114 TROUT AT CARSHALTON. [PART 1. 
some years ago near Carshalton. I had permission 
to fish from several of the proprietors there, and 
was told there was no doubt that, if I called upon 
a Captain D. (who had some fishing), and sent in 
my card, he would also give me leave. I conse- 
quently started, rod in hand, to do so, but found 
that he was not at home, though shortly expected. 
Whilst awaiting his return, my attention was at- 
tracted by a small piece of the river running down 
through the garden of a worthy tobacco-merchant. 
I had not then a notion who lived there, but 
thought that nothing would, at any rate, be lost 
by asking for leave to have a cast or two en 
attendant. Accordingly I went in, and knocked 
at the door. It was opened by the butler, who 
told me his master was out, but that he could take 
upon himself to say that he would have great 
pleasure in permitting me to fish, and that I might 
certainly do so. I did not wait for more, but, 
with many thanks, best compliments to his master, 
and all that sort of thing, commenced putting my 
tackle together. Some men were at work engaged 
in mowing the meadow next the house, and as soon 
as one of these fellows, an Irishman, saw me thus 
occupied, he came running across the field to me, 
saying that in the morning he had seen a splen- 
