35 



Stockbridge is another station. As the Test 

 is a remarkably limpid stream, the flies and 

 tackle should be of a corresponding character. 

 There are many favourite flies for this stream ; 

 but the best for common use are the black and 

 red hackles, and the palmers. 



The Itckin contains a great many trout, and 

 salmon are occasionally caught in it with the 



% 



The angling tourist, in visiting this part of 

 the country, should bestow an hour or two on 

 Netley Abbey, near Southampton, a ruin of the 

 most interesting description. The following 

 lines, from the pen of Mr. Keate, are worthy of 

 transcribing : 



"I hail, at last, these shades, this well-known wood, 

 That skirts with verdant slope the barren strand, 

 Where Netley 's ruins, bordering on the flood, 

 Forlorn, in melancholy greatness stand. 



" How changed, alas ! from that revered abode, 



Graced by proud majesty in ancient days, 

 When monks recluse these sacred pavements trod, 

 And taught the unlettered world its Maker's praise. 



"Now sunk, deserted, and with weeds o'ergrown, 

 Yon prostrate walls their harder fate bewail ; 

 Low on the ground their topmost spires are thrown, 

 Once friendly marks to guide the wandering sail. 



" The ivy now, with rude luxuriance, bends 



Its tangled foliage through the clustered space, 

 O'er the green window's mouldering height ascends, 

 And fondly clasps it with a last embrace. 



