THE JOLLY ANGLER. . 9 



THE LEA 



rises in Bedfordshire, and runs from thence through the 

 places hereafter mentioned, dividing Hertfordshire and 

 Middlesex from the county of Essex, until it empties 

 itself into the Thames, at Blackwall ; during the whole 

 course of which it is difficult to mention a place that has 

 not its admirers; in short it abounds with fish in every 

 part. Most of this River is private or subscription water, 

 which in the upper parts is one guinea per annum, in 

 the lower ten shillings and sixpence, but being nearer 

 town, and much frequented, the fish are more shy, and 

 not so plentiful or large as higher up. I shall commence 

 my description of this River near 



HERTFORD, 



where, a small distance from the town, in the Hertham 

 Stream, I have taken a few Trout and many Dace with an 

 artificial fly, and once, when the may-fly was on, I caught 

 a good dish of fish with the real fly, in and about a bend 

 of the River, where the water runs sharp; but I have not 

 fished much above the 



RYE-HOUSE WATER, 



which now belongs to Mr. Webb, of the King's Arms. 

 This piece of water begins at Black Pool, and continues 

 about two miles down to the River Stort ; it is all deep 

 heavy water, and favourable for bottom -fishing. The 

 Chub, Roach, and Perch, are plentiful and large ; many 

 of the Roach here are covered with black and rough 

 spots, and here commences the best Jack fishing that I 

 know of. From the King's Arms*, (where you may have 

 excellent accommodation, the distance from town keep- 

 ing the company select;) you may meet with good Chub, 



* It is only necessary for the Angler to board and lodge during 

 his stay, at the King's Arms, to have permission to angle in the 

 water belonging thereto; the same at the Crown, at Broxbourn ; 

 at eith*- of which places he will be accommodated at a reasonable 

 price, and if a stranger, a person from the house will shew him 

 where to fish. 



* 



