THE BAKBEL. 269 



no hesitation in saying that on a warm summer or autumn 

 day, when the barbel are well " on/' the angler, moored 

 in his punt in a pretty reach of the river, and well sup- 

 plied with all necessary creature comforts, has all the 

 elements of one of the most enjoyable forms of Thames 

 fishing. I must plead guilty to preferring the old style 

 of barbel-fishing with the leger. I say the " old style ;" 

 for though it has by no means gone out, very many 

 modern barbel anglers affect the comparatively new 

 fashion, called "Nottingham fishing," or "travelling." 

 I have nothing to say against this style, which is 

 certainly more artistic than legering, and at present 

 more killing, especially when the still more recent device 

 of allowing the bait to drag some inches on the bottom is 

 practised. Perhaps the fish have got too accustomed to 

 the sight of the leger, just as a few years ago they got 

 tired of greaves, and have since preferred lob-worms. 

 It may be, after a few more seasons, they will get shy of 

 the Nottingham tackle, and tired of worms, and recur 

 again to their greaves and leger. They are so very 

 capricious that it is difficult to please them for very long 

 together. I will acknowledge my weakness for that kind 

 of fishing which gives least trouble; and Nottingham 

 fishing involves much trouble compared with legering, 

 just as spinning for jack or trout is more trouble than 

 live-baiting. I like being at peace in my punt (as far as 

 is compatible with balancing oneself on a hard Windsor 

 chair). To work a "traveller," either standing or 

 sitting, on a hot day, is very trying ; but with the leger 

 there is perfect rest and quietude. Tour bait once 

 thrown, you sit on your chair or on the well of the punt, 

 with your arms resting on your thighs (at least this is 



