174 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



rivers in shallow places, and will enable him to traverse 

 the banks of streams without annoyance, when encum- 

 bered with thorns or brush-wood. Besides, the system 

 of irrigation which is extensively carried on in most of 

 the villages in France through which rivers now, requires 

 something to keep out the wet ; for some of the meadows 

 are kept in a constant state of sponginess until the middle 

 of May or June. 



The railway, which traverses this Lilliputian country 

 Belgium from one extremity to another in a few 

 hours, affords the most reasonable and convenient mode 

 of travelling possible; and the angler can be at no loss 

 whatever for modes of conveyance to any particular 

 town, or more obscure parts of the country. 



THE PAS DE CALAIS. 

 (JDalais. 



THE history of Calais is pretty well known to most 

 English readers. It is not recognised in historical works 

 until the ninth century. In 1224, Philip of France 

 raised a wall round the town, flanked with small towers, 

 and girdled with fosses. A great portion of this wall is 

 still strong and unimpaired, and is to all appearance as 

 firm and compact, as in the first year of its erection. 

 The town was taken by Edward III. of England, and 

 remained for more than two centuries in her possession. 

 Under the Duke of Guise, in the reign of our own Mary, 

 France again obtained the fortress, and has kept possession 

 ever since. Calais claims to be the birth-place of several 



