16 THE JOLLY ANGLER. 



RAVENSBOURNE RIVER. 



This is a small rivulet that runs from Sydenham to 

 Lewisham, by the back of the Church, below which I have 

 never been. Here I have caught with a worm, and No. 7 

 hook, (see " strolling") some large Dace and small Trout; 

 you may likewise use an artificial fly with a few yards 

 of line, and a ten or twelve foot fly rod; but I cannot say 

 much in praise of this river. 



THE NEW RIVER 



rises at Ware in Hertfordshire, whence it takes its course 

 to London. This river contains some good Chub, with 

 plenty of Roach, Dace, Perch, Gudgeons, Bull Heads, 

 Loach, Minnows, &c. a few small Jack, and some ex- 

 cellent Carp and Eels. There are a few Trout in it near 

 its source, but I cannot recommend it to the angler*, 

 it is so much netted in the public parts ; in the preserved 

 parts about Southgate, Enfield, &c. if you can get per- 

 mission, you may be well amused, but with the exception 

 of Carp and Eels, which are scarce, the fish run small ; 

 in short, the same trouble that takes you to the New 

 River will take you to a more likely place, unless you 

 are in its immediate vicinity, the Lea running almost 

 parallel with it. 



u 



THE RIVER BRENT 



is during the Winter unworthy the name of a river, and 

 in Summer almost dry, but about Finchley and Hendon, 

 there are many holes that contain Chub, Jack, Eels, &c. 

 but not sufficiently numerous to be worth angling for. In 

 short, it would be drained entirely by the Haymakers 

 laving out the holes, if it was not for three sheets of 

 water near Hendon, that preserve the fish, which are 



* I mean to the practised angler; I do not deny its advantages 

 to the young cockney Sportsman, as I am fully aware it introduces 

 many to the Art, being within a few minutes walk of the north side 

 of London; but to atch many fish in this river requires the most 

 skilful angler, as well as the finest tackle, baits, &c. 



