THE RIVER LOIRE. 227 



for trout; but on account of the narrowness and fulness 

 of its waters, it is better adapted for the minnow and red- 

 worm than for the fly. At Le Puy, it becomes a good 

 stream, and fine trout will be found in it. 



Le Puy is an imposing-looking place, in a most romantic 

 situation; perched on the summit of a lofty hill, and 

 commanding a most extensive and varied view over the 

 lovely surrounding country. There is a curious detached 

 basaltic rock, covered with the crumbling ruins of an old 

 chateau, which at once strikes the eye of the stranger, 

 arid communicates a singular and picturesque effect, to 

 the whole striking scene. 



From Le Puy, to the city of Roannes, a distance of 

 more than eighty miles, the fishing on the Loire is very 

 good indeed; and the villages and small towns it passes 

 in its course are very interesting and beautiful. The 

 river, in this section of its waters, receives four small 

 tributaries, which are full of capital trout, but which run 

 a very short distance up the country; so that the angler 

 will feel but little difficulty in giving them all a fair trial. 



Roannes is well situated for a sort of central fishing 

 station, inasmuch as it affords the angler a ready and 

 short communication with the Rhone and Saone, and 

 their several branches. It is also very interesting to the 

 antiquarian and the man of education, on account of its 

 imposing ruins, and other valuable relics of the past. 

 Immense quantities of sarcophagi, mosaics, urns, medals 

 in gold and silver, and fragments of ancient pottery, have 

 been discovered in various parts of the town and neigh- 

 bourhood; affording evident proofs of its antiquity and 

 importance. Indeed, it is noticed by Ptolemy, under the 

 name of Rodumna. The public library and the museum 

 of natural history are objects of interest, and deserve the 

 attention of the stranger. 



