114 TROUT AT CARSHALTON. [PART 1. 



some years ago near Carshalton. I had permission 

 to fish from several of the proprietors there, and 

 was told there was no doubt that, if I called upon 

 a Captain D. (who had some fishing), and sent in 

 my card, he would also give me leave. I conse- 

 quently started, rod in hand, to do so, but found 

 that he was not at home, though shortly expected. 

 Whilst awaiting his return, my attention was at- 

 tracted by a small piece of the river running down 

 through the garden of a worthy tobacco-merchant. 

 I had not then a notion who lived there, but 

 thought that nothing would, at any rate, be lost 

 by asking for leave to have a cast or two en 

 attendant. Accordingly I went in, and knocked 

 at the door. It was opened by the butler, who 

 told me his master was out, but that he could take 

 ' upon himself to say that he would have great 

 pleasure in permitting me to fish, and that I might 

 certainly do so. I did not wait for more, but, 

 with many thanks, best compliments to his master, 

 and all that sort of thing, commenced putting my 

 tackle together. Some men were at work engaged 

 in mowing the meadow next the house, and as soon 

 as one of these fellows, an Irishman, saw me thus 

 occupied, he came running across the field to me, 

 saying that in the morning he had seen a splen- 



