FISHES AND FISHING. 255 



entered a caveat preparatory to taking out a patent ; 

 but, owing to my professional engagements, I did not 

 proceed with it. I think the plan would answer 

 well for the Thames, and if modified in point of size, 

 for canals also. 



Since the construction of this model, a company 

 started steam tugs on the Thames with, as it was 

 said, improved paddles at the sides ; but they occa- 

 sioned very great damage to the banks above Ted- 

 dington, and from that cause, I believe, this method 

 of drawing barges against the stream has been some 

 time discontinued. 



I said that the construction of the weirs, as directed 

 by the City of London, were ill-judged ; a legal friend 

 tells me that by 17th Eichard II., cap. 9, the jus- 

 tices of the peace are to make diligent search, and 

 see that the weirs of rivers are not very straight for 

 the destruction of fry and brood, but after the old 

 assize, used and accustomed ; so that, these weirs in 

 the Thames are illegal, as well as ill-judged. 



At the Horse and Groom, Lea Bridge, there were 

 some of the best roach anglers I ever met with ; for 

 goodness of tackle, skill, patience, and respectability, 

 they had no superiors. The accommodation was 

 excellent ; the place quiet and retired ; and I have 

 no doubt, from what I have heard, that it still pre- 

 serves the character. 



