105 



tongues. You must look around you, and inquire as to 

 the fishermen, &c. in your quarter : you may, now and 

 then, hit upon an open-hearted obliging sort of a man, 

 who will not only direct you to the best holes, but will 

 provide you with baits, lend you his boat, put you across, 

 help you to put down,- and to take up, your night-lines, 

 with a whole train -of ct cccteras, which will all come, 

 without farther trouble than merely now and then putting 

 your hand into your pocket ; without which, nothing 

 must be expected. 



Beware of bargemen, and of all who, when they are 

 not doing mischief, are contriving it over a pot. Never 

 attempt, when you suspect such to be watching your mo- 

 tions, to set a night-line, or to leave any thing they can 

 Avalk off with : for you may be assured they will not tail 

 to rid you of all concern for such moveables. 



You will find it very convenient to hire a punt, which 

 may generally be had for about two shillings weekly j so 

 that you may pole yourself about to all parts of the water. 

 In this, however, some practice is requisite ; for there is 

 a certain knack in it, which enables very infirm and ten- 

 der persons to accomplish, what the unaccustomed Her- 

 cules would toil at to Jittle purpose. 



This consideration should lead you to encourage some 

 little boy, son of a fisherman, or what not, to aid you in 

 tl e early part of your nautical career. Such are every 

 where to be had, and are very eager to go after such pas- 

 time, especially when a good bellyful follows. 



But be careful how you trust them, in regard to your 

 night-lines and trimmers ; for though they will occasion- 

 ally bring you the full produce, yet sometimes they 

 cannot resist the orders or influence of their parents and 

 F 5 friends, 



