rump rnd dozen that his Pony would find more hares than any 
 Dog they could bring ; the Company thought at first he was in 
 jest, but when they saw his earnest manner, and found his cash 
 on the table to support his bet, they soon cried " done." and the 
 wager was laid. 
 
 The Parson was a keen sportsman, and had really some good 
 Dogs, but they were to be sure a little out of practice, he having 
 been laid up with the gout. The Lawyer had been promised the 
 use of a Dog belonging to a notorious poacher whom he had got 
 through a scrape ; and the Doctor had borrowed a none-such 
 from one of his patients, at all events the Butcher and his 
 Welshman would stand no chance. 
 
 The day and place of meeting being appointed, the Butcher, on 
 
132 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 his Pony, was first on the spot, (having gone through a rehearsal 
 the previous night) he was soon joined by the Lawyer, Doctor, 
 Parson, and sundry lookers on. It was soon proved that the 
 Dogs stood no chance with the Pony, who regularly walked up 
 to the hares, to the surprise and admiration of the field : it imme- 
 diately occurred to the Parson that if he could possess the Pony 
 he would be able to ride to his sport without the trouble of 
 hunting with dogs, and offered to buy him of the Butcher, and, 
 although the price set upon him was at first an obstacle, he 
 ultimately purchased him at the price asked. 
 
 The coursing match had thinned the hares in the Pony's circuit 
 very considerably, and the Parson and Pony were busy among 
 the remainder till they were all exterminated. Day after day the 
 Parson on the Pony went out, but returned empty, the Pony not 
 having the benefit of his old friend Snap's instruction j till his 
 master began to repent his bargain, and to accuse the Butcher of 
 having taken him in. He had occasion to go some distance, 
 and in his way obliged to cross a ford, the Pony having reached 
 the middle, made a sudden stop, which sent the Parson head and 
 heels, over the Pony's ears, into the stream, and with very great 
 difficulty he escaped drowning, but assistance being at hand, he 
 was helped out. The next time he met the Butcher he complained 
 of his bargain, and indeed called it little short of swindling, this 
 gave rise to such high words, that both the Doctor and Lawyer 
 were likely to have a job. The Butcher contended, that, as the 
 season was over, the Parson had no right to expect the Pony 
 would act unsportsmanlike ; ' that's not what I complain of,* says 
 the Parson, ' I complain that he is a complete gib, I narrowly 
 escaped drowning, by his pitching me over his head into the 
 stream, when crossing the ford. ' Oh ! ' exclaimed the Butcher, 
 1 1 had forgot to tell you he is equally famous for finding Trout as 
 hares, and no doubt he stood at one then.' * Say no more,' says 
 the Parson, ' if that's the case, I am satisfied ; Trout fishing is 
 quite as agreeable to me as coursing. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 133 
 
 THE COLNE. 
 
 The Colne falls into the Thames, runs through 
 Staines, Staines Moor, Stanwell Moor, branches off 
 through Iver, Delaford Parkland Huntsmoor, Cowley, 
 and TJxbridge Moors; through Uxbridge, in two 
 streams, to Denham, and Denham Court the former 
 preserved by a Mr. Hamlet, the latter by Col. Wey ; 
 Harefield Moor, Speding's Copper Mills, Springwell, 
 up to Mill End, preserved by Speddings, Rickmans- 
 worth, Rickmansworth Moor, by Dickenson's paper 
 mill, to Cashiobury Park, the seat of the Earl of 
 Essex. 
 
 TO-DAY'S ONE DAY, TO-MORROW'S 
 ANOTHER. 
 
 Twelve o'Clock is not a bit too soon to start if you are going 
 14 or 16 miles, and would be there by day-light ; at this time 
 three thorough bobbers met at Hyde Park Corner, journeying 
 towards Watford ; Wilks, Jinks, and Spynks. Wilks had a dog, 
 not a sporting dog, but one that he fancied, and he was really a 
 rum one, for a rat. This dog, like his master, was as lively as a 
 bird, when on a fishing journey, and usually run over seven times 
 as much ground as necessary ; this dog, in one of his round-about 
 rambles, ran a thorn in his foot, then came yelping to his master, 
 but neither he nor his companions could extricate it, being then 
 dark. < Never mind it, Carlo/ said Wilks, ' Mr. Jinks will hold 
 your four legs, while Mr. Spynks opens my basket at my back, 
 and I'll carry you, poor fellow : ' accordingly Carlo was put back 
 downwards, in Wilks's basket. I like your calling n cur like 
 that, by a fine sporting name/ said Jinks ; what do you mean by 
 
134 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 cur,' retorted Mr. Wilks, ' that dog is just to my fancy, and no 
 name is too good, so I'll carry him there and back, if he cannot 
 walk ; that dog, Mr. Jinks, has never been unfaithful to me, I 
 wish I could say as much of mankind; many's the long journey 
 we've had together, and many a service he has done me, and I 
 say and will prove it, this dog at my back is entitled to the good 
 wishes of all true Anglers. I remember the first time I went out 
 fishing, I left my rod for a short time by the river-side, when on 
 my return I found him contesting with a countryman who wanted 
 to take up my rod as there was a fish on the line attached; he 
 defended my property like a hero, and from that time I have 
 encouraged him. It would take me a day to tell all his qualities : 
 he will land a fish without displacing a scale, lie will fetch me 
 clay, keep the cattle from eating my ground bait, watch, and 
 warn me of danger, if, overcome by heat I slumber awhile, so 
 pray now, Mr. Jinks, dont abuse my dog because he don't happen 
 to be good looking, and recollect the old proverb, " a good horse 
 is never bad coloured." ' They trudged on till they came to the 
 14 mile stone, when, it growing light, Wicks contrived to get the 
 ilurn out of the dog's foot, for which he expressed his gratitude 
 by all kinds of strange and extravagant motions. 
 
 Upon reaching the water they commenced angling, but with 
 little success till the evening, when they all agreed to go higher 
 up the stream, where the fish were more numerous ; they had not 
 been long there, when the keeper made his appearance with the 
 usual ' good evening gentlemen, any sport, I suppose you know 
 you are trespassing,' ' Why not exactly,' said Spinks, ' whom does 
 
 this water belong,' ' To the Earl of , and I must get you 
 
 to leave off fishing.' The party however, after conversing awhile 
 endeavoured to kindle something like good nature in the keeper, 
 and ultimately, by drawing their purse strings, and receiving an 
 invitation to join their company at the inn that evening, he 
 granted them permission to continue their sport ; when night put 
 an end to their amusement, they repaired to the inn as agreed upon' 
 where they were speedily joined by the keeper, who eat and drank 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE, 135 
 
 with them till a late hour, (of course free of expense) and on his 
 departure they made the bargain among themselves to try their 
 juck in the morning ; accordingly at day-break they were at the 
 river side, and soon captured a brace or two of fine Trout ; not 
 long after Mr. keeper made his appearance, with two helpers, and 
 pulling some papers from his pocket, desired to know the names 
 of the Anglers ; this not a little surprised them, but from his 
 determined manner they found he was serious. " Your names 
 gentlemen, if you please." " Oh ! " said Spinks, " my name is 
 O'lhomas," "Very well, you are warned off, take this notice," 
 (filling one up) and having gone through the same ceremony 
 with the other two, he left them, with an assurance that, unless 
 they left off fishing, they must take the consequences ; the Anglers 
 thought the entertainment and half' crown given the keeper the 
 over night would have ensured his indulgence for an hour in the 
 morning, but he hinted that the half-crown was for yesterday, 
 and that day being ended, so was their fishing. 
 
 The whole of the water between Uxbridge Moor and 
 Rickmansworth, (except that belonging to the freehol- 
 ders) is strictly preserved, to the left of Rickmansworth, 
 from Uxbridge, is the Loudwater Stream, which is also 
 preserved. The Colne is generally a swift stream, but 
 it has places where there is excellent Pike fishing ; 
 the Trout are lar;e and excellent, but the water being 
 so strictly preserved, the Angler is shut out, unless by 
 interest ; there are, it is true, some small spots in the 
 neighbourhood of Uxbridge, where you may fish, but 
 it is purchased dearly, by your being obliged to pay 
 for the fish you kill. 
 
136 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 AN ORDER UNEXPECTED. 
 
 In jolly old Parr's time (the landlord of " The Trout/ 1 at 
 Yewsley,) some angling friends paid a visit to his house, which 
 place they reached about 3 in the afternoon. Towards evening 
 the party, with the landlord, sat down to cribbage, a game mine 
 host was passionately fond of, it was the intention of his guests 
 to stay a day or two, and pleased with this idea, the old man was 
 merry in the extreme. 
 
 Do as you like/ said he, ' remember I only charge one night's 
 lodging if you stay a week/ In the midst of their conversation, 
 another party arrived, but these were of a very different character, 
 all feather and tackle, all bounce and bluster, the ale was bad, 
 the wine worse, in fact, these would-be-fishermen seemed to 
 think, the more fault they found the more gentlemanly they ap- 
 peared. Old Parr soon saw they were coxcombs and treated 
 them as such while boasting of their superior knowledge in 
 the art of angling, the veterans discovered their skill to be very 
 superficial. But to be friendly, invited them to the game, which 
 was refused with contempt. 
 
 The game being ended, Old Parr drank, Success for the mor- 
 row/ when he and his party retired to rest. 
 
 The room in which the real Anglers slept was close to that of 
 the other party, and they not being nice about disturbing any 
 one, talked loudly of where they were going, in fact they went 
 through a complete rehearsal of the next day's intention. One 
 of the real Anglers could not sleep for their noise, and being 
 fond of a joke, formed an idea to disappoint them, accordingly 
 stealing softly to Old Parr's door communicated his plan, who 
 promised his assistance, this Angler long before day-light awoke 
 his friends and informed them of his scheme, which mightily pleased 
 them. By the aid of a rush light they were soon dressed, and 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 137 
 
 then crept softly out, in doing which their eye caught a letter 
 open, and lying in the window sill, which read as follows : 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Permit the bearer, Mr. Simpson and friends 
 " to angle in your stream, and you will oblige, 
 
 " Yours, &xj." 
 
