Vet aWweveY Ve TN ISSUED BY _AUTHQRST WATIONAL MUSEUM S FISHES WAN DBOORS | | | Lsued tn. commectton witle me Greer ANTERNATIONAL hf PIUERLE LHIIBITION ANGLING CLUBS PRESERVATION SOCIETIES BY does WHEELDON LATE ANGLING EDITOR OF ‘‘ BEUL’S Lire” = Rae CLOWES—AN INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES LONE & AND 15 CHARING CROSS: SW? ONE SHILLING [ OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS. 0}, 00-—— The following Handbooks upon subjects cognate to the International Fisheries Exhibition are already published, or in active preparation :— NOW READY. Demy 8v0., in Ilhsstvated Wrapper 1s. each ; or bound tx cloth 25. cack. THE FISHERY LAWS. By FREDERICK POLLOCK, Barrister-at- Law, M.A. (Oxon.), Hon. LL.D. Edin. ; Corpus Christi Pree of Juris- prudence in the University of Oxford. ZOOLOGY AND FOOD FISHES.. By Grorcr B. Howes, Demonstrator of Biology, Normal School of Science, and Royal School of Mines, South Kensington. BRITISH MARINE AND FRESHWATER FISHES. (Zilustrated.) By W. SAVILLE KENT, F.L.S., F.Z.S., Author of Official Guide- books to the Brighton, Manchester, and Westminster Aquaria. APPARATUS FOR FISHING. By E. W. H. Ho.ipswortu, F.L.S., F.Z.S., Special Commissioner. for Juries, International Fisheries Exhibition; Author of ‘‘Deep Sea Fisheries and Fishing Boats,” ‘‘ British Industries—Sea Fisheries,” &c. THE BRITISH FISH TRADE. By His Excellency SPENCER WALPOLE, Lieut.-Governor of the Isle of Man. THE UNAPPRECIATED FISHER FOLK. By James G. BERTRAM, Author of ‘The Harvest of the Sea.” THE SALMON FISHERIES. (/dustrated.) By C, E. FRYER. Assistant Inspector of Salnion Fisheries, Home Olfce. SEA MONSTERS UNMASKED. (J/ustrated.) By Henry Leg, THE “ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION SO- CIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROV INCES. ByJ.P. WHEELDON, late Angling Editor of ‘* Bell’s Life.” IN THE PRESS. THE HISTORY OF FISHING FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES. By W. M. ADAMs, M.A. (Oxon.), late Fellow of New College. FISH CULTURE. (//ustrated.) By Francis Day, F.L.S., Com- missioner for India to International Fisheries Exhibition. FISH AS DIET. By W. SrepHen Mircueit, M.A. (Cantab.) ANGLING IN GREAT BRITAIN. by WILLIAM SENIOR Cidved Spinner”). EDIBLE CRUSTACEA. By W. Savitie Kent, F.LS., F.ZS., ee of Official Guidebooks to the Brighton, Nanenestee and W este uaria, INDIAN FISH AND FISHING. (//ustrated.) By FRancis Day, F.L.S., Commissioner for India to International Fisheries Exhibition. in LITERATURE OF SEA AND RIVER FISHING. By Joun J. MANLEY, M.A. (Oxon.) SEA. FABLES DISCLOSED. By Henry Ler, F.L.S. FOLK LORE OF FISHES: their Place in Fable, Fairy Tale, Myth, and Poetry. By PHL ROBINSON. THE OUTCOME OF THE EXHIBITION. By A. J. R. YRENDELL, of the Inner Temple, Barrister-at-Law, Literary Superintendent for the Fisheries Exhibition. LONDON: WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES EXHIBITION, & 13, CHARING CROSS. | hriemniimeneesieentnedtttl | a ii ye ; ; ee om International Fisheries FEtxhibttion | LONDON, 1883 ANGLING CLUBS AND BRE SERVATION “SOCLEPRIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES / BY J. P. WHEELDON LATE ANGLING EDITOR OF ‘*BELL’S LIFE” LONDON Wehr hall ©€ LOWES SANDS SONS) Eiri reD INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES EXHIBITION AND 13 CHARING CROSS, S.W. 1883 EE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. INTRODUCTION: IN writing this handbook it was my original intention to give something like a short history of the formation and present position of some, at any rate, of the chief Angling Societies of the metropolis. Considering that there are certainly over 150 of these societies in London alone, I well knew that I had set myself no light task. Mapping the matter over in my own mind, I came to the conclusion that the only course for me to adopt was to seek the co-opera- tion of the societies themselves, asking through their various secretaries for information as to their origin, and also what, if any, good work they were doing in the present. With this view a letter was sent to the secretaries of the various metropolitan clubs, apprising them of my design and intention. I have to thank a small proportion of these gentlemen, and I regret to say a very small one, for the courtesy of a reply. The larger number evidently con- sidered the matter beneath their valuable notice, and so ignored it altogether. The situation hardly requires further comment. 4 TE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION With regard to the provincial societies, the line adopted has been entirely different—not in so far as I personally was concerned, because the same letter was addressed to each and all, but in the matter of politeness and courteous consideration towards myself. The result leaves me little room for doubt that the gentlenesses of modern society are cultivated far more abroad than they are at home. Many gentlemen have taken considerable trouble in affording me especially valuable information ; to all such I tender my warmest and heartiest thanks—not so much perhaps for the knowledge conveyed in their letters, as for the kindly sentiments which accompanied it. Thus much by way of introduction, For the reason stated, I regret very much that my little book does not contain fuller and more concise information. I leave it, however, to the tender mercies of my readers. It would probably be very difficult for the angler of to-day to realise what the Thames and the Lea were like some fifty years ago. Those are the two great home rivers, centres of all the persevering efforts made day by day, week by week, and month after month, by the London angler, whose great aim it is to catch a big fish of some sort—it matters very little what—and have his name go down to posterity, decked with emblematic laurels as the “champion” in such and such a class of fishing. Such happy fate may be preserved for all time—until at any rate the record is beaten—upon the tablets of fame connected with some small local angling club. But fifty years ago—and what a paradise for sports- men the Thames must have been then !