192 H1NT8 ON ANGLING. 



taken near Aire. The waters around the town abound 

 with large pike, roach, perch, eels, and dace, and contain 

 innumerable shoals of bleak. 



The angler will find no impediment in fishing the 

 waters in this vicinity. 



This town was founded by Lyderic, first count of 

 Flanders, in the year 630. It was nearly all destroyed by 

 the Normans in 881. From this period it has always 

 been a place of considerable strength; although it has 

 often been taken and re-taken both by the Spaniards and 

 the French. The barracks afford accommodation for 

 full six thousand soldiers. 



Aire is situated on the confluence of the rivers Lys 

 and Laquette. The philosopher Malebranche was bom 

 here. 



It is a most pleasant excursion to fish the canal from 

 St. Omer to this pretty, clean town. The banks of the 

 canal are very elevated, and command extensive and 

 agreeable views of the surrounding country. The waters 

 abound with roach, bleak, bream, dace, etc.; and, in the 

 months of August and September, when they are rising 

 at the fly, will afford the angler capital sport during his 

 walk. The foot-way, or towing-path, by the water side 

 is broad and good, the high banks are full of delicious 

 cold springs of exquisite water; and the distance is but 

 some nine or ten miles. 



fillers. 



On the route from Aire to Bethune, we pass through 

 Lillers, where a small stream will be found called 

 the Nave, which runs into the Clemance, a few miles 

 below the town. Minnow and worm are the only bait 

 which can be effectually used here. 



