1 66 LAKES AND RIVERS, 



day ; but by the Act of Parliament for 1861 the use 

 of these stakes was prohibited. " However, in de- 

 fiance of this statute, they were continued to a certain 

 extent here, Lord Lonsdale claiming a right to erect 

 them on the foreshore of his manor of Seaton ; and 

 in 1865, at the Spring Assizes in Carlisle, the river 

 was emancipated by the Cockermouth Association, 

 who, through their secretary, challenged the right of 

 Lord Lonsdale's tenant to erect a stake-net near the 

 mouth of the Derwent. The challenge was given by 

 cutting down part of the net. A verdict was obtained 

 against the tenant, so that this harm came to an 

 end" 



Among the enemies of the fish must be mentioned 

 the poachers, who are, or were some years ago, scat- 

 tered along the river-side. They used to subscribe 

 among themselves to pay the cost of any fines which 

 might be imposed on them when caught. So much 

 has been done by legislation and by fish-culture of 

 late years that there is much hope that in time this 

 beautiful river may return to its former wonderful 

 power in supporting a great abundance of fine fish. 



The town of Workington is famous for being the 

 landing-place of the unfortunate Mary Queen of 

 Scots when flying from Scotland. Miss Strickland 

 says Mary's mind misgave her when fairly out at sea 

 and under sail for England, and she said she would 

 go to France. The boatmen made an ineffectual 

 attempt to change their course, but the wind and tide 

 were contrary, and carried the little vessel rapidly 

 across the Firth of Solway and into the harbour of 

 Workington. The voyage is said to have been per- 