—swans were kept SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 5 within bounds, and at that time it was not necessary to employ bands of men, as it is in the present day, to drive these handsome but terribly destructive birds from the line of weed-fringed roots dependent from stubbly pollards lining the bank, and upon which spawning perch have deposited their riband-like strings of ova, nor from “ the hills” in the weir streams, where the great and bonny mother trout has frequented during that time when she was simply obeying Nature’s urgent laws. Steam launches, probably the greatest of all great curses to him who, following the example of a writer of other days, would fain— “Live harmlessly, and by the brink Of Thames or Avon have a dwelling place, Where I may see my quill or cork down sink With eager bite of perch or bleak or dace, And on the world and my Creator think, were then absolutely unknown. In any event, there were none of those thrice detestable “ puffers,” with silent engines and dull moaning whistle, which daily and hourly tear through the water at the rate of 12 to 20 miles an hour, doing direful and deadly injury every yard they go. It may be said that this language is excessive in its strength, and overstrained in its application. Not a whit, take my word for it. I have seen more damage done to the ova of spawning fish in one season, and particularly perch and pike, by the everlasting swash and wash of these deadly pests, more—aye, far more than an army of poachers and fishermen could do in five years, had they even combined their forces, without absolutely netting the river wholesale every day, and harried every fish to death that came within their ken. At the first glance this would seem to be an overwhelming 6 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION statement, hastily and rashly made. One moment's con- sideration will suffice to impress any thoughtful man’s mind with an assurance of its truth. A pike wirer, it is true, may kill a female fish, ripe and full of ova, and hence many thousands of future pike are lost to the fair fisher. But where he kills one or two fish without detection, the steam launches are perpetually and everlastingly ploughing through the water, not only washing away the ova de- posited upon the weeds and sheltering roots, but destroying thousands upon thousands of tiny just-hatched fry, which would otherwise have probably grown up, and made in time mature fish, the source and foundation of good sport to the fair fishermen. In those far-off days of the past there were such delight- ful and fishful nooks as one misses nowadays. Com- paratively speaking the Thames was a great stretch of maiden water, where the unharried fish dwelt in a sense of the most perfect security. Their chief enemy was then, probably, the village poacher, with his rude, yet none the less dangerous, ash pole and bit of dangling copper wire. Lazy and idle—as indeed some few perhaps of the village loungers of to-day may be—this worthy would stroll down to the- river side, where mayhap, amongst bonny sweet-smelling hay-fields lined with meadow-sweet, and where glorious purple loosestrife bounds the river’s marge, he met not a solitary living soul the whole summer’s day. Here he would pry about, until he might haply descry, basking amongst the water weeds, a big pike, with the tip of his nose and tail clear of the water, or the dorsal fin of a great lumbering carp. Then the fatal noose would be brought into play, and towards night, when reeling home from “The Haymakers,” the gloriously happy fellow might possibly reflect, and withal possessed of an infinite sense of SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 7 satisfaction, that he was a very lucky dog indeed to be able to get such a skinful of good old ale with so little real trouble. But the injury done to the fisheries of a river in such a case—and examples of it are now happily almost extinct— is increased a millionfold every year by that wrought by the terrible rate at which traffic up and down the stream is permitted. I have seen, for instance, the wave raised by a fast launch or heavy steam-tug rushing along the bank nearly a yard high, sweep up some little inland bay where the water perhaps shallowed from a foot or so at its mouth to only a few inches in depth in its interior. That littie bay, and all such like it, is full to this day, I hope, of tiny mites of baby fish, I have seen, as I have said, the wave sweep across it, and as it receded it left hundreds, possibly thousands, of little fish to die amongst the pebbles and rank grass growing along the shore. Talk about the destruction effected by a pair of otters, talk about the war waged by the idle village lout upon the finny inhabitants of a river—why, the argument falls flat and becomes both baseless and ridiculous as opposed to the terrible havoc wreaked by these puffing pests, deter- mined enemies as they are to good sport, peace, and quietude. | It may be in the recollection of some few of the readers of this little book that I have for years waged war, with both voice and pen, for the suppression of what I cannot helpeseeing 1s the chich enemy to) thes fisheries, of the river. My work has borne at least some little fruit, inas- much as a Bill for the better regulation of steam traffic upon the river has gone through a select Committee of the Com- mons, and is now before the House of Lords; and all good anglers will, I am convinced, say amen to my prayer for its < 8 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION success. But suppose it passes and becomes law, as I earnestly hope it may do, it will still be an abortive and useless measure, unless the “Angling Clubs of London”— and here I strike the key-note of my book—help it by their united support and assistance. It is useless for Tom to wait while Jack or Harry strikes, in the event of any outrage upon propriety. Tom, being the spectator of an abuse of the existing law, should strike at once, and then perhaps others will follow his example, so that in the event of any breach of law in the future, the result, affecting, recollect, the angler’s dearest and nearest interests in con- nection with his sport, rests with the angler himself. As there are twenty “clubmen”’ fishing the Thames to one unassociated with any such body, this warning, and it isa very grave one, is addressed particularly to them. Practically, I think, or at any rate to any great extent, poaching on the fisheries of the Thames is very nearly extinct. Now and again there is a raid made, it is true, by some of those determined spirits always to be found in villages and large towns, and who would, every man-Jack of them, infinitely prefer one poached hare or pheasant. obtained at the price of a little adventure and devilry, to a brace got by fair means ; but I hardly fancy that the extent of the mischief done is very great. The reason lies in the fact that a very large proportion of the river is now pro- tected either by the keepers and officers of the Thames Angling Preservation Society or by the officials of some one or other of the local associations, all of whom are in reality offshoots from the parent-tree just named. There can be little doubt that the growth of the angling clubs of London has been largely fostered by the efforts made by the “Thames Angling Preservation Society” in the con- servation and preservation of its fisheries. In tracing, SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 9 therefore, an imperfect history of the growth of the angling clubs, due credit should be given to the leading Preservation body, which exercises such an important control over the interests of the great