314 WHAT I HAVE SEEN WHILE FISHING 



Next, we sniff the tar factory, and, if you can 

 stand the smell here, you may fish one of the best 

 barbel swims in this long reach. It can be, and 

 frequently is, fished from the tow-path ; and a 

 bootmaker of Egham has taken some extraordinary 

 fish by throwing out his ledger, laying his rod upon 

 the path, and standing well back. 



On we go, and, as we travel, the stream 

 changes sides instead of flowing gently against the 

 tow-path it rushes with considerable force under the 

 trees, bushes and boughs, which clothe the high 

 and crumbling bank opposite. Skilled chub fishers 

 should go and try their skill ; the chub are there 

 and have been these many long years. Now and 

 then I have coached a friend who could work this 

 tit-bit ; but, unless you have served your apprentice- 

 ship, it will be better for you to keep your tackle 

 for the next mile, where we shall find the stream 

 flowing more quietly under the high banks of 

 Ankerwycke. 



We must not forget the second good barbel 

 swim as we pass the sharp turn in the river where 

 at flood time it rushes against and over the road 

 from Staines to Old Windsor. Should you decide 

 to bait this swim with worms, be very liberal, as 

 this hole is the home of innumerable eels as well as 

 of barbel and chub, and I may add that it used 

 never to fail me when I wanted a few good perch. 



Should bank anglers be here when the waters 

 are out and coloured let them try just above this 



