53 



to the Lea Bridge, the fishing is free; and there is 

 certainly no want of non- subscribers to avail them- 

 selves of the liberty. The Horse and Groom, at Lea 

 Bridge, and the White House, "between there and 

 Stratford, are "both frequented by anglers, hub the 

 water in their vicinities do not contain so many nor 

 so large fish as are taken higher up. The Lea is 

 fished to its very mouth, at Blackwall; but few per- 

 sons angle below Stratford who have opportunity of 

 going higher up. The angler here, as we learn from 

 an excellent authority, " is continually annoyed by 

 the many passengers, as to 'What sport?' 'Do the 

 fish bite?' and other rude interrogations." Blackwall 

 certainly is not a polite neighbourhood; and the 

 sensitive angler, tremblingly alive to insult as his 

 float to a bite, has but too often his feelings wounded 

 by impertinent queries and vulgar sarcasms. But, 

 while suffering under such inflictions, let the victim 

 remember: "Hope and Patience support the Fish- 

 erman." 



In most of the subscription waters above men- 

 tioned the subscriber is not allowed to fish in what 

 manner he pleases, but is restricted in his use of 

 live and spinning baits to particular months. Trout, 

 as has been observed, are seldom caught in the Lea, 

 and barbel are not often taken above Broxbourn. 

 The Lea, during the season, affords tolerably good 

 trolling for jack; and is well supplied with bleak, 

 gudgeons, roach, dace, perch, and chub; and he who 

 is fond of angling for such fishinest sua gratia 

 parvis will scarcely find a better river. Indeed 