home river. It may therefore, at this point, be a fair opportunity for a short description of establishment and progress up to the present time. The Thames Angling Preservation Society was, I believe, first established in the year 1838. Somewhere about that time, a report was certainly promulgated to the effect that “the Fisheries of the River Thames had of late afforded so little sport, owing to incessant poaching and the destruction of the young brood and spawn during the fence seasons, that it was almost useless to attempt angling in certain districts at all.” Fortunately, that report found its way to a sympathetic quarter, and it occurred to those into whose hands it fell that if a proper representation of the facts were made to the Lord Mayor of London (then Sir John Cowan) he might probably be induced, in his official capacity as Conservator of the River Thames, to help those early pioneers of fish preservation in the course they were endeavouring to take for the good alike of anglers and the river itself. Acting upon this view, a meeting was convened on the 17th of March, 1838, and was afterwards held at the “Bell Inn,” Hampton. It was attended by the following good anglers, most of whom, I am afraid, have gone to that shadowy bourne, from which no angler, however good he may have been, ever returns—Mr. Henry Jephson, Mr. C. C. Clarke, Mr. Henry Perkins, Mr. W. H. Whitebread, Mr. Edward Jesse, Mr. Richard Kerry, and Mr. David Crole. These gentlemen having met, fully discussed the important issues brought before them, and that meeting was the groundwork upon which the present important work of the Thames Angling Preservation Society was founded. fe) THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION They therefore resolved themselves into a Society for “the , protection of fish from poachers ;” and one of the earliest steps taken was the appointment of a staff of river-keepers, selected principally from amongst the professional fishermen who gained a livelihood upon the Thames. The valuable action of this small preservative body was from the outset fully recognised by the Lord Mayor, and warrants were then granted to the river-keepers to act as water-bailiffs, while certain bye-laws were framed for the better protec- tion of the fisheries of the river. Under these by-laws the position and power of the river-keepers is thus defined :— They are empowered “to enter any boat, vessel, or craft of any fisherman or dredgerman, or other person or persons fishing or taking fish or endeavouring to take fish, and there to search for, take and seize all spawn, fish, brood of fish, and unsizable, unwholesome, or unseasonable fish, and also all unlawful nets, engines, and instruments for taking or destroying fish as shall then be in any such boat, vessel, or craft in and upon the river, and to take and seize on shore or shores adjoining to the said river all such spawn, fish, and also all unlawful nets, engines, and instruments for taking and destroying fish as shall there be found.” The extent of water taken under control was from Richmond to the City Stone at Staines, and immediately efforts were made to preserve the various deeps in the course indicated, thus making them “harbours of refuge” for the fish. The position of such preserves may be shortly pointed out as follows. RKichmond.—The preserve is westward of the bridge to the Duke of Buccleuch’s, 700 yards. Twickenham.—The preserve is the west end of lawn, Pope’s Villa, to the ait, 400 yards. Kingston.—The preserve is from the Lower Malthouse at Hampton Wick to the east end of Mr. J. C. SOGCIE MESO LONDONIAND THESPROVINCES. 1f Park’s lawn at Teddington, including the back-water known as the Crolock, 1060 yards. Thames Ditton and Long Ditton—The preserve is from Lord Henry Fitz- gerald’s, running eastwards, 512 yards. Hampton.—The preserve is from the west end of Garrick’s Lawn, including the Tantling Bay, to the lower end pile below Moulsey Lock, 1514 yards. Sunbury.—The preserve is from the weir westward to the east end pile of breakwater, 683 yards. Walton.—The preserve is at the east end of Tankerville and west of Horse Bridge, called Walton Sale, 250 yards. Shepperton.—The preserve is, Upper Deep, 200 yards; Old Deep, east of the creek rails, 240 yards ; Lower Deep, east of the drain, 200 yards. Weybridge.—The preserve is from the weir to Shepperton Lock, 830 yards. Chertsey. —The preserve is the weir to 80 yards eastward of the bridge, 445 yards. Laleham and Penton Hook.—The preserve at Penton Hook is from the guard piles eastward round the Hook to the east end of the lock. Staines.—The preserve is the City boundary stone to 210 yards eastward of the bridge. From time to time these preserves have been rendered more efficient by the sinking of old punts, brick burrs, and by driving stakes into the river bed, as a protection against netting operations. The last of such established preserves was that at Kingston, which was made in the year 1857. Upon application being made to the Lord Mayor, the move- ment was opposed by some of the professional fishermen, but such opposition was overruled, and the following is a list of the obstacles sunk :—“ Five old punts, two iron waggons, 7 feet 3 inches in length by 4 inches, and 2 feet 6 inches in height, open at one end; 450 stakes driven; six 2-horse loads of large brick burrs ; twenty egg chests with tenter hooks; fifty large flint stones; ten tar-barrels, tenter- 12 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION hooked ; two large sugar casks, tenter-hooked; two punt loads of old iron gas lamps and other useful things ; and three sacks of tin cuttings for the landing-places along the shore.” In December 1857 the Board of Thames Conservancy became invested with fuller powers in its’ government, and an application made by the Thames Angling Preservation Society for a continuance of the powers vested in their bailiffs or water-keepers was at once granted. The next step taken for the further preservation of the fisheries of the Thames was in 1869, when an application was made for the whole abolition of netting between Richmond Bridge and the City Stone at Staines. This was supported by the entire body of Thames fishermen, and in consequence of the Conservancy Board acceding to the application the following notice was inserted in several of the London papers :— “Be it ordered and established that the 16th item of the rules, orders, and ordinances for the fisheries in the Thames and Medway, made on the 4th day of October, 1785, be repealed, and that henceforth no person shall use any net for the purpose of catching fish in the River Thames between Richmond Bridge and the ‘City Stone’ at Staines, except a small net for the purpose of taking bait only, of the following dimensions—namely, not ex- ceeding 13 feet in circumference, and an angler’s landing net, under penalty to forfeit and pay £5 for every such offence. The seal of the Conservators of the River Thames was this 23rd day of January, 1860, affixed by order.” But the most important work, after all, effected by the Thames Angling Preservation Society was perhaps the abolition of snatching and laying night lines. It is SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 13 absolutely impossible to overestimate the destruction effected amongst spawning fish, or to others flocking to certain places where a sewage discharge induced them to harbour, than was effected by the detestable and unsports- manlike practice of snatching. The sewer at the foot of Richmond Bridge was a noted place where the so-called angler was in the habit of exercising his unworthy craft. The modus operandi was very much as follows: an angler —heaven save the mark !