 Mr 
 
 This unexpected discovery gave them additional opportunities 
 for a joke, and one of the party exclaimed, ' I am Mr. Simpson,' 
 and immediately placed this important document in his pocket. 
 They now prepared to depart, but before they did so, they pro- 
 ceeded to double lock the chamber door of the unsocial party . 
 this done they were soon in sight of the river the man on the 
 watch appeared with ' Good morning Gentlemen, you are early, 
 but not so much so at this time of the year ;' ' What, you ex- 
 pected us, did you?' Oh yes ! master told me to be on the watch 
 to show you the river. * Do you know Mr. Simpson ? was the 
 inquiry, why not till I saw you, grinned the man, master don't 
 know you neither Sir, but he told me he had received a letter about 
 you and some friends who were to be here this morning fishing.' 
 * Well, give our compliments to your master, here is the letter 
 and something for yourself,' ' Thank you Gentlemen/ was the 
 reply, ' this is the water down to yon tree, about a half a mile 
 and upwards to that gate, in the back stream there is some excel- 
 lent fish, and I wish you sport Gentlemen ;' meanwhile the party 
 left at Old Parr's did not awake till late, owing to the previous 
 night's revelry, when they found the door fast, they stormed 
 rung the bell, and made the house shake again, but Old Parn 
 true to his promise, directed that no attention should be paid till 
 it was impossible to avoid it. One of them at last succeeded in 
 getting out of the window, then the key was found and the door 
 opened; they were all highly incensed at their imprisonment* 
 and after having indulged in not a few hard words, paid their bill 
 and took their departure, first telling Old Parr they should take 
 
138 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 care never to come to his house again, a resolution, which by the 
 by, mightily pleased the old man. When they had nearly reached 
 the water, one of them said, ' Bob have you the order all right,' 
 ' O yes ! in my book, but let's see,' the book was searched over 
 and over again, but, of course, no order was found, at length he 
 suddenly recollected hia having laid it on the window ledge, this 
 added fresh fuel to their already irritated feelings, and grumbling, 
 they retraced their steps, but no order was to be found or heard of. 
 It was then resolved to make themselves known, as no doubt tho 
 Miller had received notice of their coming down, and accordingly 
 they made for the mill. It was ten o'clock ere they reached the des- 
 tined place, and entering the premises with much assurance, 
 disclosed their business to the man the Anglers had encountered 
 in the morning. 
 
 The leader of the party, with great self-sufficiency declared 
 himself to be Mr. Simpson the man shrugged and grinned, then 
 scratched his head, muttered, ' Master did tell me about you 
 Sir, and here he comes,' the Miller seeing a party on his premi- 
 ses, hastened to meet them. ' Good morning Gentlemen, your 
 business/ ' Oh ! we are come to fish, my name is Simpson ' said 
 the foiemosl. ' Why Gentlemen, I certainly did expect Mr. Simp- 
 son, and have received a letter to that effect, and he has been 
 here since day-light, and this is his letter of introduction,' pro- 
 ducing the order, ' take care of the dog, and Jack show these 
 persons off my premises.' At the sight of their own order they 
 were dumb foundered, and before they could recover their sur- 
 prize, the Miller had disappeared. Jack hinted about the dog, 
 conducted them to the gate, exclaiming, good bye Mr. Simpson, 
 what took place among them may be conceived but not described, 
 I have heard, they quarreled all the way to town. 
 
 In the afternoon Parr's old friends returned to his house with 
 good sport, told their adventure and spent a merry evening. 
 
 The " Trout" at Yewsley, in Old Parr's time, was 
 a house of entertainment to the true Angler (See 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 139 
 
 Anecdote , page 136) This old man was as glad to see 
 the face of a London Angler, as he was that of his 
 own brother : he has often declared that the happiest 
 moments of his life were those he spent when asso- 
 ciating with the fishermen who frequented his house ; 
 but he is gone to his long home, so is old Mrs. Parr ; 
 their son now keeps the " Trout," nothing be- 
 hind them in welcoming the true fisherman, but 
 the water they rented is gone [into other hands, i. e. 
 (Mrs Usterson, Temple Bar) : her subscribers pay 
 two guineas per annum. This water commences near 
 the water called Thorney Broad, on to Drayton Mill, 
 and contains good fish of every description. Through 
 Drayton, on to Colnbrook, and the Thames, the 
 Angler will find many spots to exercise his skill with 
 success. 
 
 The Grand Junction Canal joins the Colne, near 
 Uxbridge, on to Harefield Broad Water, Kickmans- 
 worth, and Watford, in which it is intersected by 
 the Colne in several places ; about a mile and a half 
 above Uxbridge, there is a famous place for Perch. 
 
 At Reislip there is a reservoir belonging to the 
 Canal ; this water is between Pinner and Uxbridge, 
 about three miles from that Canal, to the right of the 
 town ; it contains fine and numerous Pike and Perch. 
 There is a punt for the use of those who fish at this 
 spot, first, of course, obtaining an order from the 
 proper quarter. 
 
140 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 THE DARENT. 
 
 This beautiful little stream enters the Thames at 
 Dartford Creek, passing the latter town, the village 
 of Darent, Horton Kirby, Farningham, Eynesford, 
 Shoreham, Otford, and to Riverhead, where it rises. 
 This stream is decidedly a Trout stream, and contains 
 many fish of large and fine character, and runs 
 through many parks and preserves ; there are but few 
 places where you may wet a line with safety ; you 
 may certainly get a day now and then in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Farningham, upon application to the 
 land-owners and millers at Eynesford, in the estate of 
 the late Sir Thomas Dyke; you might, with little 
 difficulty, obtain permission to whip the stream for a 
 day, but, unfortunately, this gentleman has paid the 
 debt of nature, and his successor, I am told, (but 
 hope without foundation,) is not disposed to act so 
 kindly to the bobbers. 
 
 The Plough at Eynsford is a good house to put up 
 at. At the lower part of the stream there are some 
 fine Gudgeons and Dace, Roach, &c. The largest 
 Gudgeons I ever saw were taken in the neighbourhood 
 of Dartford. 
 
 FIXING THE GLASS AT THE SEVEN 
 MILE STONE IN THE DOVER ROAD. 
 
 Two brothers of the angle, whom T shall designate by the 
 familiar appellation of Charley and Jem, were bravely stretching 
 their legs towards Shooter's hill, on a fishing excursion in Kent 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 141 
 
 last summer; when, warm and thirsty with the dust they had 
 picked up on Blackheath, they, by mutual consent, were desirous of 
 taking a glass of ale, and being then opposite the 7 mile stene, 
 they observed a small house called the " Fox under the Hill," 
 which they entered, and gave their order ; meanwhile Charley, 
 whose cravat was somewhat deranged, owing to the heat of the 
 weather, (he being rather neat in his person,) espied a little 
 looking glass, value about Is. but placed in such a situation as to 
 be perfectly useless ; therefore, for the better arrangement 
 of his dress, he placed it in the hands of his friend Jem, to hold 
 while he performed his toilet. It appears the landlord had seen 
 them employed as he passed the window, and informed the wife, 
 who, opening the door of the apartment, exclaimed " yes they 
 have," and rushing across the room, snatched the glass out of 
 their hands, saying " I don't allow that, I don't allow any body 
 to meddle with my property ; it (the glass) did very well where 
 it was, and if it did not, you had no business to take it down." 
 Charley, who is known to be of a quiet disposition, replied 
 to this boisterous attack somewhat in the following way, " My 
 good woman, you need not alarm yourself about the safety of your 
 glass, I dare say we are able to pay the full amount of the 
 injury we are likely to do it, and if you are not more civil and 
 accommodating to your customers, few will trouble you or your 
 house for either glass or ale." Whether they partook of the 
 latter I won't say, but they instantly left, though not without an 
 observation from Jem to the husband, advising him to shut up 
 his house or get another wife, and, above all, to fasten or fix up 
 his valuable glass, to prevent a similar liberty being taken with it. 
 To this observation the man made some surly reply, and our friends 
 proceeded on their journey, which was much enlivened by 
 recounting this adventure ; when they returned the following day, 
 Jem resolved to make the enquiry " if they had fixed the glass," 
 being determined to annoy this pair of crabs as much as possible. 
 Seeing the old man outside the door, he advanced quickly towards 
 him, and commenced with " I say old man, have you fastened your 
 
 G 2 
 
142 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 glass." The old fellow, putting his hand to his forehead to render 
 his vision more perfect, soon found out who it was addressed him 
 and, dashing down his spade, roared out with an oath, " you'd 
 better make your lucky, or I'll be the death of you ; you are one 
 of those chaps I seed with the patrol the other night for robbing 
 an hen roost." His old wife, hearing the noise, soon made her 
 appearance, and vented forth her abuse upon the Angler till she 
 was nearly choaked with rage. This only produced laughter on 
 the part of Charley and his friend, who journied on. 
 
 Some few days after, Jem, in the way of business, had occasion 
 to send a workman into Kent, and requested him to deliver a 
 message for him at the ale house, describing the place, for which 
 service he would give him a pot of ale, this was readily agreed to, 
 the house was easily found, and the parlor entered, the pot of ale 
 was brought, and this enquiry made, " before I pay you, and lest 
 1 should forget, I've got a question to ax you, pray have you 
 fixed your glass." This was enough, " what's that to you, what 
 you are some of them 'ere thieves, are you. Here Bob," calling 
 her husband, " here's some of these chaps come again ; you're 
 come here to thieve summut, we don't want none of your custom, 
 so be off," by this time Bob was by her side, and, understanding 
 the enquiry about the glass, roared out " The sooner you're off the 
 better, and you may tell that long un not to come here again, or 
 I'll do for him." The poor fellow was dumb-foundered, little 
 expecting that a simple question would produce such a storm, and 
 lifter many attempts to explain, he at last got to say " I don't see 
 why you should abuse me in this manner, I was told to ax you a 
 civil question, and I an't done anything to you," this expostulation 
 produced no other effect than a continuation of the abuse, and the 
 man was glad to retreat as well as he could, wondering why a 
 simple question (" pray have you fixed your glass,") should pro- 
 duce such abuse, and grumbling proceeded on his journey. 
 
