302 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



This matter has been taken up on the Thames in a 

 proper spirit, and the regulations adopted are carried 

 out in an efficient manner, so that the smoke-dried 

 Londoner, who is content to fish fairly, as a true brother 

 of the craft ever should, can now obtain good sport, and 

 fine air, and a soothing recreation, without unreasonable 

 expense, and without the annoying intervention of any 

 preserving nuisance, too common, it is to be lamented, 

 in our merry England. And if this praiseworthy 

 example were imitated in other parts of the country, 

 destructive poaching, as far as fish are concerned, would 

 be put down at once. * 



If the influential proprietor who guards his waters as a 

 miser watches his gold, were to be at half the trouble 

 and a hundredth part of the expense, in getting up asso- 

 ciations, and cordially assisting them in preserving and 

 protecting the public waters in his district from illegal 



* Since these remarks were penned, the following extract, 

 from the Sunday Times of September 14, 1845, will show 

 that a little more activity prevails on this subject. " The 

 fence-time in the Severn, during which it will be unlawful 

 to fish there, commences on the 14th instant. The fence- 

 months for the Wye, in the counties of Radnor, Brecon, and 

 Hereford, commence on the 15th September, and end on the 

 llth of February, both days inclusive; and for the Wye, in 

 the counties of Gloucester and Monmouth, they commence on 

 the 16th September, and end on the 10th February, both 

 days inclusive; and we are glad to hear, that the associations 

 are determined to enforce a rigid observance of the law in this 

 respect." This is as it should be. The law is sufficient, 

 if properly acted on. By the new fishing-act, all rivers in 

 England and Wales are to be closed on the 13th September in 

 each year ; and any person catching, or having in his posses- 

 sion any trout, measuring in length less than seven inches 

 from eye to fork, will subject himself to a penalty not exceed- 

 ing ten pounds, nor less than Jive. These are all moves in the 

 right direction, and if properly and impartially persevered in, 

 will ultimately have a very beneficial effect. 



