482 NOTES ON FISHING WATERS. 



The SURREY CANAL, which joins the remnant of the CEOYDON 

 CANAL near New-Cross, Deptford, contains pike, pcarch, carp, bream, 

 and roach, sometimes of large size. Pearch and small pike used 

 formerly to be caught here in considerable numbers. The writer re- 

 members taking (about thirty-five years ago) upwards of 200 small 

 pearch, and 7 jack, of from 2 to 3 pounds weight each, in one day, 

 trolling with live minnows ; and he is told that the pike and pearch 

 run fine here at the present day, although not so numerous. 



The PADDINGTON CANAL, which joins the GRAND JUNCTION CANAL 

 near Norwood, and the REGENT'S CANAL (which flows through Regent's 

 Park to the basin between Stepney and Limehouse), contain pike, 

 pearch, roach, chub, bream, eels, &c., and afford moderate sport when 

 they have not been too much netted ; they are both free, excepting 

 where the banks are enclosed or occupied by residents. 



At GATTON, Lord Monson's, near REIGATE. in Surrey (the once famed 

 rotten borough), there is a large lake, which is reported to be abun- 

 dantly stored. There is also a pond just above it (from which it is 

 supplied) full of pearch. 



At EGHAM, Surrey, is a fine piece of water, called the FLEET, where 

 there is excellent fishing, especially for pearch. 



At OSTERLY PARK, near Baling, the seat of Lord Jersey, there is a 

 large sheet of water, where pearch, pike, and other fish abound. A 

 story is current there (certified by a painting), of a pike, which proved 

 to be upwards of 40 pounds in weight, having gorged the neck and 

 head of a swan, which ended in the death of both. 



At GODSTONE, in Surrey, near the mill, is a subscription water, 

 where there is very good pike and pearch fishing. Day-tickets may 

 be had. 



In KENT, on CHISELHURST COMMON, 12 miles from London, it is said 

 there are some ponds stored with carp, pearch, and tench, and that the 

 largo pond near the King's Head Inn is the best. The fishing is free. 

 And a mile to the east of SHOOTER'S HILL, near Wickham Church, is 

 a large pond on a common by the road side, containing pearch, carp, 

 tench, and large eels. It is thickly grown over with weeds, excepting 

 in a few places. Proprietor, Mr. Dixon. a farmer, from whom permis- 

 sion must be obtained. 



At STANMORE, Middlesex, 10 miles from London, there are two or 

 three ponds on the common, containing pearch, tench, &c. ; and about 

 a mile further, towards STANMORE PRIORY, is a large piece of water, 

 c.illed the Long Pond, which contains pike, pearch, &c. 



The FRENCHAM PONDS, near Basinestoke, between Faruham and 

 Farnborough, on the South- Western line, afford capital sport for pike 

 and pearch, but they seldom run large. With minnows, which you must 

 take with you, and a stiff breeze, you may catch more fish than yoxi 

 can carry. " The landlord owns the water, and charges one thilliity a 

 day for each rod. Boats are kept for hire. 



The fine waters at BLENHEIM contain many large pike, and permis- 

 sion to troll may sometimes be obtained from the noble owner. Some 

 years since a sister of the Duke of Marlborough caught a pike in the 

 Blenheim water weighing 26 pounds. 