 Not long after this, a gentleman, a commercial traveller, was 
 about departing from town into Kent, and Jem told him if he was 
 fond of good ale, to call at this house, and he would find some of an 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 
 
 excellent quality, with obliging accommodation, but, to secure the 
 best sort, he must, when giving his order, say " have you fixed 
 your glass," this he was made to believe was the pass word for 
 the best tap ; being fond of a drop of good ale, he passed all the 
 houses on the road he had been accustomed to call at, and pulled 
 up at the " Fox under the Hill," and calling out to the landlady, 
 the old woman appeared, " a glass of ale, the best," this order was 
 soon complied with, and just as the traveller was taking it from 
 the old woman's hand, he recollected he had not made any mention 
 of the glass, and suddenly exclaimed, " Oh ! I had forgot, is this 
 the best ale, I ought to have asked if you have fixed the glass," 
 the words were no sooner uttered than the contents of the glass 
 was in the enquirer's face. 
 
 The irritable disposition of this couple had been made known 
 to the angling friends of Jem and Charley, and every one who 
 passed into Kent, gave them a call to enquire about the glass. It 
 appears at the time our traveller passed they were greatly excited, 
 having had several enquiries about the glass in the course of the 
 day. Upon the above gentleman's return to town, he was loud 
 in his abuse of the parties at the house opposite the 7 mile stone, 
 but when he was informed of the cause of his reception he 
 laughed heartily, and promised every time he went that way, to 
 enquire about the glass. 
 
 There is scarcely a coachman or carter on the road who does 
 not stop occasionally to enquire " if the glass is yet fixed,' ' and 
 the old, rude couple must either alter their disposition or leave 
 their house, and perhaps then " Monsieur Tonson " will come 
 again. 
 
 THE CRAY. 
 
 This little river is nearer London than the Darent 
 by about three miles, also a decided Trout stream ; 
 
 G 3 
 
>:L44 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 in fact, there are no fish but Trout and Eels to be 
 met with till below Crayford. It runs from or near 
 Paul's Cray, by St. Mary Cray and Foots Cray, 
 North Cray, Bexley, and Crayford, to the Thames. 
 
 At St. Mary Cray it runs through the estate of 
 Lord Sidney; at Foots Cray you may fish in the 
 meadow on the right of the road near the bridge, by 
 pulling up at the " 7 Stars," kept by Mr. Edmonds, 
 who has succeeded old Mr. Coppenger ; you can also 
 fish from the garden of this house in the Mill head of 
 Mr. Woodfali, the paper maker, on the meadows on 
 the other side the road. Below this mill the stream 
 runs through Lord Bexley's property, and Mr. Ben- 
 son's, by the late Lord Londonderry's. The whole 
 of this river is private property, and leave must be 
 obtained before you can wet a line, but in some 
 places you are not permitted, on any account, to fish ; 
 the Trout are small, but of a fine quality. 
 
 THE RAVENSBOURNE. 
 
 SONG. JACK AND CHARLEY. 
 (TUNE.) " The Landing of Royal Charley." 
 
 1. 
 
 Once eight or ten good fishermen 
 Made up their minds that early, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 146 
 
 They to Southend their steps would bend 
 
 To meet there Jack and Charley ; 
 While some from town by coach went down, 
 
 Prepar'd to fish there fairly, 
 And rise next morn, at early dawn 
 
 To welcome Jack and Charley. 
 Once eight, &c. 
 
 2. 
 
 One lucky wight went over night 
 
 To Brixton town 'tis clearly, 
 I heard him say he'd be half way 
 
 And get to Southend early ; 
 But a sorry tale of hill and dale 
 
 He told them how he drear'ly, 
 Thro' mud and mire his legs did tire 
 
 Ere he met Jack and Charley. 
 Once eight, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 Sure it is sweet a pal to meet 
 At his fixed time, or nearly, 
 
 And they all met, a social set 
 Like these are seen but rarely ; 
 
 The landlord there I can declare, 
 Tho' some may think him surly, 
 G 4 
 
346 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOR, 
 
 From his cock's head pulled hackles red, 
 To give to Jack and Charley. 
 Once eight, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 Arranged around the stream and ground 
 
 These eight or ten were surely 
 The miller bold began to scold 
 
 At first, and look'd quite queerly ; 
 And there and then he told his men 
 
 To start them without parley, 
 For he thought that Swing, and all his gang 
 
 Were come with Jack and Charley. 
 Once eight, &c. 
 
 5. 
 
 This angling troop formed many a group, 
 
 Twould have made a picture surely, 
 For stout and tall and short and small, 
 
 But all fair Anglers purely, 
 Each heart was gay, they fished all day, 
 
 And such a day comes rarely, 
 Waltonians true, this jovial few 
 
 Were friends of Jack and Charley. 
 Once eight, &c. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 147 
 
 GULLIVER AND MUNCHAUSEN 
 OVER-DONE. 
 
 I recollect once hearing a story of an Angler who said he once 
 caught a Trout 8 or 91bs, weight, and so completely killed it that, 
 in his attempts to land the fish, he disengaged it from the hook ; 
 his own landing net being too small, he went a considerable 
 distance to procure another, which occupied him nearly an hour ; 
 having borrowed one, he managed to scrape the fish out between 
 the two nets. 
 
 Another Angler, who was also a Gunner, replied that he was 
 once out with his pointer, giving him an airing, when he unxpec- 
 tedly came upon some birds, which his dog of course stood to ; 
 the sportsman, the better to observe the dog's position on his 
 return, hung his hat on his tail ; so steady and staunch was the 
 pointer that he remained firm, while his master went for his gun, 
 a distance of three miles, returned, took up his hat, flushed his 
 birds, and killed them all at one shot. 
 
 " Oh !" exclaimed the Trout fisher, " that's all my eye, I can't 
 believe that." " Why not," returned the other, "that is unfair, 
 I did not dispute your tale about the fish." 
 
 This little stream runs from the neighbourhood of 
 Bromley, in Kent, through Southend, Lewisham, and 
 Deptford, to the Thames, and by nature well calcu- 
 lated to breed and preserve quantities of fish; but 
 being so near a great population, it is much thinned 
 by poaching, and other means. At the upper part 
 of the stream, near Southend, on Mr. Cater's pro- 
 perty, there are fine Trout ; in fact, Trout are, more 
 or less, to be met with all the way to Lewisham and 
 Deptford. Near Southend there are two mills, for- 
 G 5 
 
 
148 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 merly open water, but now leave must be obtained. 
 I have taken some Roach and Dace, as fine as can be 
 imagined, about 1 Ib. weight. From Southend to 
 Catford Bridge the stream runs rapid, and were it 
 preserved, would be second to none for its excellent 
 Trout. From Catford Bridge, to the back of the 
 church, there is a footpath by the side of the river ; 
 this path has been lately attempted to be stopped up, 
 but without success at present, and I hope it never 
 will, as, independent of its being close to the stream 
 for a considerable distance is a most beautiful walk, 
 by turning off just before you come to Lee's lime-kilns 
 at Loompit Hill, up a narrow walk called Love Lane, 
 there is one of the most beautiful views near London. 
 Sitting on the stile by the tile-kilns, on the left, you 
 have an extensive view of the Thames and shipping, 
 Greenwich Park, and town of Deptford, and up to 
 London itself; but on the right the scene is quite of 
 a different character, extremely beautiful, rural, and 
 picturesque, over a great extent of country, with 
 Lewisham church among the trees, and the river 
 meandering in the valley. Near the church, in the 
 meadows below the bridge, there are some deep holes 
 containing fine Roach. At the late Armory Mills, 
 below Lewisham bridge, in the Plough meadow, Mill 
 pond, and Back water, there are fine Dace, Roach, 
 Perch, &c. and on to the water works ; some good fish 
 are often taken. Altogether, this stream, if left 
 alone, would, from the natural feed and wholesome 
 character of the water, produce the best fish, and 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 149 
 
 the greatest quantity, of any stream of the same size 
 I know*. 
 
 o 
 THE WANDLE. 
 
 This beautiful clear stream rises near Croydon, and 
 passes by Waddon mill, Beddington Park, and Car- 
 shalton, where it is joined by another stream, which 
 rises from numerous springs in the neighbourhood, 
 passing under Hackbridge, and on to Mitcham, Mer- 
 ton, and Wandsworth, to the Thames. Near Hack- 
 bridge, on the common, there is free fishing, and some 
 good fish are met with in the spring, but in this river 
 there are but few free places, the fish are fine 
 and large. Below Merton, there are Jack, Roach, 
 and Dace; at the copper mills at Garrat, there is 
 exceeding fine bottom fishing for Roach, Dace, &c. ; 
 and at Wandsworth there is famous Dace fishing, par- 
 ticularly with a fly, just above Watney flour mills. 
 
 I have known several dozens of Dace taken in a 
 day by whipping. A friend of mine tells me, that in 
 
 * I once took, in the month of July, at Southend (in a hole known by 
 the name of Ted Jones's hole, which is at the end of a row of cottages, just 
 above the Green Man, one of the best swims in the river), 16 Dace and a 
 Trout, vpwards of I lb., the smallest Dace weighed half a .pound; and a 
 week after, 16 more Dace exactly the same weight, and a Trout of the same 
 size. I took these with gentles, and a float and fine gut. In the same river, 
 one Easter, I hooked a Trout full 41bs. I had seen a fish, and tried with 
 spinning tackle, but it being faulty, I lost the fish ; this was just above 
 Catford mill. 
 
150 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 the Wandle there are no May flies, and I do not re- 
 collect ever to have seen any. In the upper part of 
 the stream, there are only Trout and Eels. 
 
 A FALSE ALARM. 
 
