GRAYLING RIVERS. 135 



previous chapter ; they are most probably our very earliest 

 grayling waters. 



Hampshire possesses good grayling streams, and Hamp- 

 shire men, if they acknowledge that the Hereford rivers 

 are superior as to quantity, nevertheless stoutly insist that 

 their Test can show the biggest fish. Occasional fish are to 

 be found in the Avon and Itchen. The Test is a famous trout 

 river, and has been so from time immemorial, but grayling 

 were brought to it only within the last century. It is a noted 

 angling river at Whitchurch, Stockbridge, and Romsey, and 

 carefully preserved by landowners or local associations. It is 

 a remarkably placid-flowing stream, and on this account, and 

 because of its clearness, there is demanded the highest exercise 

 of skill on the part of the angler. It is turned to excellent 

 account by the millers and farmers along its level and pastoral 

 course, and receives many small tributaries before, at Red- 

 bridge, it forms the higher branch of Southampton water. 

 The Houghton and Leckford fishing clubs on the Test are 

 historical to anglers. Dr. Wollaston, Sir Francis Chan trey, 

 and R. Brinsley Sheridan were members, and Sheridan drew 

 up a set of very funny rules and regulations for the guidance 

 of the angling party of which he was a member. These laws 

 in Sheridan's own handwriting were years gone by presented 

 to the old Walton and Cotton Club, and I hope the reader 

 will grant me pardon if I transcribe a few of the most humo- 

 rous sentences : 



"That each male member of the party shall forthwith 

 subscribe the sum of five pounds five shillings towards the 

 general expenses, and that such subscriber do really pay 

 the same into the hands of the treasurer. 



" Henry Scott, Esq., Captain of the Light Infantry of 



