LAKES OF BRECKNOCK. 121 



through the midst of it, without deigning (as the good 

 folks of the neighbouring villages assert) to mix its 

 waters with those of the lake.* The general depth is 

 about ten feet, the deepest part being near Llangorse 

 and Catherdine, where it measures twelve or 

 fifteen yards. As the lake diminishes very gradual- 

 ly from the centre towards the shore, flat-bottomed 

 boats can alone be used. 



This water contains pike, perch, and eels of an enor- 

 mous size. The former are sometimes caught weigh- 

 ing thirty or forty pounds, but they are inferior in 

 flavour to those of the Wye. The perch are generally 

 small, five or six together weighing not more than a 

 pound ; of these there is a great abundance. Some 

 are occasionally taken of three pounds ; and when of 

 that size, are considered a great delicacy. They 

 are caught with nets, pitched in the middle of the 

 pool, for the fishermen cannot drag ,them to land ; 

 also by angling, ground baits, &c. All persons 

 having property adjoining the lake, possess the 

 right of keeping a boat upon its waters, and many 

 are also kept by the fishermen residing in the village 

 of Llangorse. 



On the sides of this lake, for a considerable distance 

 from the shore, are reeds of different kinds, but 

 principally that elegant species the Arundo phrag- 

 mites, here of luxuriant growth and great beauty. 



* This appears to be a universal popular error : the same thing 

 being asserted of the Rhone in its passage through the Lake of 

 Geneva, and also of the Dee in its course through that of Bala. 