 Near the village of Carshalton in Surrey, there is a beautiful 
 Trout stream, which is strictly preserved, it is private property ; 
 there is but a foot path passing through. To this place two 
 bobbers stole a march early one June morning before the dawn of 
 day, and, taking their stand behind a tree, commenced business 
 successfully ; presently they heard a footstep along the gravel 
 path, and, concluding it to be the keeper, crouched down in the 
 grass ; the footstep reached the spot opposite where the Anglers 
 lay, and a voice exclaimed "this won't do," and, after a pause 
 again exclaimed " this won't do ; " the Anglers whispered each 
 other " 'tis the keeper !" again and louder " this won't do I say, 
 2 and a half or 3 gone tonight at least, this must not be carried 
 on any longer," the fishers were about to rise, but the voice pro- 
 ceeded, " and last night those other devils to keep me out, but I 
 must and will put a stop to this, one last night, and two here 
 to-night, they can't live if these goings on are not stopped," 
 the anxiety of the piscators may easily be imagined ; the footsteps 
 were again heard, and the voice thus continued, " Sal will cry 
 her eyes out when I only take home 10s. 6d. to keep her and the 
 
 oung uns all the week, what a drunken fool I am." The footsteps 
 then gradually died away, and the fishers breathed again. 
 
 THE HOGSM1LL RIVER. 
 
 This river, so called from a mill near Kingston of 
 that name, it rises at Ewell, by Epsom, and runs near 
 Tahvorth Court and Maiden, to Kingston and the 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE, 151 
 
 Thames: this stream at the upper part is a Trout 
 stream, but not much calculated for fly fishing, being 
 encumbered with wood ; the owners of the water and 
 land were not disposed to grant permission to the 
 Angler, but there has lately been a change in the 
 proprietors, and the present owners are more indulgent. 
 Near the Thames there are white fish, about Hog's 
 Mill and at Kingston you will find good Dace, &c. 
 
 THE MOLE. 
 
 This curious irregular river is so called in conse- 
 quence of its passing through the earth for a conside- 
 rable distance in the neighbourhood of Boxhill, Surry. 
 
 It runs past Riegate, Dorking, Boxhill, and 
 Leatherhead, on through Stoke, Cobham, and Esher, 
 to the Thames, which it enters in a divided stream at 
 Moulsey. 
 
 AN UNEXPECTED BITE. 
 
 : An Angler fishing in the Mole, near the Copper mills, was 
 much annoyed by a countryman, who was in the river, feeling or 
 groping for the large Chub that hide, when the water is low, 
 under the roots of the numerous willows and alders that grow on 
 the banks at the above spot. 
 
 A sudden exclamation and violent splashing called the fisher's 
 attention to where he observed the poacher scrambling up the 
 bank with something in his arms ; he soon stood on the margin 
 of the river, and roared out to a companion, who had a gun, on 
 the opposite side. " Oh ! Jack, Jack, look here," (holding up 
 an otter) " shoot him, shoot him, you devil, shoot him I say." 
 
152 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 In feeling up the holes for the fish, the otter had seized his 
 hand, and in the agony of the moment he seemed to forget that 
 the same shot which killed his enemy might probably deprive him 
 of life also ; however, Jack did shoot, and killed the otter, with- 
 out doing his friend the least injury, this man is now living in 
 the neighbourhood. 
 
 In the neighbourhood of Dorking and Reigate 
 there is good fishing for Perch, Tench, Dace, Jack, & 
 Roach, and I have heard that there are Trout, but 
 have never taken any. The character of this river is 
 very curious, in some places it is deep & still, with very 
 high overhanging banks, and in others rapid, and 
 easily forded ; in the neighbourhood of Boxhill it is, 
 *n many places, quite still in summer, the above ground 
 current being entirely stopped ; the Mole then grubs its 
 way under Boxhill, the village of Mickleham, and 
 re-appears about a quarter of a mile above Leatherhead 
 bridge ; near Mickleham there are what are called by 
 the country people, swallows, and in truth they are so 
 as they swallow up every appearance of a running 
 stream ; the water draining away entirely from these 
 holes, vast quantities of fish are taken from the mud 
 and flat slating 1 stone which irregularly compose the 
 bed of the river, between the cavities of which the 
 water drains off; the villagers watch the abatement 
 of the current, and when the stream ceases to run, the 
 water soon disappears through the bottom of the holes, 
 and then a scramble for the fish commences (" first 
 come, first served," but often might overcomes right.) 
 
 At Leatherhead bridge the Mole is again a consi- 
 derable stream, and in this neighbourhood are many 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 153 
 
 Trout ; below the bridge on the right the fishing is 
 free till you reach Randall Park ; there is excellent 
 fly fishing in this neighbourhood. In the pool or mill 
 head of Mr. Ellis's mill at Fetcham, within a few 
 yards of the bank, you can perceive the water boiling 
 out from the sand in several places sufficient to supply 
 the mill ; I am inclined to think this is an irruption 
 of the waters of the Mole, but some say it is a spring 
 head, independantly of the river, as the water is 
 so hard no fish can exist in it ; however it is very 
 curious and well worth looking at. Below Randall 
 park is the old mill hole, further down the devil's 
 hole, and on by Steers's farm, past what is called the 
 creek to Sly ford mill. Below Steers'sfarm the water 
 is heavy, and continues so through Cobham and on to 
 Esher; I forgot to say that near the farm on the oppo- 
 site side from Leatherhead, there is a famous hole, and 
 many good Trout are taken by bottom fishing, also 
 at the old mill hole on to the orchard at Steers's. 
 
 Near Slyford mill it is a Jack water ; the Roach 
 hereabouts in the winter are taken l^lb. each very 
 frequently. Very large Chub are taken in the Mole 
 in the neighbourhood of the Copper mill at Esher, and 
 in fact every other fish, excepting Trout, which cease 
 to be numerous below Slyford, tho' you may take now 
 and then a large one at the mill tails ; on the other 
 hand, Jack, Perch, and white fish are taken in great 
 quantities, all the way to the Thames. 
 
 The Mole near Esher is protected naturally by 
 banks, bushes, trees, &c. so that there will always be 
 
154 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 good fishing, in spite of the enemies to fair angling. This 
 river is a very uncertain one to fish, as it is so easily 
 affected by rain, and thickens very soon, occasioned 
 by the soil it runs over ; before you leave London to 
 fish this river, the best way is to make enquiry of 
 some one who may have seen it, as to the color, and 
 then to form your opinion according to the report and 
 the state of the weather at the time. Near MouU'ey 
 one course of the stream turns Moulsey mill, the other 
 runs by Ember Court, and this stream affords good 
 fly fishing for Dace, Chub, &c. To enumerate the 
 different spots between Moulsey and Leatherhead 
 would be impossible ; as Salter says, " they are easily 
 found by observing where others have fished before." 
 
 THE WEY. 
 
 This river is like the Mole as regards its being 
 affected by the weather, and being further from town 
 more caution should be used before proceeding to fish 
 it ; it takes its name from being the colour of wey. 
 
 In the neighbourhood of Byfleet there are many 
 excellent Roach, Pike, and Eels, and down to 
 Weybridge, passing through what is called Brooklands. 
 There is no interruption to the Angler from Byfleet 
 to the Thames at Weybridge, and excellent sport I 
 have occasionally met with here 
 
 To the right of the wood bridge, over the river, 
 there are so many excellent places for bottom fishing, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 155 
 
 dipping, trolling, &c. that I cannot recollect half of 
 them : the principal are about 100 yards above the 
 bridge, and in many places on to Byfleet in the navi* 
 gable part of the river below the bridge, at the old 
 Iron mill, about half a mile up the road, on the 
 Basingstoke Canal, in the park of Lord Portmore, 
 and on to the mouth. I have had excellent Carp 
 fishing in the park, at the fall, and have taken many 
 Jack there with a gut line and a Minnow ; I 
 here take the opportunity of recommending to the 
 notice of my Brothers of the Angle who may visit this 
 place, the house of Mr. Todd, who formerly kept the 
 Ship inn at this place, but who now keeps a very 
 respectable retail beer shop, and to all those who are 
 satisfied with accommodation in a homely way, he is 
 a man well calculated to give satisfaction, besides 
 this he is an Angler in every sense of the word, and 
 has lived many years in the village, he possesses a 
 thorough knowledge of the water, and is an agreeable 
 companion. 
 
 STILL WATERS & CANALS. 
 
 I am not fond of pond fishing, and I believe the 
 London Anglers generally are of the same mind, but 
 as many may wish for some information, I will say 
 what I know, although I confess that my disposition 
 to see something move, has prevented me knowing 
 much of still water fishing. The Commercial, East, 
 
156 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 and West India Docks, contain vast quantities of 
 Perch, Bream, Rudd, Roach, &c. and an order to 
 fish these places is not difficult to procure. 
 
 The Surrey Canal and Basin can be fished upon 
 paying Is. for a day ticket. The Paddington Canal 
 has Bream, Jack, and Roach, so has the Regent's 
 Canal. The ponds at Hampstead contain fine Perch 
 and Carp. 
 
 The Croydon Canal and Reservoir on Sydenham 
 Common produce good fish, I never could fancy the 
 method I have heard described as practised in the docks, 
 viz : that when you have held an eighteen feet rod by 
 the but upright, as high as you are able, your bait 
 would be in the water and your float close to the top 
 of your rod. 
 
 I have just heard that a new regulation has taken 
 place as regards dock fishing, the Company mean 
 to make subscription waters of the docks, and to 
 have day subscribers at 2*. each. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLB. 157 
 
 TACKLE. 
 
 SONG. BAMBOO AND HICKERY, 
 
 Or the Quarrel between the JFly Rod and Trolling Rod. 
 
 (TUNE) " Mr. December." 
 
 1. 
 
