322 THE angler's guide. 



Blackwall and Limehouse. This river, though but a 

 small stream when compared with the Thames, de- 

 serves the admiration of the natural philosopher, and 

 the lover of angling, for the beauty of the surround- 

 ing country, and the valuable Fish it contains. The 

 vaUey through which it flows, for many miles, is most 

 delightfully picturesque j the towns, villages, and 

 seats on the west, the forest-scenery, and bold hills on 

 the east, are not surpassed by any I am acquainted 

 with : many hundred Jack and Pike are taken in this 

 river, annually, by trolling, several of which weigh 

 from ten to upwards of sixteen pounds each. 



The Fish, I believe, is better protected and fed 

 in this, than in most other navigable rivers, both 

 by nature and art ; several miles of the river Lea 

 are preserved for the Angler's diversion, for which 

 he pays an annual sum, by way of subscription : in 

 some waters, it is a guinea ; in others, half that sum j 

 and the proprietors of those subscription waters 

 take every possible care to preserve the Fish, 

 therein, from poachers. The size and fine flavour 

 of the Pike, Trout, Carp, Perch, Eels, Gudgeons, 

 and various other species, prove that nature has 

 not been sparing in providing for the finny inha- 

 bitants of the river Lea. This river does not afford 

 very great amusement to the Fly-fisher, because it 

 cannot boast of numerous Trout ; yet, those who are 

 satisfied with whipping or dapping for Chub, Dace, 

 and Bleak, may meet with much sport in various 

 parts of the River Lea. 