—perhaps pretended to be fishing for dace, and attached to his tackle he had a dozen stout hooks set at intervals on his line, some of them baited— others with not even that shallow pretence—with a fragmen- tary portion of worm. All day long these delightful gentry kept dropping a heavily shotted line into the swim, and instantly jerking it upwards again with a powerful stroke. Thus many a great carp has been impaled, many a lusty bream dragged zolens volens from his watery home. The same kind of thing was done openly and in broad daylight, along the parade at Kingston, and the operators pretended they were fishing—legitimately fishing! Now and again a bold sportsman, rendered. hardy and brave with impunity, disdained to use the shallow artifice of the bit of worm at all, and boldly lowered amongst the gathering shoals of bream or dace a cruel implement of sport, consisting of a bunch of bare triangles weighted with a sinker. It may well be in the recollection of a great many disgusted spectators, even as the memory is likely to abide with me for all time, of the shameful and detestable scenes that were wont to be enacted day after day at many of the accessible weirs, when the dace were heading up. I have seen them slaughtered in scores, and scores of hundreds ; and this little game went on day after day, for weeks. It was stopped at last, and high time too. The only wonder 4. THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION I have, thinking back upon such scenes, is this : How was it that many a good angler, who must have shuddered with indignation at the cruel, shameful waste of life, the pain inflicted upon the hapless fish, escaped trial for man- slaughter at the Old Bailey, consequent upon trying to effect the death by drowning of one or other of the manly and noble crew? I know not. As to the practice of laying night lines, its results were all too palpably apparent to him who reads by the wayside as he runs. Many and many a grand Thames trout, the pride and crown jewel of some deep reach, has met his death ignobly at the end of a night line, ostensibly laid for the capture of eels. Then it was that the lucky captor would knock his prize on the head, and straightway take it up to the village house of a well-to-do and worthy inhabitant, who had probably tried a round dozen of times to effect his capture legitimately. Some such scene and dialogue as this then followed :— A trim and natty servant-maid appearing at the door, honest old Bill Boozler, the hard and horny-handed, who never told an untruth in his life, or pretended to bait a barbel swim when he had not had a worm near his premises for a month, rush basket in hand, thus addresses her :— “Mornin, Mary, my dear. Why, Lard a mussy, what cheeks them is 0’ yourn, surelie. Redder ’n the best Ribson pippen as I ever seen. Lard, ef I’d only bin a younger man.” “Go along with you; a married man and all. You oughter bin ashamed o’ yourself,” is naturally red-cheeked Mary’s retort. “Well, so ’tis, Mary. Mortal ’shamed of myself Tis, and so I don’t deceive you. Muster Fubsy in? But, theer, I needn’t SOCEMESTOT LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 15 arst. Aint them his brekfus’ things agoin’ in? Course they is; new laid heggs there is, which they’re werry good at times, and a leetle bit o’ bacon frezzled crisp. Tray bung, as the Frenchmen says, and now, Mary, my dear, will you be so good as to give Muster Fubsy ole Bill Boozler’s compliments, and say he’s sorry to say as that theer trout has a-come to a huntimely hend at larst.” The natty one, having delivered her message, is nearly upset by the anxious Fubsy, who rushes out, spec- tacles on nose, the Zzmes in one hand, and loosely arrayed in his dressing-gown. He opens upon William at once. “William—William Boozler, you don't mean to say that you’ve er—er—caught that trout, after all the number of times I’ve been out with you, and the pounds and pounds I’ve spent ?” “Suttenly not,” cries the worthy William, with an air of mingled grief and astonishment. “ No, sir, suttenly not. But this blessid mornin’ as ever was, P’se a goin’ down to Bun- kin’s Ait in the little skiff, to see about the eel barskits, and I hears a floppin’ and prancin’ about in my old punt—that one what the Westa, confound her! stoved in—and so I sculls across softly, thinkin’ it was rats. Soap me never, marster, J was that knocked-a-cock as I could ha’ drunk arf-a-pint o’ ole ale quick, just as I could at this heer minnit, fur theer lay that theer loverlly trout, a nine-pounder ef he weighs a hounce, wi’ just a kick and no more left in him; and I takes him in my two hands tenderly as ef I was a lefting a babby, and ’olds his ’ed up stream. But it worn’t a mossel ’o use, he was stone gone; and I says to myself, I does, ‘ Bill, this punt is yourn ’—which it is, cause why, my own brother’s sister’s husband built her, best pine deal and oak stretchers, which well it is beknown down at the bridge, 1 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION and at the ferry ; but, ‘ Bill, says I, ‘this trout ain’t yourn, and for why, cause Muster Fubsy bin a fishin’ wi’ you, Bill, off and on, a matter of a score o’ times, ole days and arf uns’—though I never was the man to arst for a ole day’s pay for a arf un—‘and that theer trout, Bill,’ says I, ‘is Muster Fubsy’s fish by rights’; and so I brings him straight up to you, sir, and theer he lays—a beauty as he is—wi’ spots on him as big as a crown piece, werry nigh.” “ But, in the name of fate, William,” cries Fubsy, carefully putting his spectacles on the bridge of his nose, “how did the trout get into your punt?” “ Chucked hisself in, sir—chucked hisself in, which it is well known they will do arter a bait, or else a leaping out o’ the water arter a butterfly or what not, and so the pore creater hadn’t the sense to chuck hisself back again, and theer he is. Blessed if I ain’t as dry as bones, a-talking so much.” “William, you’re a very worthy and honest fellow—a very worthy fellow indeed, William. There’s a sovereign for you, and I’m much obliged to you, while Mary will draw you a jug of ale. Good morning, William. Good morning.” The end draws nigh. William at any time during that day may be discovered at the bar of the “ Angler’s Rest,” where for the hundredth time, at least, he tells the story of “that theer trout a-chucking hisself high and dry into the old punt.” The trout goes to Cooper, and when it comes home, at the expiration say, of six to twelve months, it may perhaps bear an inscription to this effect: “ Thames Trout caught by A. J. Fubsy, spinning. Weight, nine pounds.” In my own opinion the abolition of night-lining is the SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 17 sole and only reason for the immense increase in late years of the stock of trout in the river. The new by-laws as to snatching and night-lining were approved by Her Majesty at the Court of Balmoral on the 28th of October, 1879. They are as follows : “Snatching of fish.