 There was one day a Trolling Rod so puffd with pride, 
 That he look'd all about to find some one to sneer at, 
 Then fix'd on a Fly Rod which hung by his side, 
 
 And loudly began thus to jeer at 
 Mr. Hickery, please to keep further from me, 
 
 You're so dirty, so mean, and so ugly ; 
 From such vulgar company I would be free, 
 And enjoy myself here so cosy and snugly. 
 When this happen' d and where, 
 
 I don't exactly pretend to remember ; 
 But to make out a Chorus, suppose we declare 
 That it happened soon after December. 
 
 2. 
 
 You were hanging one day at a pawnbroker's door, 
 When my master, kind man, purely out of compassion, 
 
158 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 Paid five shillings for you, I'm sure 'twas no more> 
 Then repair'd you according to fashion ; 
 
 New whipp'd and new ring'd, you looked quite spruce* 
 Your worm-eaten carcase with varnish was cover'd ; 
 
 Had he known you as I do, to be of no use, 
 Before he had bought you he sometime had hover'd* 
 When this, &c. 
 
 Thro' his brown holland coat the Fly Rod heard him rail, 
 
 Then rattled each joint in a violent passion, 
 And was he not fast to a tenpenny nail, 
 
 He swore that Bamboo he would dash on. 
 You blackguard, you humbug, to talk thus to me, 
 
 Dont I know you and all your disgraces, 
 I'll remind you a little of your pedigree, 
 
 I'd sooner be burnt than with you change places. 
 When this, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 In a bungling, slovenly, rod-maker's shop, 
 You together were put for four or five shillings ; 
 
 After this in the window for years you did stop, 
 Till a greenhorn to buy you was willing ; 
 
 He had read Salter's book, which taught him to troll, 
 He thought himself wonder fly clever, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 159 
 
 Twas lucky he did, or such a vile pole 
 Might have hung in the window unnotic'd for ever. 
 When this, &c. 
 
 5. 
 
 The first time you ventur'd to tackle a Jack, 
 
 Two or three of your joints gave way in the centre, 
 Your top and your but began for to crack, 
 
 Till your Master no longer could venture ; 
 You were pawn'd once yourself, and nev.r fetch'd out, 
 
 Altho' a small trifle had done it, 
 The 'prentice not knowing what he was about, 
 
 Took the rubbishing lot, and lent money upon it. 
 When this, &c. 
 
 6. 
 
 You remain'd a pretender, so broken and patch'd, 
 
 Till an unskilful hand undertook to repair you ; 
 A new joint or two were also attach'd, 
 
 Before any fisher would bear you ; 
 A lying engraver, John Webster,* did trace 
 
 On your but, this deceived my good master : 
 He bought you, but Puppy, I'll spit in your face, 
 
 Aud expose you to him to prevent a disaster. 
 When this, &e. 
 
 7. 
 
 Bamboo not expecting such spirit in sticks, 
 Mildly reply'd, Mr. Hickery's mistaken ; 
 
 * An old rdd maker formerly of great repute. 
 
160 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 Tis true I've been guilty of many bad tricks, 
 
 But each vice I've entirely forsaken ; 
 Let's agree from this day that no anger shall pass, 
 
 But each be to each as a brother, 
 To fall out and quarrel is only a farce, 
 
 With a half dozen of one and six of the other. 
 When this, &c. 
 
 8. 
 
 Little Hick said, I own, if you wish to be friends, 
 
 I'm not free from faults, as there's nothing perfection ; 
 At every point, so our quarrel ends, 
 
 In youv offer I see no objection ; 
 But when you broke out so fierce and so loud, 
 
 I confess it put me on my mettle ; 
 But as we have neither much cause to be proud, 
 
 And we all of us know what the pot call'd the kettle. 
 With this, &c. 
 
 RODS. 
 
 I would advise the Angler to procure a rod of about 
 2 feet 2 inches in the joint, this made of the best bamboo 
 with various tops, for trolling, Roach, and Perch fish- 
 ing ; and if he has a white cane joint or two extra, he 
 will find it an advantage in Roach angling, being much 
 lighter and stiffer, it will strike truer ; such a rod will 
 go in your pocket, and be useful and portable. 
 
 In my remarks upon fly fishing, I have made some 
 allusion to the length of a fly rod. I must here state, 
 that a rod of five joints, something less than 12 feet long, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 161 
 
 I have found to answer very well generally ; this is made 
 of well seasoned hickery, and well fitted at the joints ; 
 if the plug end of each joint is but very slightly tapered, 
 and carefully fitted and ground in, there will be no oc- 
 casion for whipping the joints together; I have fished 
 many years this way, and have always found my rod 
 fast enough at the end of the longest day's sport. With 
 regard to a rod being so much superior, by being as long 
 as possible in the joints, I am decidedly not of that 
 opinion. If a piece of wood could be procured the full 
 length of the rod, of the same tenacity, straight 
 grained, and free from knots, it would be all very well ; 
 but this is quite impossible, besides the inconvenience 
 to the London Angler, as regards carriage ; I have found 
 a five-jointed rod, made as above, equal in utility to any 
 rod I ever saw or used. 
 
 LANDING NET. 
 
 I have heard some persons deprecate the use of a 
 landing net, saying it does not give the fish a chance ; 
 for my part, I should like to know, if fishing from a high 
 bank, how a good fish, when killed, is to be taken out 
 of the water ; they are mighty honorable I dare saj f , 
 but every credit is due to the Angler, who can rise, 
 hook, and kill a good fish, keeping him clear from 
 weeds and other impediments, till within reach of the 
 landing net, and he deserves praise for not straining his 
 rod or line, and risking the loss of the fish, by weighing 
 him out. The landing net described in fly fishing (see 
 Trout) will suit every purpose for bottom fishing, the 
 large hook substitutes for the net in trolling; some pre- 
 fer a larger net than I have described, but the size be- 
 
162 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 fore mentioned, I have always found quite large enough 
 for all purposes. 
 
 TACKLE CASE. 
 
 For lines, hooks, &c. I would recommend one that will 
 contain, in a compact and portable form, the whole of 
 my necessary hooks, lines, floats, flies, for every de- 
 scription of Angling. I see no use in a reel ; in my 
 opinion, a line lays better, divested of the float, coiled 
 up in a small circle, folded in neat wrappers of parch- 
 ment, your gorge hooks run through leather loops, your 
 floats the same, with thread, baiting needle, and dis- 
 gorger, that, upon opening your book, you may lose no 
 time, every moment being precious to the London An- 
 gler ; your flies put in coils in a small light tin box, 
 similar to a Sandwich box, and placed in the partitions 
 generally allotted to the reel, I find answer well ; this 
 case be taken from the book, and placed in your side 
 pocket, when fly fishing, for convenience ; I have found 
 this is very useful in wet weather. 
 
 FLOATS. 
 
 Small porcupine floats*, encompassed with cork, 
 pared down to different sizes ; some very little more than 
 the quill itself, and some larger to swim a Minnow, I 
 find the most useful, besides they wear so much longer ; 
 and if you should have the misfortune to tread upon 
 them, it will be of little consequence, as they will sustain 
 no injury. 
 
 * See floats. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 163 
 
 GUT. 
 
 Good gut may be known by being round, even, and 
 transparent ; when making it into 
 
 LINES. 
 
 Cut off the imperfect parts, and soak it in luke-warm 
 water for ten minutes ; then take hold of one end in 
 your left hand with the thumb and forefinger, the length 
 hanging towards the right ; take another length, place 
 it in the same thumb and finger, the length laying to the 
 left ; place it at the top of the first length, leaving as 
 much as will make one knot, by passing it from you ; 
 and under the first length, making one knot, draw it 
 tight ; then turn it over ; repeat the process ; the knots 
 will be some distance from each other, one single curl 
 encompassing each length ; then draw them together 
 tight, and nip the surplus ends off with a pen-knife on 
 your thumb nail ; I have found this to be the best way 
 of making a gut or hair line. 
 
 THE KING'S HORSES' TAILS. 
 
 The last time the King went in state to open Parliament, 
 among the many who were present to witness the procession, was 
 a respectable Brother of the Angle ; his appearance was a fine 
 Specimen of the old English Gentleman of the present period, &nd 
 his loyalty to his Sovereign was never disputed : he was standing 
 so as to have a complete view of the whole cavalcade ; imme- 
 diately the beautiful cream coloured horses in his Majesty's 
 carriage made their appearance, with their long flowing tails, his 
 ye was fixed on them, and continued so till they had passed from 
 his sight ; " What superior, splendid, single hair/' he exclaimed 
 (his thoughts turning to his favourite amusement) the grandeur 
 
 H 
 
164 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 around was lost to him : he said loud enough to be overheard, " I 
 would not mind if I never were to see the King again, if I could 
 have a good pull at those horse's tails." 
 
 A lady and gentleman standing close by, the lady observed, 
 " Did you hear what that old gentleman said ; what can he want 
 to pull the horses' tails for? " " Why my dear, I don't know, 
 (putting on a grave look) but I suspect there's something treason- 
 able meant." "No doubt," answered the lady, and they cauti- 
 ously retired. 
 
 A SEAT 
 
 For bottom fishing about 16 inches high, as described 
 in the sketch, will be found very convenient, never sit 
 on the ground. 
 
 HOOKS. 
 
 The best kirby hooks I give the preference to, and am, 
 after many trials, decidedly of opinion that they are cal- 
 culated to answer every description of Angling, their 
 shape being best suited to hit a fish, and to hold him when 
 hooked ; always try them well between the thumb and 
 finger before tying, and you will save many mishaps. 
 
 PLUMMET. 
 
 Either the thin rolled plummet, or the one with a loop 
 and bit of cork, will answer equally well ; keep one or 
 two in your waistcoat pocket, in case of an accident ; 
 besides, nothing is so annoying as to be bored in the 
 midst of sport with the frequent solicitation of" Please 
 to lend me your plummet." 
 
 SHOT 
 
 Of various sizes keep in a small screw box, with one 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 165 
 
 or two large swan shot, for occasional service ; if you 
 would avoid much vexation, split them yourself, and 
 procure, if possible, the old lead shot; these are easily 
 placed on the line with your teeth, the improved shot 
 being too hard to fix on with ease, even with a pair of 
 plyers, which, by the by, some prefer, but I would ad- 
 vise you to condense your apparatus as much as possible. 
 
