RIVER LEA. 329 



which are preserved, for the diversion and amusement 

 of Angiers, at the annual subscription of a guinea. 



Before the bridge was built at this place, it was a 

 ferry, known, formerly, by the name of Cook's ferry. 

 Old Matthew Cook was well known to the old Anglers 

 for his rudeness and eccentricity, and for his love of 

 the feline race j for he used to keep many cats about 

 the house, much to the vexation and inconvenience of 

 his guests : the average number was fourteen. 



Next to this is 



The Blue House and Fishenj, formerly Bowerbank's, now 

 kept by Mr. Ford. 



This Fishery was private property, abounding with 

 fine Barbel, Chub, Roach, Dace, &c. but is now a 

 subscription-water for angling ; and across it is a ferry 

 to Walthamstow and Higham-hill. 



Late Bannister s Water ; now, Hewss, the Ferry House. 



Below this is a division of the river Lea, called Ban- 

 nister's Water, now rented by Mr. Hews, who has late- 

 ly made it a subscription- water ; it has a public house 

 belonging to it, situated on the cross-road from Tot- 

 tenham High Cross to Walthamstow, Woodford, and 

 Epping-forest. There are many Jack, Pike, Perch, 

 Eels, Chub, and other Fish, taken in the waters round 

 this house, during the Summer season, which is then 

 well frequented, it being but a few miles distance from 

 town. From thence to the Horse and Groom, at Lea- 

 bridge, the river is free for angling. 

 2 F 2 



