16 THAMES FISHING. 



myself justified in mentioning, but who will be 

 recognised by many who have partaken of the hos- 

 pitalities of their table, were in the habit of coming 

 to our pretty village of Hampton, not only to fish 

 (they were punters) but also to regale themselves 

 with Thames trout. They were so alive to the 

 merits of these fish, that on leaving Hampton they 

 enjoined the worthy host of the Red Lion, at 

 whose house they had taken up their quarters, to 

 send to them in London the first fine trout he 

 could procure. He was desired not to mind the 

 expense, but to despatch the fish in a post-chaise, 

 so that it might arrive in time for dinner. The 

 host had soon afterwards an opportunity of pro- 

 curing a remarkably large and beautiful trout, 



which was duly sent in a post-chaise to Mr. W 's 



house in Spring Gardens. It arrived at five o'clock, 

 and was immediately taken to his sitting-room. 

 After admiring it for a short time, he sent an in- 

 vitation to his friend Mr. T to come and par- 

 take of it at six o'clock, and described the appear- 

 ance and beauty of the fish. He received an 

 answer from his friend, acquainting him that he 

 was dying from a sudden attack of gout, but that 

 it would be a great satisfaction to him if he could see 

 the fish, provided it would not be injured by being 

 conveyed to his house for that purpose. The trout 



was accordingly sent Mr. T feasted his eyes 



upon it, and soon afterwards closed them for ever. 



