THE GARONNE. 249 



fishing waters than in any country in the world, sur- 

 rounded by an almost endless succession of bold and 

 delightful scenery. 



Or, if he like it better, he can either strike up the 

 country from Bordeaux in the direction of Auvergne, 

 and fish the head- waters of the Lot and the Aveyron; 

 or he may advance from that part of the coast of the 

 Bay of Biscay which lies opposite to the city of Tou- 

 louse. In either case he will reap all the piscatory 

 advantages which the splendid waters of the Garonne are 

 capable of affording. 



Supposing, however, that the wandering angler in 

 visiting the banks of the Garonne, should adopt any or 

 none of the routes we have suggested; in no case ought 

 he to miss the famous old city of Toulouse, which has 

 many claims upon the curiosity of the stranger. Some 

 authors affirm that it is as ancient as Rome herself; and, 

 certain it is, that Toulouse was a place of great con- 

 sideration long before the Roman invasion of the 

 provinces of Gaul. 



The city is agreeably situated on the left bank of the 

 Garonne. The surrounding country is extremely interest- 

 ing and beautiful. Many objects will present themselves 

 to the stranger worthy of his attentive consideration; 

 and the Hotel de Ville, the cathedral, the churches, the 

 museum, the fountains, and the public library, with its 

 sixty thousand volumes and many valuable manuscripts, 

 will demand and repay something more than a mere 

 passing examination. 



In cutting across the country from Toulouse to the 

 sea, which is nearly a straight line, the tributaries of the 

 Garonne will be met with in the following order. 



The river Touche rises at Martignan, and enters the 



