THE THAMES 167 



and we were become a little better acquainted, I took 

 the occasion to inquire of him what diversion he had 

 met with. ' Sir,' said he, ' I have had but -bad luck 

 to-day, for I fish for barbel, and you know they are not 

 to be caught like gudgeons.' ' It is very true,' answered 

 I ; ' but what you want in tale you make up in weight.' 

 ' Why, sir,' said he, ' that is just as it happens. It is 

 true I like the sport, and like to catch fish, but my 

 great delight is going after them. I'll tell you what,' 

 continued he, ' I am a man in years, and have been used 

 to the sea all my life (he had been a London captain), 

 but I mean to go no more; and I have bought that 

 little house which you see there, for the sake of fishing. 

 I get into this boat (which he was then mopping) on a 

 Monday morning, and fish on till Saturday night for 

 barbel, as I told you, for that is my delight ; and this I 

 have done for a month together, and in all that while 

 I have not had a single bite.' " 



The best months for fishing in this locality are 

 September, October, and November, and the water 

 should be full, and not too clear. The inns for refresh- 

 ment are the Eed Lion, and the Bell ; and the fishermen 

 are the families of the Milbournes, Benns, and J. 

 Snell. 



SuNBUEY is situated on the Middlesex side of the 

 river, and there are often very fine trout taken in the 

 waters of the vicinity, particularly near the weir. 

 Gudgeons are plentiful, and afford the angler considerable 

 amusement. The preserved district extends six hundred 

 and eighty-three yards from the weir, eastward, to the 

 east end pile of the breakwater. The inns are the 

 Flower Pot, the Magpie, and the Castle; and the 

 fishermen are T. Fulcher and E. Clarke. 



"Walton is another fishmg station, situated on the 

 Surrey side of the Thames, and is eighteen miles from 

 London. There are some fine deep stretches of water 

 here, but part of it is preserved. Large barbel are 

 caught, and there is a good stock of dace, roach, and 

 chub. Trout are scarce, but when they have been taken, 

 have generally been of very heavy weight. The inn is 



