SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 23 



about the world with his eyes shut. Such a man is bound 

 to do good, and Mr. Butler does it without stint. 



This flourishing Thames Preservation Society — one of the 

 most useful and influential on the river — was formed in 

 December, 1877, at a meeting at the Queen's Hotel, Reading, 

 at which upwards of 100 gentlemen of position were present. 

 The intention at first was to protect and improve the fishing 

 in the fine stretch of water between Mapledurham and 

 Sonning — then so denuded of fish that even the poachers 

 let it alone. Henry John Simonds, Esq., J. P., was appointed 

 the first president ; Charles Stephens, Esq., J. P., treasurer ; 

 and Mr. Arthur Butler — the originator of the movement 

 — honorary secretary, an office he still holds. Mr. Stephens 

 still acts] as treasurer. It was soon found desirable to ex- 

 tend the operations of the association both up and down 

 stream, and its district now reaches from Goring Lock to 

 Shiplake Lock. The first president resigned in February 

 1 88 1, and James Simonds, Esq., J. P., who still occupies the 

 position, was chosen in his stead. 



The association has done a really great work for the 

 public, and all its operations have been attended with 

 success. Since its formation about 60,000 trout have been 

 turned in, a large proportion having been reared in a stream 

 belonging to the association ; and, as a result, trout fishing 

 has vastly improved. Six years ago the trout were very 

 "few and far between ;" this season at least 150, ranging 

 from two to nine pounds in weight, have been landed in 

 the immediate neighbourhood of Reading. Coarse fish 

 have by no means been neglected. Tens of thousands of 

 pike, perch, roach, dace, &c., have been recovered from the 

 ditches after floods, &c., and restored to the river ; and 

 several reservoirs and lakes have from time to time been 

 netted, by the kind permission of the owners, and great 



