THE RIVER AA. 189 



edly sanctioned and encouraged, are remorselessly cast 

 aside as remnants of Paganism, or, at least, as proofs of 

 deep corruption and unscriptural innovation on the sacred 

 simplicity of the gospel. Whether it be a sign of true 

 wisdom thus to discard, without discrimination or reserve, 

 all the symbolic characteristics of Christianity which 

 Tertullian so glowingly and exultingly describes as of 

 universal usage in his day may, perhaps, be reasonably 

 doubted; and, indeed, so far as our own feelings are 

 concerned, we must say, that the representation, for 

 example, of the dying Saviour by the way-side, as the 

 inanimate form received the first rays of the morning 

 sun, has often, in our continental rambles, awakened in 

 our breast thoughts neither idolatrous nor superstitious; 

 but feelings indefinable and indescribable, which have 

 found appropriate expression only in some short peniten- 

 tial aspiration, or some grateful words of praise. 



The streams which occur between Renty and Setques, 

 are unquestionably the best portions of the whole river 

 for the fly-fisher. The village of Lumbres, about seven 

 miles from St. Omer, is a very favourite spot; and many 

 good streams will be found above the village, in the little 

 river which joins the Aa at this place. 



From Setques to St. Omer, the river is more favourable 

 for the minnow and worm, than for the fly. The waters 

 become deeper, and have few rapid streams, except at 

 the various mills; at the villages of Ecquerdes, Hallines, 

 Wizernes, Blandecques, and Arques. 



The majority of trout found in this stream are the 

 white and bull-trout, but the red is occasionally met 

 with. Trout have been taken out of these waters seven 

 or eight pounds in weight; but the average of those 

 caught with minnow, will scarcely reach a pound. 



