22 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SALMON FISHING. 



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 Solar 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 considerable 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 

 admirably. 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 tem- 

 porary distaste for the sound of Bow bells, and with 

 pity for such as are doomed to business whilst it is his 

 pleasure to angle. 



At length, behold him arrived at thy lazy waters, 

 Lea S With joyous voice he evokes the miller ; orders 

 a dinner, as he is pleased to suppose, of three dishes, the 

 principal one consisting of the fish he is about to catch, 