 CAPS 
 
 Of various sizes, in a small box, similar to the one for 
 shot: in this it will be found very useful to keep apiece 
 of Indian rubber, for the purpose of drawing the line 
 between, which will immediately straighten it, this is a 
 great advantage to the fly fisher. 
 
 WAXED SILK 
 
 Of two sizes; the one for tying hooks, the other 
 stronger, to repair a fracture, which may occur to the 
 most careful. I should also recommend some fine 
 
 WAXED TWINE, 
 
 For should an accident happen to your rod, you may 
 make such repairs then and there as will answer for the 
 day's fishing: there are few Anglers who do not possess 
 ingenuity enough to amend a fracture of this description, 
 till he can get it repaired properly by a rod maker. I 
 Lave always found that these repairs are much cheaper 
 in the end, if given to a proper person, as the time you 
 lose in doing the thing incompletely, is worth more than 
 the money paid for the repairs done properly. 
 
 SHOTTING LINE. 
 
 In shotting your line, place one about eight inches 
 H 2 
 
166 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 from the hook, the others about an inch apart, ten inches 
 above the first ; the size of the shot must accord with the 
 size of your line, that and the float always regulated by 
 the strength, depth, &c. of the stream, and the kind of 
 fish you are angling for. 
 
 RUNNING LINE 
 
 I have already described that a running line is neces- 
 sary for Jack and fly fishing, but a fine running line of 
 twisted silk will answer best for Barbel, Carp, and Chub. 
 
 GUT AND HAIR LINES 
 
 I keep in lengths of about four feet, which can be 
 easily joined to suit your purpose, and two orthree lengths 
 of hair twisted, about the same size, will make a good 
 top for either a single hair or fine gut bottom ; your line 
 should always be as short as circumstances will allow. 
 
 CLEARING RING AND DRAG 
 
 Should always be in the possession of an Angler, the 
 drag being useful in trolling and fly fishing, the clearing 
 ring in bottom fishing. The clearing rings sold in the 
 shops are not made properly, as the thin part is not half 
 thin enough to go into the bend of the fastened hook, 
 and the heavy part not weighty enough : the proper use 
 of the clearing ring is for the purpose of, by suddenly 
 dropping it down inside of the bend, to draw the hook 
 out of what it may be fastened to, and at all events you 
 will only lose the hook ; but the rings generally used 
 are too thick to go into the bend, and they fret and rub 
 the bottom of the line, and are very frequently useless : 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE, 167 
 
 the drags may do pretty well, but a great improvement 
 may be made, the line usually attached is not half 
 strong enough. 
 
 GENTLE BOX. 
 
 The best sort are those japanned, and of a moderate 
 size, with an hinge or joint. 
 
 BAIT KETTLE 
 
 Should be commodious enough to keep your baits fresh 
 and lively; but if a smaller one is used, attach a cord, 
 and sink it in the River ; this will keep them fresh. 
 
 BASKET AND PANNIER. 
 
 A pannier, with a strap for fly fishing, is preferable, 
 as it keeps the fish better ; but for bottom fishing, a rush 
 basket is most useful ; those made in the neighbourhood 
 of Waltham Abbey are the best I have met with. For 
 Jack fishing, a dark fustian haversack is more conve- 
 nient than either. 
 
 MULTIPLYING WINCH 
 
 In fly fishing is indispensable ; I have described this in 
 my observations on Trout fishing : the same sort of 
 winch will suit for every other purpose. 
 
 GROUND BAIT 
 
 Should be moderately stiff clay worked up with coarse 
 
 bran and powdered greaves ; the best way to mix it up 
 
 is to clear away the grass, and treading on it with the 
 
 heel of your boot till well mixed, it can then be easily 
 
 H 3 
 
168 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 made into balls. Bread and bran is made by soaking 
 stale bread in water, either cold or warm ; then work it 
 with your hands till stiff enough to hold together. Bread 
 ground bait is mixed up the same way, but without the 
 bran ; flour and bran only make excellent ground bait, 
 and sinks better than the former, which will require a 
 stone enclosed to sink it. 
 
 BAITS FOR BOTTOM FISHING. 
 
 The necessary baits for fish of prey are mentioned in 
 the description of those fish, but for bottom fishing the 
 baits are lob worms, brandlings, marsh and red worms, 
 gentles, &c., all which are procured at the tackte shops 
 with such facility that it is scarcely worth while to keep 
 them, but lobs I would advise you to keep by applyiug 
 to any friends that have gardens or ground, where they 
 may, after rain, readily supply you. Lobs are easily 
 procured at night with a candle and lanthorn ; you may 
 keep them near your water but in a small tub or box, the 
 damp of the place being necessary to support them alive 
 and healthy; and when you would prepare them for 
 angling, take out as many as you want, and put them to 
 scour in moss or old coarse clothes, free from salt, in a 
 brown pan, for a day or two. 
 
 Brandlings and red worms are kept together in the 
 same way, but in a separate tub from the lobs, and 
 scoured the same, gentles are so cheap, that it is need- 
 less to say much about them; they are easily bred, by 
 hanging any animal substance to be fly-blown; when 
 of a sufficient size, they will fall out into a pan of coarse 
 sand, placed for that purpose. At the close of the year, 
 get ajar, holding about a gallon, fill it three parts full 
 of sand, and then fill it up with unsecured gentles, they 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 169 
 
 will soon work under the sand ; cover over the top with 
 brown paper, pass a pin through it about twelve times, 
 to give them air, and keep it in a dry room, but not where 
 there is a fire. 
 
 FISHING KNIFE 
 
 Should be about four or five inches in the blade, with 
 a pick and tweezers ; the pick answers well to untie a 
 knot in your line. A knife, made by Coleman, oppo- 
 site the Opera House, in the Haymarket, is the most 
 useful I have seen ; the blade is, when opened, secured 
 by a spring, and, in my opinion, just what every Angler 
 should possess. 
 
 BOOTS. 
 
 Those reaching the knee are the most serviceable, as 
 they will serve to ford the river occasionally; and if 
 well supplied with mutton suet, with a little bees' wax 
 added thereto will turn water better than most other 
 plans, if they get hard, rub them well before the fire 
 with neatsfoot oil. 
 
 FISHING JACKET. 
 
 I prefer a dark or green colour, with inside pockets 
 in the skirt, of a sufficient depth, that your rod may 
 just go under your arm : two capacious outside pockets, 
 and two breast pockets ; it will necessarily be a toler- 
 able length in the skirt, and, in appearance, not very 
 conspicuous, and will hold every thing needful. 
 
 Mr. George Brearley, of No. 28, Northampton Street* 
 King's Cross, makes a most excellent jacket of this de- 
 
170 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 scription ; in fact, he (being a fisherman) understands 
 what is wanted. 
 
 DRAM FLASK. 
 
 A small wicker, or leather flask, to contain a choice 
 drop of brandy will be found very useful, if you are 
 thirsty, put a little in some water, it will prevent harm. 
 
 WATER-PROOF COVERING. 
 
 The most complete is a large silk shawl, of a dark 
 colour: with this I have stood every rain that I have 
 been exposed to while out a fishing, without being wet 
 through ; my method is, when the shawl is completely 
 saturated, to wring it as dry as possible, by keeping under 
 a hedge, or tree, during this process ; my jacket has been 
 damp, certainly, but that was all ; I have never expe- 
 rienced much from wet weather. Though ridiculed for 
 my appearance, many who have laughed have even- 
 tually followed my plan: a silk handkerchief placed 
 before you answers, when walking, if the rain comes in 
 front, and will effectually screen you ; two or three 
 pocket handkerchiefs will be found very useful. 
 
 SONG. IZAAK WALTON WAS AN ANGLER GOOD. 
 
 (TuNE.) "A famous Man was Robin Hood." 
 
 1. 
 
 Izaak Walton was an Angler good, 
 
 He lived in fifteen ninety three, 
 And ninety years he time withstood 
 
 In peace, content, and harmony. 
 H 5 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 171 
 
 He was the father of our art, 
 
 He taught from practice what he knew, 
 From his good maxims few depart, 
 
 All Anglers sure will find them true. 
 Izaak Walton, &c. 
 
 2. 
 
 So excellent was his advice, 
 
 So true to nature every plan, 
 What he has written few despise, 
 
 For suie he was an honest man. 
 Let's angle with some angling friend, 
 
 Let's roam in peace with all mankind, 
 When tired at eve, a shilling spend 
 
 To cheer the heart and ease the mind. 
 Izaak Walton, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 To some bleak hall we'll wend our way, 
 
 Or rest beneath some hawthorn hedge, 
 To hear a merry milk maid's lay, 
 
 Or in a cup each other pledge. 
 To tell a tale, some ballad sing, 
 
 To talk of sport in days gone by, 
 Sure these will true contentment bring, 
 
 Dispel each care, repress each sigh. 
 Izaak Walton, &c. 
 
172 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 A FEW REMARKS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE 
 ANGLER. 
 
 To preserve your health should be the first considera- 
 tion : to benefit by exercise and fresh air, the Angler is in- 
 duced to ramble with his rod and line by the pure stream. 
 
 A brave day's sport now and then gives a zest to 
 Angling ; but could you to a certainty bring home a 
 basket of fish every time you went out, your fondness for 
 the sport would cloy, and it would become tiresome, in- 
 stead of amusing : it is not so with the freshness that 
 prevails every where it-is ever renovating and acceptable. 
 
 With regard to wind, the south is most certainly the 
 best, but after it has blown from any point a day or so, 
 the fish will feed. 
 
 It is impossible at all times to avoid being wet, but at 
 all times you can avoid being cold : all the mishaps 
 which have come to my knowledge have arisen from im- 
 prudence, either in sitting with wet feet or clothes, or 
 in a draught, while in a state of perspiration, or by 
 drinking cold water while in that state. Therefore, take 
 this advice, when you unavoidably get wet: keep your 
 body warm by exercise ; never, as you love the sport, 
 sit in wet clothes or shoes ; again, when you are in a 
 perspiration, take a small glass of brandy, that is best, 
 or gin or rum; the cooling effects of these have long 
 been acknowledged. 
 
