190 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



There are excellent accommodations for the not too 

 fastidious angler at Fauquembergues, and in nearly all 

 the villages by the river side. 



The whole valley of the Aa is remarkably beautiful; 

 and the river, in some particular spots, replete with trout. 

 When the waters are in good condition which is not 

 always the case in the best part of the season, on account 

 of the constant irrigation going on in the meadows and 

 paddocks the angler will find excellent sport, as the 

 trout occasionally run a tolerable size, and owing to the 

 nature of the banks, will demand all his skill and manage- 

 ment. The scenery, of its particular kind, can scarcely 

 be beaten ; and the numerous pretty churches, romantic 

 villages, snug cottages, rustic bridges, picturesque old 

 mills, etc. etc., would fill the portfolio of a wandering 

 artist with gems of exquisite beauty ; and yet, all this is 

 but a bare day's journey from London. 



Vale of bliss! what joy to wander 



Where thy glittering waters flow! 

 Here, e'en Guilt in peace may ponder ; 



Here, Despair forget his woe! 

 Come, where glassy streamlets gushing, 

 Through the meadows curling stray ; 

 Come, and gaze on Nature blushing, 

 In the fierce embrace of May. 



Vale of bliss! what joy to wander 



Where thy glittering waters flow! 

 Here, e'en Guilt in peace may ponder ; 

 Here, Despair forget his woe! 



n. 



Mark the bold, broad, green hill crowning, 



Far and wide, the lovely scene; 

 On whose brow yon ruin frowning, 



Dimly shadows what hath been ; 



