RIVER LEA. 325 



&c. The several dates and drawings in the house will 

 show what kind of Fish, in point of size, the Angler 

 is likely to meet with in this water. The people 

 belonging to the house generally direct the stranger to 

 those parts of the river where he is likely to have 

 sport. 



That part of the Lea between Shepherd's House and 

 the River Stort, is a fine piece of deep water, and 

 never without fine Jack, &c. In this water. Roach are 

 caught with black scurf, or spots, on their gills and 

 bodies, diflferent from any of the species I have ever 

 met with elsewhere. There is, also, good Roach-fishing 

 from the barge-path, between the four clap -stiles ; and 

 again in the pool or tumbling bay, called Black Pool 5 

 and by Crane's lock, there is generally a heavy Trout 

 or two, and on the East side of the waters called Oak- 

 tree field, the water is well worth fishing, especially r,\ 

 Spring, for Jack, Pike, Chub, and Roach. 



Hoddesdon 



Is a cheerful, clean, healthy town, seventeen miles 

 from London, and most pleasantly situated, command- 

 ing several fine views. Here is a circulating library, 

 well stocked with books, stationery, &c. j several good 

 inns : and, among others. Batty' s, the Black Lion, is 

 noted for home-brewed ale *of a superior strength and 

 flavour. Stage coaches pass through here almost every 

 liour, which gives to the town a bustling and lively 

 appearance. Many Anglers who visit these parts put 

 up at Hoddesdon, and go to Shepherd's, near the Rye- 

 2 F 



