2 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SALMON FISHING 



to this day ; and think it meet to approach him by 

 degrees, by mentioning, in the first instance, the 

 pursuits of less aspiring anglers, and their various 

 grades of ambition. Thus, we shall show the strength 

 of the passion for fishing, even of the most humble 

 description, and by comparison set off the followers 

 of Salmo Salar to the highest possible advantage. 



We omit giving any particulars of such holiday 

 folk as disturb the puddles in the commons about 

 London, and beg to introduce our worthy friend 

 Mr. Pooley, who being counter-bound nearly all the 

 year, takes his pastime occasionally on the river 

 Lea. A pedestrian he, and a man of pretty con- 

 siderable pretensions. Behold ! he casts aside his 

 domestic garb disdainful, and packs himself up in a 

 shooting jacket, which distinguishes him from the 

 common herd of travellers, and becomes him admir- 

 ably. Indeed he shows much address in the skilful 

 use of its buttons ; and it is really surprising to see 

 what an effect he produces by fastening the two last 

 in the waist, thereby making the rereward of his 

 person stick out in bold relief ; for Mr. Pooley is a 

 man of a commendable rotundity. The short rod 

 which he trails merrily in his hand, and the basket 

 that irritates the vertebrae of his back, proclaim his 

 high resolve. At early morn he quits the dusky 

 city, with a temporary distaste for the sound of Bow 

 bells, and with pity for such as are doomed to busi- 

 ness whilst it is his pleasure to angle. 



At length, behold him arrived at thy lazy waters, 

 O Lea ! With joyous voice he evokes the miller ; 

 orders a dinner, as he is pleased to suppose, of three 