—It shall not be lawful for any person to fish for, or to take, or attempt to take, any fish by using a wire, or snare, or hooks (baited or unbaited), or any other engine for the purpose of foul hooking, commonly called ‘snatching or snaring.’ “Night lines.—It shall not be lawful for any person to lay night hooks or night lines of any description whatever between the ‘ City Stone’ at Staines and Kew Bridge ; and any person laying fixed lines of hooks by night or day (commonly called night lines), or taking, or attempting to take, eels or fish of any description by such means, shall be deemed as committing a breach of this by-law.” The Thames Angling Preservation Society continues its jurisdiction as far as Staines, and at that point the first of the local associations for the preservation of the river commences its work. This is the Windsor and Eton Society, which is supposed to look after something like about twelve miles of water extending from Staines Bridge to Monkey Island. Throughout that stretch, some of the finest water in the Thames is to be found, and if this society were more thoroughly supported by the public, it is probable that no similar length of water would be more splendidly productive. It is the fashion, however, to rail at the promoters and managers of any incorporated body whose objects may not appear to be carried out well and to the point. It escapes probably the notice of those who gibe and speak harshly about the work done by the Windsor and Eton, that it is simply impossible for the Cc 18 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION Society to keep going unless the angling public provides the sinews of war. This section of the public will know in an instant whether they have done so or not. It is at once an injustice and a wrong to brand a body of men with shortcomings in their work, when the very work itself is dependent upon the help which a local association like the Windsor and Eton receives from the public who fish its waters. I venture to think that few, if any, of the hundreds of men who yearly go to Windsor and _ its charming environs from London, sometimes taking good bags of fish home with them, ever subscribe, or ever did subscribe, one single penny to its funds. The Maidenhead, Cookham, and Bray Angling Society, whose headquarters are at Skindle’s Hotel, and whose excellent secretary is Mr. W. G. Day, takes up the work of preservation at Monkey Island, continuing their operations over an important section of the Thames. There is pro- bably none other of the local associations which has done such wonderfully good work. But then the reason is not far to seek ; they are not only supported fairly by the local gentry and inhabitants, many of whom are themselves keen lovers of angling, but also by a considerable number of London anglers, principally members of the leading clubs. That just makes all the difference, and although I do not pretend to say that the Windsor and Eton has not done all in its power with the funds which it had at command, the Maidenhead and Cookham sets such a brilliant example, by stocking their waters with splendid Wycombe trout, and that too in the most liberal manner, that their example possibly commanded the support they have unquestionably received to a certain extent from a small section of the angling public. I say a small section advisedly, because where a society, SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 19 like that under notice, proves that it is doing a valuable and extensive work, it ought to be recognised, in no matter how small a degree, by every angler who fishes its waters. Now is this the case, or anything approaching to it? I say no—emphatically no. I have seen scores and hundreds of men, during the many years which I have fished the Thames, pursuing their sport on the Maidenhead waters, and but very few of them ever contribute a single farthing. If this state of things were confined solely to the coarse fish of this or any other section of the river, it would not possibly matter so much—but then it is not. Trout fishers come and take fish—not confining themselves in some instances very strictly to size—and those very trout represent so much hard cash deducted from the Society’s income. Still the Society goes on its way quietly, and year by year does good and worthy work. They are assisted by an excellent body of keepers, under the command of Harry Wilder, who is himself a rare good fisherman, and year after year show an admirable return for their labours. | In justice to Harry Wilder and Captain A Styan, one of the early founders of this Association, it should be added that they were really the first to start the Society. Wilder informs me that he originated the idea of stocking this part of the river with Wycombe trout, and that he and Captain Styan raised a subscription for that purpose. Such a subscription was raised, and in the year before the Associa- tion was really started over 50 brace of fine Wycombe trout were turned into the river opposite the Ray Mead Hotel. It may now be interesting to trace the absolute history of the Society itself. The Maidenhead, Cookham and Bray Thames Angling Association was started so recently as 1874. The objects C2 20 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION in view were, generally speaking, to preserve and improve the fishing from the Shrubbery to Monkey Island, that is to say, the water between the Great Marlow and the Windsor and Eton Districts. Prior to their establishment poaching and illegai fishing were rampant in this district ; and I am informed, by those who speak from personal knowledge, that netting on the meadows adjacent to the river during flood time was carried on wholesale, and large quantities of all kinds of river fish, the greater part undersized, were captured and sold. Wiring fish in the ditches, where they had retreated for spawning operations, was also a very common practice. Ten years ago trout had become, comparatively speak- ing, a very rare fish in these parts, and a young trout