72 THE THAMES. 



PART II. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE THAMES. 



COMMENCE this short notice of Fishing Stations with 

 a description of the Thames ; first as being undoubtedly 

 the most important river of England, and secondly, 

 as being more particularly, the scene of the London 

 Angler's piscatory achievements. At the beginning of the 

 present century it would have been comparatively difficult to 

 inform him where to go to really enjoy his favorite amusement ; 

 for then, it would have required some considerable outlay of 

 time and money to diverge to any great distance from home, 

 or from the county in which he resided. In the present day, 

 however, the position is somewhat different. Railroads and 

 steamers have opened out an entirely new world of adventure 

 and recreation, and his ambition is consequently, stimulated 

 to the highest pitch. For a comparatively trifling cost, the 

 angler can explore some of the finest districts of the most 

 unfrequented parts of the north hi search of the princely 

 Salmon, and the enormous Lake-Trout, which before the "pre- 

 sent age of quick travelling, were seldom placed within reach 

 of his rod and line. The Thames, however, is par excellence, 

 the London Angler's River : few streams containing a greater 

 variety of fish, and the varied scenery on its banks being of 

 unrivalled beauty. Owing to the Steam Navigation, Gas 

 Works and Sewers, the Thames Salmon which, a century since, 

 was noted for its splendid flavour, has been entirely driven 

 away from the river ; w T hich will, notwithstanding, be one 

 of the finest fisheries, in England, in the course of a few years, 

 if thevigorous efforts now being made by the Thames Angling 

 Preservation Society be presisted in, for the artificial breeding 

 and rearing of Salmon, Trout, and Grayling. The ultimate 



