298 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



little higher up, Putney bridge has also a good reputa- 

 tion : at these places boats may be obtained at so much 

 per hour. 



From this place to Richmond, there are few spots 

 where the angler can throw a line, with much comfort 

 or success. The following enumeration of fishing stations, 

 will be sufficient to guide the metropolitan angler in his 

 rambles along the banks of old "father Thames." Rich- 

 mond, Twickenham, Teddington, Kingston, Hampton- 

 Wick, Thames-Ditton, Hampton Court, Hampton, Sun- 

 bury, Shepperton, Walton, Weybridge, Chertsey-bridge, 

 Laleham, Staines, Windsor, Maidenhead, Reading, Pang- 

 bourne, and Streetly. The further the angler ascends 

 above the last station, the better the river becomes for 

 trout, and the more favourable for that kind of fishing. 



On account of its proximity to London, the river LEA 

 stands next in importance to the Thames, in a piscatory 

 point of view. This stream has long been a favourite 

 resort for the pent-up inhabitants of the gigantic city. It 

 has its source in Bedfordshire, and runs into the Thames 

 at Blackwall. It abounds with fish, such as pike, perch, 

 dace, chub, etc., etc.; but the trout are by no means 

 numerous, except in some short portions of the stream, 

 where it is closely and rigidly preserved. Many parts of 

 the river are rented by different individuals, and the 

 privilege of angling in these waters can only be secured 

 by paying for season or daily tickets. The following 

 places on the Lea are favourite haunts with the London 

 anglers. Homerton, Lea Bridge, Tottenham Mills, Bleak 

 Hall, Waltham Abbey, Broxbourne, Page's Water, and 

 the Rye House, from which place to the town of Ware, 

 the river is private. 