 Never get on a coach while in a state of perspiration, 
 this is very bad ; rather walk all night, if you are too 
 late for the coach, especially in cool weather ; if you 
 get inside its all very well. 
 
 Many invite cold and illness, by giving way to a low- 
 ness of spirits at rain, or gloomy weather, cold, &c. ; 
 
 H 5 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 173 
 
 when, by rallying against this depression, you may 
 often throw off indisposition. 
 
 Several friends have declared to me, that they have 
 started out with a bad cold, but with a determination to 
 shake it off, and have succeeded. 
 
 Your boots or shoes should be sound and large enough, 
 with thick soles, to resist the damp ; and thick worsted 
 socks in cold weather ; always wear worsted, but thin- 
 ner, in warm weather. Change your boots the very first 
 opportunity, or, if they get wet, pull them off, dry 
 your stockings as well as you can, and keep in motion 
 until you have replaced them in a dry state on your feet 
 again. 
 
 In summer, as your feet are more liable to blister, 
 soap the outside of your stocking feet ; this will prevent 
 it, and you will journey comfortably. 
 
 An extra shirt, or waistcoat, or drawers, in cold wea- 
 ther, is not to be despised. 
 
 SONG. TRUE ANGLERS. 
 
 (TUNE.) Hoi a Nob." 
 
 1. 
 
 True Anglers, true Anglers for many miles round, 
 Wherever I've sought them, good fellows I've found, 
 And let them be neighbours, or let them be brothers, 
 To me a true bobber's more welcome than others, 
 With my rod while I roam, or my tackle put up, 
 Each weary piscator shall share my ale cup, 
 Then fill up each glass and be blithe wliile you may, 
 To-morrow lets fish, but be merry to day. 
 Then fill up, &c. 
 
174 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 2. 
 
 When we hear the loud tempest the thunders hoarse rattle, 
 That mars all our sport, and sound like a battle, 
 Tho J to day's disappointment may cause us some sorrow, 
 The storm sure will better our luck on the morrow, 
 If there's mirth in our hearts, 'tis an Angler that shares, 
 If peril approach 'tis an Angler that dares. 
 Then fill up, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 If annoyed in our sport by an insolent ranger, 
 Our companions in passiime stand by us in danger, 
 Committing no trespass, we care not for evil, 
 With right on out side we will combat the devil, 
 Then join hands and heart let the bands that combine, 
 Faith, honor, and friendship ne'er cease to entwine. 
 Then fill up, &c. 
 
 I recommend the Angler, wherever lie may be, to bear 
 in mind, that although he may have permission to fish 
 in the water, he may be a trespasser on the land, to 
 studiously avoid doing the farmer an injury. Let him 
 carefully close every gate after him, for he should con- 
 sider what dreadful damage may be done by cattle get- 
 ting among the crops, by his imprudence ; let him avoid 
 making a gap, if possible, and if not, to repair it with 
 his best ability : the slightest damage done to the crops 
 or fences of the farmer, is an abuse of his generosity in 
 allowing you to pass over his land. To this, and this 
 only, do I attribute the reluctance evinced by many to 
 grant leave to Anglers. 
 
OR WALTONJAN CHRONICLE. 175 
 
 Consider that every moment is precious to the London 
 Angler, and that any interruption, by requesting the 
 loan of a plummet, or knife, &c., to say the least of it, 
 is very annoying. 
 
 The actual necessaries of an Angler are not very nu- 
 merous, or expensive ; therefore arrange your tackle now 
 and then, and replace whatever may be deficient. 
 
 SONG. THE PORTSMOUTH WAGGON. 
 (TUNE.) " Lord Ullin's Daughter. 9 ' 
 
 1. 
 
 Two Anglers set their baskets down, 
 
 Crying coachman we are undone. 
 Unless you'll have this silver crown 
 
 To ride us up to London ; 
 Two days along the river side, 
 
 We've fished till we are weary, 
 And if with you we cannot ride, 
 
 Must tramp the road so dreary. 
 
 2. 
 
 Out spoke the hardy coachman wight, 
 
 (While handing up a lady) 
 I fain would take your silver bright, 
 
 But I am full already ; 
 
17 J LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 The tired Anglers turned away, 
 The tiresome way to drag on, 
 
 For their only chance to ride that way, 
 Was, from Kingston by the waggon. 
 
 3. 
 
 The night was dark, on came a shower, 
 
 Their fish did them encumber, 
 They watched the mile stones thro' the hour, 
 
 To ascertain their number ; 
 At length they heard the tinkling bells, 
 
 And voices that were cheering, 
 For they were near to Seton Wells,* 
 
 The lanthorns were appearing. 
 
 4. 
 
 Now very soon a bargain made, 
 
 The waggoner was willing, 
 That they to town should be conveyed, 
 
 And only charged two shillings ; 
 He tied their hats up with a cord, 
 
 And if not quite so still, oh ! 
 They slept as sound as any lord, 
 
 Upon his downy pillow. 
 
 5. 
 
 Tired as they were, no doubt they'd snore, 
 Just then the man said, ' Masters, 
 
 Setbiton Weil?, near Kingston. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 177 
 
 Will you get out, our journey's o'er," 
 
 And then untied their castors ; 
 * Wandsworth sure,' they waking cried, 
 
 And gathering up their tackle, 
 When, jumping down they there espied, 
 
 The Elephant and Castle. 
 
 6. 
 They thought they'd slept a little time, 
 
 Twas four hours and a quarter, 
 They laid so very snug and prime, 
 
 No journey ere seemed shorter; 
 They laughed to think they were deceived, 
 
 And to this hour they hrag on, 
 How much by rest they were relieved, 
 
 In Prescott's Portsmouth waggon. 
 
 I have heard of some Anglers walking to the Rye 
 House, fishing the whole day, and then walking back to 
 London, doing the last fifteen miles in three hours : this 
 I do not dispute, but must say, it was making a toil of 
 pleasure ; three miles and a half an hour is a good hold- 
 ing pace, and the Angler that can do this for a distance 
 of twenty miles, and home again, may fairly boast of 
 going far and fast enough. Another thing I would re- 
 commend to the Angler's notice the necessity of feeling 
 assured that the bed he may sleep in is aired. Where 
 the Angler cannot depend upon this, I would ad vise him 
 to sleep in his stockings and drawers, and to take off 
 the sheets, and sleep between the blankets, as the safest 
 method ; many have had to complain of their having 
 been put in damp beds. As a caution, nothing should 
 
178 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 take precedence of this ; walk any distance, rather than 
 put up at a house where they are careless of their beds. 
 Never be too prodigal of your ground bait, when there 
 is no chance of your being supplied anew : throw it in 
 up the stream above your float in small pieces, where 
 the current is quiet, and the depth of your swim will be 
 your guide ; if very deep, you must throw it in consider- 
 ably above your swim, or it will be carried by the stream 
 below your baited hook ; but if you have a good store, 
 you cannot use well too much for Barbel, Roach, and 
 Dace. 
 
 SONG. THE MEANDERING RIVER. 
 
 (TUNE.) " Lass of Gowrie." 
 
 1. 
 
 I turn'd away from fortune's frown, 
 And left the noisy busy town, 
 The pattering rain came sharply down 
 Yet I sought the meandering river. 
 A friendly wind dispers'd the sliowers, 
 The air perfum'd by blooming flowers, 
 That grew around the many bowers 
 Near the meandering river. 
 
 2. 
 
 The sporting Trout in glittering stream, 
 The beating heart at hope's fond dream, 
 The many real joys that gleam 
 By the meandering river. 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 179 
 
 To leave the treacherous world behind, 
 And here awhile contentment find, 
 'Scape favors meant or ills design 'd. 
 And fish the meandering river. 
 
 3. 
 
 But all must have their share of woe, 
 Unceasing joys none ere can know, 
 Yet I'll be happy when I go 
 Near the meandering river, 
 'Twill not make less my lot of care 
 To sink beneath it in despair, 
 Yet awhile I can avoid it there, 
 And fish the meandering river. 
 
 In cold, windy weather, always prefer to angle under 
 the wind where it is smooth (that is for float fishing). 
 Let the wind be in what quarter it may, your success will 
 be more likely by your fishing where the water is smooth, 
 particularly for Roach, for if the water is ruffled by the 
 wind or current, you will not be able to distinguish half 
 the bites. 
 
 The Angler's success will be greatly increased by his 
 attention to the weather, for bottom fishing and trolling, 
 and indeed all sorts of fishing. 
 
 It often happen that the rivers are, from long continued 
 dry weather, so low and clear, that to fish them would be 
 utterly useless, particularly in the small streams ; there- 
 fore it is necessary to observe in what direction the rain 
 has fallen, and in what quantity ; for a few hours' wet 
 
180 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 will suffice to make some streams unfishable, while it will 
 take many days to colour others. 
 
 The Wey and Mole are easily coloured, while the 
 Colne is only affected by heavy rains. If the rain falls 
 southerly, you must look south for the condition of the 
 water, but if northerly, to the north, and so on. 
 
 Warm, quiet days in winter, and gloomy, rough days 
 in summer, are to be preferred ; the pot fisherman in the 
 country never think of using their rough, clumsy tackle 
 unless there has been a fall of rain sufficient to colour 
 the rivers, and then, on its clearing a little, they will do 
 wonders. 
 
 Thus consideration and attention will do half your 
 work before you set out, but unless you attend to the 
 state of the weather, you will lose many chances. 
 
 SONG. THE SEASONS. 
 (TuNE.) " Charley is my Darling." 
 
 1. 
 
 To angle I fancy, fancy, fancy, 
 To angle I fancy in the Spring time of the year, 
 80 blithesomely I pace the dale, 
 Without a care or fear. 
 By brookside trying for a Trout, 
 In the Spring time of the year. 
 To angle, &c. 
 
