274 FISHES AND FISHING. 



work at a great loss to their employers, and their 

 own families, in order to have a day's angling. A 

 scene that actually occurred in the Homerton 

 Marshes, may illustrate this fact. 



A man was at the above spot^ angling, when a 

 gentlemanly person approached, and the following 

 colloquy ensued : 



Gentleman. Good afternoon, friend. Have you 

 had any sport ? 



Angler. Not much, sir.. . Only these. 



Gent. How long have you been at it ? 



Angl. Ever since four this morning. 



Gent. What are you ? Any trade ? 



Angl. Yes. A weaver, sir. 



Gent. What can you earn a day at your trade ? 



Angl. About seven shillings. 



Gent. Have you no work at home ? 



Angl. Yes, sir ; plenty. 



Gent. What are these fish worth r 



Angl. I cannot say, sir ; no great deal. 



'Gent. But suppose when you go home, if you 

 were to offer these fish for sale, what would they 

 fetch ? 



Angl. (Laughing.) Oh, I do not think they would 

 sell for sixpence. 



Gent. Indeed ; do you see yonder house ? That 

 is a mad-house ; put up your tackle as fast as you 



