2 SALMON FISHING IN THE TWEED 



meet to approach him by degrees, by mentioning, 

 in the first instance, the pursuits of less aspiring 

 anglers, and their various grades of ambition. Thus, 

 we shall show the strength of the passion for fishing, 

 even of the most humble description, and by com- 

 parison set off the followers of Salmo salar to the 

 highest possible advantage. 



We omit giving any particulars of such holiday 

 folk as disturb the puddles in the commons about 

 London, and beg to introduce our worthy friend 

 Mr. Pooley, who, being counter -bound nearly all 

 the year, takes his pastime occasionally on the river 

 Lea. A pedestrian he, and a man of pretty 

 considerable pretensions. Behold ! he casts aside 

 his domestic garb disdainful, and packs himself up 

 in a shooting jacket, which distinguishes him from 

 the common herd of travellers, and becomes him 

 admirably. Indeed he shows much address in the 

 skilful use of its buttons ; and it is really surprising 

 to see what an effect he produces by fastening the 

 two last in the waist, thereby making the rereward 

 of his person stick out in bold relief; for Mr. 

 Pooley is a man of a commendable rotundity. 

 The short rod which he trails merrily in his hand, 

 and the basket that irritates the vertebrae of his 

 back, proclaim his high resolve. At early morn he 

 quits the dusky city, with a temporary distaste for 

 the sound of Bow bells, and with pity for such as 

 are doomed to business whilst it is his pleasure to 

 angle. 



At length, behold him arrived at thy lazy 

 waters, O Lea ! With joyous voice he evokes the 

 miller ; orders a dinner, as he is pleased to suppose, 



