84 THE THAMES. 



sequent shifting of the float being requisite, the fishing is 

 hardly so pleasant as higher up, where the stream flows more 

 regularly ; besides the annoyance in this quarter of an occa- 

 sional skiff or other pleasure-boat being rowed into your 

 swim by some weak-minded individual who, probably has 

 entered the aforesaid skiff for the first time in his life, and 

 living screwed up his courage by sundry libations, appears 

 consequently in his own eyes, " monarch of all he surveys ;' 

 and thinks it decidediy infra dig. to look in what direction 

 he is rowing. A few of these " betes noirs " are sometimes to 

 be seen about Hampton Court, appearing in the distance like 

 floating windmills ; but they rarely venture higher up the 

 river. 



The preserve extends 700 yards westward of the bridge to 

 Duke of Buccleuch's ; the fishermen are, Brown, Howard, 

 Platt and Carter ; and the Inns, Star and Garter, King's 

 Head, &c. 



Below Richmond is Isleworth, where there is no deep. 

 The Inns are, King's Head, Pigeons, &c. ; and the fishermen, 

 Styles and Platt. 



Below Isleworth there are two preserves mentioned in the 

 old list ; one at Fulham, 30 yards west to 30 yards east of 

 the bridge. And one at Battersea, 10 yards west to 10 

 yards east of the bridge. 



Annexed is a list of the locks, bridges, and principal 

 ferries, with the distances in miles and furlongs from London 

 Bridge, commencing at Richmond, with the usual fall of 

 water in the locks. I believe it will be found as correct as it 

 is possible to be ; for it will be obvious that the height of 

 the water must at times vary considerably, such as during a 

 very dry or very wet season, when the fall in the locks will 

 vary accordingly. The toll (6d.,) allows the punt to pass 

 once up and down again through the lock the same day, but 

 some few of the locks are free. With these remarks, I leave 

 it in the hands of the reader, trusting that he will find it as 

 useful as I have ; and now take leave of the Thames, which 

 from its source, to where it runs into the sea, at the Nore, 

 is about 110 miles, nearly due east, but flows about twice 

 that distance, measuring the windings of the river : 