 2. 
 
 To angle I fancy, fancy, fancy, 
 
 To angle I fancy in the Summer of the year, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 181 
 
 'Neath spreading oak I rest awhile, 
 From mid-day's heat severe, 
 Then try with sniggle for an Eel, 
 In the Summer of the year. 
 To angle, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 To angle I fancy, fancy, fancy, 
 To angle I fancy in the Autumn of the year, 
 For a Perch each morn I take my stand, 
 By eddy, bridge, or weir, 
 And envy no man's happiness, 
 In the Autumn of the year. 
 To angle, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 To angle I fancy, fancy, fancy, 
 
 To angle I fancy in Winter of the year, 
 
 In trolling jovially I roam, 
 
 Though cheerless scenes appear, 
 Content and health both warm my heart, 
 
 In the Winter of the year. 
 To angle, &c. 
 
 I have before said that what may be unfavourable to- 
 day, may to-morrow be otherwise, but I do not mean to 
 say the Angler should dispense with the use of his eyes 
 and hearing, but, taking every opportunity to enquire 
 about the state of the water, and observing the weather, 
 form his judgment accordingly. 
 
182 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 A small, fine, half round file, to sharpen the point of 
 your hook, will be found very handy. 
 
 When you have success, take proper care of your fish, 
 by placing them cleanly in the basket, first laying some 
 of the tall, flat rushes, which are to be met with on the 
 banks of most waters, at the bottom, and occasionally 
 between the fish, this will keep them fresh and cool ; if 
 the weather is warm, put your basket in the shade, 
 covering it with herbage that may be convenient. 
 
 In fly fishing I always use an old silk handkerchief, 
 dipped in the river, and rolled round the fish, frequently 
 in the course of the day, wetting it anew ; this plan will 
 answer for Jack fishing. 
 
 Avoid the slovenly manner of packing your fish, prac- 
 tised by some, that is, putting them in short, withered 
 grass, all over dirt, and never more looking at them till 
 they are bundled out of the basket, in a manner equally 
 slovenly and careless. 
 
 If, in fly fishing, your hook should fasten to the 
 opposite side, or you should be foiled in any other way, 
 be patient, take time to consider the best plan to get 
 released, go round if possible, perhaps you may ford the 
 river ; at all events take into consideration the circum- 
 stances of your embarrassment, a little time spent in 
 thought how to get over your difficulty, will more than 
 half accomplish it, and save hours which would be requi- 
 red to repair the damage done by your impatience and 
 violence. 
 
 In Trout fishing, especially with a fly, when you have 
 hooked a good fish, he will often bounce out of the water 
 two or three times, and if you are fishing over a bed of 
 weeds, will work himself into them unless you are very 
 careful. To avoid this, you must hold moderately tight 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 183 
 
 till you have got down the stream, and your line is nearly 
 straight with the weeds, still holding on him to make 
 him feel uncomfortable ; by this method you will gene- 
 rally succeed, when if you were to pull across the stream 
 you would either be broke or the fish lost ; act in a 
 similar manner with Jack and other large fish ; after a 
 little time the fish will feel uneasy by your constantly 
 pulling, which will cause him to move, you must then 
 take advantage of this ; by his repeated shifting he will 
 loosen himself so as to enable you to draw him out. In 
 Roach fishing take the fish out of the swim to kill if 
 possible, if not, shorten your rod by taking off the joints 
 till you have him at command, but do not let him flounder 
 on the top longer than you can help. 
 
 When the water is thick the fish feed at the side, and 
 even on the meadows, when the rivers overflow ; at this 
 time a red worm is best, in fact worms are the most 
 killing bait in coloured or thick water. 
 
 When you arrive at any strange place, I would advise 
 you to enquire what fish the river contains, then take a 
 survey of the whole extent of water you have permission 
 to fish, by these means you will be able to find the most 
 likely spots : I have formerly, in my haste to commence, 
 fished in the very worst part of the water, and ultimately 
 returned home with an empty basket, which, by a 
 previous view, I might have prevented. 
 
 If you are killing fish in a Reich swim^ never rise up 
 or stamp about so as to cause the ground to shake, as 
 from thft marshy nature of the banks of some rivers (par- 
 ticularly the Lea) you will easily do even by walking, in 
 all cases walk as lightly as you can, and both in fly 
 fishing and trolling, fish the near side of the river first, 
 and at as great a distance as possible. 
 
184 LONDON ANGLER'S BOOK, 
 
 SONG. MY ANGLING HOME. 
 (TuNE.) *' Oh my dear, my dear Adonis. 1 ' 
 
 1. 
 
 Away from toilsome burly burly, 
 
 Uprising fresb some Summer morn, 
 'Fore the sun, tho' e'er so early, 
 
 Witb beams of gold announces dawn, 
 To our pastime we proudly yet peacefully roam, 
 And leave far bebind us our Angling borne. 
 Then leave awhile life's bubble bubble, 
 
 To seek the sport we think so rare, 
 May Angling ne'er bring toil or trouble, 
 To such hearts as now are here. 
 
 2. 
 
 When we meet, we meet in gladness, 
 
 Then gaily pace the road along, 
 Pressing onward free from sadness, 
 
 Cheer'd by converse, tale, or song ; 
 Bright beams the eye when to the river come, 
 For a time we've no thought of our Angling home. 
 Then when we leave, &c. 
 
 3. 
 
 Up and let the lazy linger, 
 Till the morn's best chance is o'er, 
 
OR WALTONIAN CHRONICLE. 185 
 
 Let to us no scornful finger, 
 
 Deriding point our hopes to lower ; 
 We fisli o'er each wave as it ripples in gloom, 
 Then joyful return to our Angling home. 
 Then when we leave, &c. 
 
 4. 
 
 May no danger hover o'er us, 
 
 To fret the honest Angler's heart; 
 May we live in health the life hefore us, 
 
 To fish in peace till we must part ; 
 But far very far he the day of our doom, 
 When we part from our friends and our Angling home. 
 Then when we leave, &c. 
 
 I have only now to crave the reader's patience for 
 the errors he may have discovered, and hope that he 
 has been amused, if not instructed. 
 

EXPLANATION 
 
 SKETCHES OF TACKLE. 
 
 PLATE I. 
 
 A, Minnow tackle. 
 
 B B, Two views of Gorge Hook. 
 
 C C, Floats. 
 
 D, Shape of Fly Rod But, and where to fix the winch. 
 
 E, Method of tying gut or hair. 
 
 F, How to put your lloach line on your top with the knots of 
 
 the line tight, previous to being drawn close together. 
 
 PLATE II. 
 
 G, Disgorger made of a twig in an instant. 
 
 H, Hollow hone for clay ledger, used in Barbel fishing. 
 
 1 1, Two views of clearing ring. 
 
 J J, Hooks most useful as regards size. 
 
 K K, Stool for bottom fishing, and patch for the thigh, used in 
 
 trolling, the top part buttoned on your brace button. 
 L, Shape of scissors, very useful in fly making or other purposes. 
 M M, Leather rings with a brass part for line to run through, 
 
 used in trolling. 
 N, Line shotted. 
 
It is not worth the Anglers while making his own 
 Tackle, Rods, <rc. these articles being made so well 
 and sold so reasonable at all the Fishing Tackle Shops; 
 but if for amusement or fancy, any one should feel 
 disposed to tie his own lines or hooks, every angling 
 material may be purchased with equal facility, at 
 any of the Tackle Makers in London. 
 
PAGE. 
 
 Stickleback 13 
 
 Minnow . . o . 16 
 
 Gudgeon 20 
 
 Bleak 25 
 
 Loach 25 
 
 Roach .. 26 
 
 Dace 30 
 
 Chub 40 
 
 Bream .... 42 
 
 Carp ,. 48 
 
 Tench 54 
 
 Perch 59 
 
 Barbel 64 
 
 Ruff 68 
 
 Rudd, Miller's Thumb, and Eel 69 
 
IV 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Pike 75 
 
 Trout 83 
 
 Whipping for Trout 89 
 
 SONGS. 
 
 Leatherhead Song 5 
 
 Mike Minnow , 15 
 
 Gabriel Gudgeon j 7 
 
 Billy Bleak 22 
 
 Young beginners 32 
 
 Charley Chub and the Punt Proprietor 35 
 
 Kate Carp 44 
 
 Tim Tench 40 
 
 Patriot Perch 55 
 
 Ben Barbel 61 
 
 Peter Pike , 71 
 
 Tom Trout 81 
 
 My Pal and 1 92 
 
 Sam Salmon 97 
 
 The Lea, the Lea 107 
 
 J ack and Charley 144 
 
 Bamboo and Hickory 157 
 
 True Anglers 173 
 
 Portsmouth Waggon < 175 
 
 The Meandering River 178 
 
 The Seasons 180 
 
 My Angling Home 184 
 
RIVERS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Thames e 101 
 
 Roding 105 
 
 Lea 108 
 
 New Iliver 124 
 
 Hounslow River 129 
 
 Colne 133 
 
 Darrent * 140 
 
 Cray 143 
 
 Ravensbourne 147 
 
 Wandle , 149 
 
 Hog's mill river 150 
 
 Mole 151 
 
 Wey 154 
 
 Still water, Ponds, and Canals 155 
 
 ANECDOTES. 
 
 Bobber's Law 12 
 
 Chub fishing extraordinary 106 
 
 Labour in vain Ill 
 
 Run with a Cat 112 
 
 Foolish Fisher , 119 
 
 Fishing Invitation . . . . b ib. 
 
 Knuckle of Ham 128 
 
 Trout Setter 130 
 
VI 
 
 PAGE 
 
 To day's one day, &c 133 
 
 Unexpected order 136 
 
 Fixing the Glass 140 
 
 Gulliver, Munchausen, &c 147 
 
 A false alarm 150 
 
 Unexpected bite % 151 
 
 TACKLE. 
 
 Rods, Lines, &c. &c ....160 to 171 
 
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