252 HINTS OX ANGLING. 



theatre formed by the Pyrenees, is singularly striking 

 and impressive; and the inhabitants tell us with pardon- 

 able pride, that Napoleon never visited the spot, without 

 passing the highest eulogiums on its peculiar and 

 unrivalled scenery. 



The town is of great antiquity, and was known to the 

 Komans under the name of Turba. Tarbes has been the 

 scene of much human suffering, having been ransacked 

 and desolated by the Goths, Vandals, Alani, Saracens, 

 and the counts of Toulouse. If the wanderer be of a 

 moralising turn, here is food for his meditation. 



As the angler passes down the river from Tarbes to 

 the small town of Aire, he will find the waters still 

 excellently adapted for fishing. Rushing streams are 

 not quite so frequent; but they are nevertheless amply 

 sufficient for all reasonable sport. He will cross two or 

 three small tributary rivulets in the line of his route 

 which are full of fish, but which are scarcely worth the 

 trouble of working, when the parent stream is so exceed- 

 ingly good. 



Near the town of Tartas, the Adour receives the 

 waters of the Midouze, which runs a lengthened course, 

 and receives into its bosom the tributary called the 

 Douze, at Rocquefort. All these waters contain vast 

 quantities of trout, and the angler will find the streams in 

 every direction peculiarly favourable for the fly. 



At the pretty town of Dax, which is situated on the 

 left bank of the river, the Adour becomes a very con- 

 siderable stream, still preserving, however, all its fishing 

 capabilities. Dax is a very ancient place, and was known 

 to the Romans under the name of Aquae Tarbellicse. 

 The country around it is beautiful and picturesque, and 

 its public buildings, etc., are worthy of a passing glance. 