of greater rarity still, Angling was almost at a standstill, and anglers were seeking other waters which promised greater success. Several gentlemen belonging to London, and to the locality of Maidenhead, feeling that a great deal could be effected in the way of improvements at a comparatively small cost, if a good system were pursued, took the matter in hand. Support was solicited from the various classes of the community interested in the results, and it ended in this Association being formed. Their first step, after forming a good working committee, was to make arrangements with the several riparian owners in the districts, by which the Society obtained the rights to drag their ditches and prosecute poachers, and I am pleased to say that they found little difficulty in obtaining these powers. The Society then took into its service several of the fishermen of the district, and at their request the Thames Conservancy granted deputations for each, by which they SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 21 were empowered to enter boats to search for fish unlawfully taken, and seize any unlawful net, &c. The Society also had an understanding with its water-bailiffs, that they were to net the ditches adjacent to the river immediately after floods, and that they were to be constantly on the watch for any infringement of the Thames Conservancy By-laws. During the nine years which have elapsed since their establishment, a number of prosecutions have resulted from the vigilance of their officers, and several convictions have been obtained. ‘The Society has also, after floods, dragged the ditches in their district, from whence large quantities of fish have been returned to the river, The water-bailiffs have also taken a number of night-lines at different times, and I feel, I may say without fear of contradiction, that the Thames Conservancy By-laws are now far more respected in this district than they ever were before. With a view to improve the fishing, the Society turned in, by way of experiment, a large quantity of golden bream, which were kindly placed at their disposal by the Bedford Angling Association, but the fish appear to have left this locality altogether, probably because the water, except in certain places, was entirely unsuitable to their habits. From time to time a large quantity of good sized Wycombe trout have been turned in, running from half to five pounds in weight. I should mention that this Society wisely recog- nised from the first that it was worse than useless to turn in fish below half a pound in weight ; and if one may judge from the quantity of trout of that breed now taken, and the numbers of young fish seen in the Maidenhead waters, the Society has been successful in that branch of their under- taking, or at any rate so far as the limited means at their ‘disposal would permit. The difficulty experienced in purchasing trout of the 22 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION right sort and size induced the Society, some time since, to obtain competent advice as to the practicability of breeding and rearing them. With this view one of the vice-presidents, Mr. W. H. Grenfell, of Taplow Court, who has always shown a lively interest in the success of the Society’s undertaking, "expressed his willingness to place at their disposal a likely place for the purpose. In every respect but one it was pronounced suitable, but it was soon found that the con- stantly recurring floods would render attempts at breeding useless, and hence the scheme was not prosecuted farther. The Great Marlow Thames Angling Association does capital work, and is thoroughly well officered. The honorary secretary is Major Simpson Carson, who most efficiently helps the Society in their efforts for the general good of the river. Here again a large share of the Society’s income is laudably spent in the purchase of trout of excellent size from the Wycombe waters, which are turned into the Thames at an age, and when they have attained such a size, as enables them to take care of themselves. The Reading and District Angling Society comes next, and in the hands of its worthy and efficient secretary, Mr. Arthur Butler, of Zinzan Street, Reading, prospers exceedingly. This Society has made the most strenuous efforts to re-stock that portion of the river more immediately under their own control, and I have little doubt that their efforts have met with the success they deserved. It was only a few years ago that the fisheries of the Reading district bore a most unenviable reputation from the extent of netting going on. To my certain knowledge now there is no section of the river which is better looked after and where I think less netting or poaching is prosecuted. Much of this happy state of things is due to Mr. Butler, who is not only a hard practical worker, but a man, moreover, who never walks SOCTETIES OF LONDON AND! THE PROVINCES. 23 about the world with his eyes shut. Such a man is bound to do good, and Mr. Butler does it without stint. This flourishing Thames Preservation Society—one of the most useful and influential on the river—was formed in December, 1877, at a meeting at the Queen’s Hotel, Reading, at which upwards of 100 gentlemen of position were present. The intention at first was to protect and improve the fishing in the fine stretch of water between Mapledurham and Sonning—then so denuded of fish that even the poachers let it alone. Henry John Simonds, Esq., J.P., was appointed the first president ; Charles Stephens, Esq., J.P., treasurer ; and Mr. Arthur Butler—the originator of the movement —honorary secretary, an office he still holds. Mr. Stephens still acts. as treasurer. It was soon found desirable to ex- tend the operations of the association both up and down stream, and its district now reaches from Goring Lock to Shiplake Lock. The first president resigned in February 1881, and James Simonds, Esq., J.P., who still occupies the position, was chosen in his stead. The association has done a really great work for the public, and all its operations have been attended with success. Since its formation about 60,000 trout have been turned in, a large proportion having been reared in a stream belonging to the association ; and, as a result, trout fishing has vastly improved. Six years ago the trout were very “few and far between;” this season at least 150, ranging from two to nine pounds in weight, have been landed in the immediate neighbourhood of Reading. Coarse fish have by no means been neglected. Tens of thousands of pike, perch, roach, dace, &c., have been recovered from the ditches after floods, &c., and restored to the river; and several reservoirs and lakes have from time to time been netted, by the kind permission of the owners, and great 24 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION numbers of perch, carp, tench, rudd, &c., thus added to the stock, Coarse fish culture has this year been undertaken with surprising success. Two large “Lund” hatching-boxes— stocked with fine Kennet perch—have been filled with spawn, all of which hatched out ; and since the perch fry were liberated, a great quantity of carp spawn has been hatched. No less than eleven bailiffs are employed by the com- mittee, and their work has been so effectual that illegal practices have been, practically, entirely stamped out. It is gratifying to be able to state that every prosecution undertaken by the committee has resulted in a conviction. Extensive private rights of fishing have lately been acquired for the members (an annual extra charge of five shillings being made). From these waters, fish may not be taken under the following sizes: trout 2lbs., pike 3lbs., tench 2lbs., perch 3lb., barbel 3lbs. carp 3lbs.