2 MR. POOLEY. 



a salmon 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 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 temporary 

 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, 

 O Lea ! With joyous voice he evokes the miller ; orders 

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



