THE RIVER LEA. 113 



In the time of the great King Alfred, it was of 

 considerable consequence, for we are informed, 

 that during his reign, the Danes, with a hostile 

 fleet of twenty vessels arrived, and, filled with 

 troops, sailed up this river eighteen or twenty 

 miles, spreading terror and alarm around ; 

 but these vessels were entirely destroyed, with 

 most of their crews. 



The fish are better protected and fed in this 

 than in any other navigable river, both by 

 nature and art ; many miles are preserved for 

 the angler's diversion, and every care is taken 

 to protect the fish from poachers : the size, 

 and fine flavour, of the Pike, Trout, Carp> 

 Perch, Eels, Gudgeons, and various other 

 species, proves that nature has not been spar- 

 ing in providing for the inhabitants of the 

 river Lea. 