—a sportsmanlike standard, which the committee recommend for observance also in the public fisheries. The minimum subscription to the association is 10s. 6d. ; but subscribers of £1 1s. and upwards have the privilege of cheap railway tickets to 28 fishing stations. There are at present 117 subscribers (elected by ballot) on the books. Last year’s income was £109 19s. 7d., and the expenditure £84 55. 114, The Henley and District Thames Angling Association does no doubt excellent service, and certainly not before it was wanted in that much be-poached district. The honour of originating this Society belongs to the late honorary secretary, Charles H. Cook, Esq., whose bad health unfortunately compelled him to retire. They preserve the Thames between Temple and Hurley Locks, SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 25 and have turned into the river considerable numbers of trout. Hardly is this a very satisfactory district, I am afraid, but certainly the improvement made in the fisheries of the neighbourhood redounds very much to the credit of the Association. The president of the Association is the Right Hon. W. H. Smith, M.P., while the present secretary is Mr. J. W. Knight. The Wycombe Angling and Preservation Society is another body of, shall I say, private conservators, from whom the Thames itself derives a very large amount of good. All the splendid trout which have been turned into the river at Maidenhead, Marlow, and other places, come from the water under the control of this association, and the following short particulars embody nearly all that is necessary to say about a Society whose reputation as trout preservers is a very great one. It has been in existence for nearly four years. It originally commenced with about one hundred members, who paid a low annual fee, but it was found necessary to gradually reduce their number and raise the subscriptions. At present it consists of 30 members who each pay an annual fee of from three to five guineas. This number also includes six artisan members at a nominal subscription. The club preserves a mile and a half of the Wycombe stream, and possesses a magnificent stock of trout. The president is the Rt. Hon. Lord Carrington ; honorary secretary and treasurer, J. Thurlow, Esq. The last of the Preservation ‘Societies of which I shall have occasion to speak in connection with the Home District is the Newbury and District Angling Association. The following short history of its position at the present time is full of interest to anglers frequenting the lovely Kennet Valley, over which this Association has jurisdiction. 26 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION This very young association was started on the 18th of June, 1878, with the object of protecting the rivers in and about Newbury—putting a stop to poaching which had been going on for years, and also the practice of taking fish out of season, which was very rife. After considerable trouble on the part of its chairman and committee it succeeded in obtaining leave to exercise its protective right over the whole of the waters under the control of the Mayor and Corporation of Newbury, also more than seven miles of the Kennet and Avon Canal; and it also rents on a long lease about one mile of the river Lambourne, abounding with trout, and on which stream only the fly ts allowed. The streams over which this association exercises con- trol are the Kennet and many of its back streams, the Lambourne, and the Kennet and Avon Canal. The fish found in these streams are all very fine, and comprise trout, pike, perch, chub, barbel, roach, dace, carp, tench, eels, gudgeon and—last, but by no means least—very famous crayfish. Indeed, not many miles up the stream there is an old saying concerning them, running as follows— “ Hungerford crayfish, Catch me if ye can ; There’s no such crawlers, In the o-ce-an.” In a short sketch like this it is impossible to do more than glance at one or two of the notable fish for which this neighbourhood is celebrated. Its trout are beaten zowhere, having been taken up to 20 Ibs. While Pope pleasantly says of its eels— “The Kennet swift, For silver eels renowned.” And travellers of a nearly bygone age in the old SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 27 coaching days could tell of the great gastronomic attractions of the Kennet eel, “ At the house below the hill.” There it was that, in the days when the “Pelican” did flourish, seventy coaches in the day and night passed through the good old town. But I must pass to the present time and the working of the Association. Well, from small beginnings it has grown so much that at the meeting previous to the next angling season this question will have to come to the fore —either the Committee must raise the price of the tickets or place a restriction upon the number of the members. It may be as well to add that no profit whatever is made out of the Association, as it is only in existence to preserve the water and improve sport, and all its Committee of Management wish to see is enough to pay the outgoing expenses. They are of necessity large, when consideration is given to keeping up a stock of fish, by turning in hun- dreds at the proper season, the pay of the keepers all the year, and the constant supervision that is required. Many fine specimens of Kennet fish may be seen in the Western Quadrant of the Fisheries Exhibition now open at South Kensington. It only remains to add that all particulars may be obtained of the worthy chairman of the Association, Mr, John Packer, 87 Northbrook Street, Newbury, who will forward rules and all needed information upon application, and from whom a/one tickets can be had. There is yet another Society doing good work upon the Thames, called the Oxford Angling Association, but I regret that I received no particulars as to its constitution until too late for insertion in this book. Finding it to be a matter of exceeding difficulty to 28 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION obtain reliable information as to the origin and growth of the various preservation societies scattered