THE 



JOLLY AVdiLER: 



WATER-SIDE COMPANION. 



CHAP. I. 



DESCRIPTION OF RIVERS, PONDS, &c. &c. 

 M<M\M> 



THE THAMES. 



As I shall endeavour to confine myself to the subject as 

 much as possible, I will place myself at 



STAINES BRIDGE, 



and from thence bring you down to London. I have 

 not had much sport at this Bridge, the depth being 

 upwards of 20 feet: of course, nothing but Ledger- 

 fishing would be likely to give you any return for your 

 trouble, a style of angling much followed in this river, 

 where it frequently produces many Barbel, as well as 

 occasionally a Perch or Eel. Passing downwards, I shall 

 just mention that beautiful spot, 



LALEHAM, 



where there used to be many Skeggers* (something like a 



* Of late years they have been very scarce (as have also the 

 shad and smelt), last year, 1830, being the first for many that I 

 have 8 w en any of the shad worth mentioning. I feel convinced the 

 refuse from the Gas Works caused the desertion of all fish from 

 their vicinity, though I believe the Legislature has, in a great 

 measure, remedied it. , 



