92 WATERSIDE SKETCHES. 



immemorial fancied they had a prescriptive right, are 

 being protected by local societies, and although there is 

 generally some sort of opposition at first from the obstinate 

 and meddlesome wiseacres who imagine themselves called 

 upon to be village Hampdens at every new proposition, 

 however trifling it may be, before long, the innovation 

 proving itself an improvement, is warmly accepted and sup- 

 ported. Nothing would be more reprehensible than the 

 shutting out of the public from opportunities of enjoying the 

 delights of angling, and as a rule this course is scrupulously 

 avoided. Wherever these associations exercise jurisdiction 

 you find a certain stretch of free water as to which the only 

 restrictions insisted upon are those which are necessary to 

 good order and fair play. 



Here let us return to the Ouse. Formerly the river in 

 and near Bedford was worthless to the angler, but it is now 

 most sensibly preserved by the Bedford Angling Club, of 

 which Mr. Howard, the famous implement maker, is presi- 

 dent. The most valuable rule the club has passed is that 

 which leaves the jack unmolested till September, up to which 

 month Master Luce should unquestionably be allowed in 

 most waters to fatten himself for the sacrifice. Again, the 

 club permits no fishing on Sundays, and the "free water" in 

 the centre of the town must be fished under the eye of the 

 keepers. 



In a year or two the Ouse between Bedford and Barford 

 Bridge — within three hours' reach of London let it be 

 remembered — will be first amongst the pike waters at our 

 disposal. Fish of ten and twelve pounds are abundant in 

 the long sluggish reaches, where the water is frequently 

 fourteen or fifteen feet deep, and seldom indeed should an 