about the country, I was compelled to fall back, either upon the horns of a dilemma, or upon the charity of my very good friend, Mr. R. B. Marston, the editor of the /zshery Gazette who has very kindly placed at my disposal “ The British Fisheries Directory,” a valuable little book of reference, dedicated to Mr. Birkbeck, the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Exhibition. From that little volume I extract much of the following information with regard to the London and Provincial Preservation and Angling Societies of this country. METROPOLITAN AND DISTRICT ANGLING CLUBS AND FISHERY ASSOCIATIONS. The Fisheries Preservation Association, 22 Lower Seymour Street, Portman Square, London. The National Fish Culture Association of Great Britain and Ireland, Royal Courts Chambers, 2 Chancery Lane. Thames Angling Preservation Association, Thomas Spreckley, president; W. H. Brougham, secretary. Office, 7 Ironmonger Hane: vee Thames Rights Defence Association, Francis Francis, chairman ; J. M. R. Francis, hon. sec. Office, 11 Old Jewry Chambers, E.C. United London Angling Associations Fisheries Society, Star and Garter, St. Martin’s Lane, Charing Cross, W.C. West Central Association of London and Provincial Angling Societies, P. Geen, Preszdent; T. Hoole, hom. sec. Club-House—7he Portman Arms, Great Quebec Street. LONDON CLUBS. Albert: = ; 5 . The Crown Coffee House, Coronet Street, Old Street, Alliance A , . Clerkenwell Tavern, Farringdon Rd., E.C. Alexandra. : . Crown and Anchor, Cheshire St., Bethnal Green. ’ SOC8IETTES Of LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 29 Amicable Brothers . Amicable Waltonians Angler’s Pride Acton Piscatorial Society Albert Edward Anchor and Hope Act on the Square . Admiral Brothers Acorn Acme Bostonian Battersea Friendly . Bloomsbury Brothers Bermondsey Brothers Brothers Well Met . Beresford Burdett . é Bridgewater Brothers Brunswick Brentford Buckland Barbican , Battersea Piscatorials Cadogan City of London Cavendish Clerkenwell Amateurs ‘ Convivial Carlisle . Clapham Junction Bald Faced Stag, Worship St., Finsbury. Horse and Groom, St. John’s Street, Clerkenwell. Five Bells, Bermondsey Square, S.E. George and Dragon, High.St., Acton, W. Tile Kiln, Tullerie Street, Hackney Road. William the Fourth, Canal Bridge, Old Kent Road. The Ferry Boat, Tottenham. Admiral Hotel, Francis Street, Woolwich. Duke of York, Gloucester St., Clerkenwell. Weaver’s Arms, Drysdale Street, Kings- land Road. Dalby Tavern, Prince of Wales Road, Kentish Town. Queen’s Hotel, Queen’s Road, Battersea. Rose and Crown, Broad St., Bloomsbury. Alscot Arms, Alscot Road, Grange Road, Bermondsey. Berkeley Castle, Rahere St., Goswell Rd. Grove House Tavern, Camberwell Grove. Joiners’ Arms, 118 Hackney Road. Three Tuns, Bridgewater Gardens, Bar- bican. Brunswick Arms, Stamford St., Black- friars. Angel Inn, Brentford End, Brentford. Middlesex Arms, Clerkenwell Green. White Bear, St. John Street, Clerkenwell. Queen’s Head, York Road, Battersea. Prince of Wales, Exeter Street, Sloane Street oa, Codger’s Hall, Bride Lane, Fleet Street. Duke of York, Wenlock Street, Hoxton. George and Dragon, St. John Street Road. Bull and Bell, Ropemakers’ Street, Moor- helds; HC Hall of Science Club and Institute, Old Street pias GC Lord Ranelagh, Verona Street, Clapham Junction. 30 ZTHE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION Canonbury Cambridge Friendly Cobden . . , : Clerkenwell Piscatorials Crescent Critchfield Crown Crown Piscatorials . Dalston . De Beauvoir . Duke of Cornwail Duke of Norfolk Ealing Dean . Excelsior Excelsior Eustonian ‘ ? Edmonton and Tottenham Friendly Anglers Foxley : Golden Tench. Golden Barbel Good Intent Grafton . Grange . A A : Great Northern Brothers Globe Gresham : Hammersmith Club Hammersmith United Hearts of Oak Monmouth Arms, Haberdasher Street, Hoxton. Rent Day, Cambridge Street, Hyde Park Square. Cobden Club, Landseer Terrace, West- bourne Park. Horse Shoe, Clerkenwell Close. Giraffe Kennington Park Road. Myddleton Arms, Queen’s Rd., Dalston. Crown and Sceptre, Friendly St., Dept- ford. Crown Tavern, Clerkenwell Green. Hope, Holles Street, Dalston. Lord Raglan, Southgate Road, Islington. Duke of Cornwall, Haverstock Hill. Ledbury Arms, Ledbury Road, Bayswater. Green Man, Ealing Dean, W. The Hope, Bird Street, Kennington. Tavern, Newington Crescent, Lissmore Circus, Palmerston, Well Street, Hackney. King’s Head, Swinton St., Gray’s Inn Rd. Three Horse Shoes, Silver St., Edmonton. Albion Tavern, Albion St., Hyde Park. Foxley Arms, Elliot Road, Brixton. Somers Arms, Ossulton St., Euston Rd. York Minster, Foley Street, Portland Rd. Crown Inn, Church Street, Shoreditch. King’s Arms, Strutton Ground, Wesmins- ter: Grange Club and Institute, Bermondsey, =o, Be Robin Hood, Southampton Street, Penton- ville, Bank of Friendship, Blackstock Road, Highbury Vale. Mason’s Hall Tavern, Basinghall St., E.C. Grove House, Hammersmith Broadway. Builders’ Arms, Bridge Road, Hammer- smith. Dolphin, Church Street, Shoreditch. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. : 31 Highbury Hoxton Brothers Hampstead Isledon Piscatorials Izaak Walton . Jovial Junior Piscatorial Jolly Piscatorials Kentish Perseverance Kenningtonian Knights of Knightsbridge . King’s Cross United Kingfishers Kentish Brothers L. & S. W. Railway Larkhall Limehouse Brothers Little Independent . Metropolitan . Marylebone Nautilus Norfolk . North Londen North Eastern North Western New Globe Never Frets Plimsoll Arms, St. Thomas’s Road, Fins- bury Park. Cherry Tree, Kingsland Road, Shoreditch. Cock and Crown, High Street, Hamp- stead. Crown and Anchor, Cross St., Islington. Old King John’s Head, Mansfield Street, Kingsland Road. Jolly Anglers, Whitecross Row, Richmond, Surrey. Duke of Cornwall, South Island Place, Clapham Road. Sugar Loaf, Great Queen Street, W.C. Corner Pin, Cold Bath, Greenwich. The Clayton Arms, Kennington Oval. Grove Tavern, Grove Place, Brompton Road, S.W. Prince Albert, Wharfdale Road, King’s Cross. Oliver Arms, Westbourne Terrace, Har- row Road. George and Dragon, Blackheath Hill. Brunswick House, Nine Elms. The Larkhall, Larkhall Lane, Clapham. Dunlep Lodge, 70 Samuel St., Limehouse. Russell Arms, Bedford Street, Ampthill Square. The Rose, Old Bailey. Prince Albert, Sherbourne Street, Bland- ford Square, W. British Lion, Central Street, St. Luke’s. Norfolk Arms, Burwood Place, Edgware Road. Prince Albert, Hollingsworth St., Hollo- way. Shepherd and Flock, Little Bell Alley, Moorfields. Lord Southampton, Southampton Road, Haverstock Hill. Albion, Bridge Road, Stratford. Crown and Shuttle, High St., Shoreditch. 32 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION Nelson Odds and Evens Original Clerkenwell Original Alexandra . Peckham Perseverance Pictorial. Penge ‘Phoenix . Prince of Wales Portsmouth Waltonian Peckham Brothers . Princess of Wales Perseverance . Pike and Anchor Queen’s . Reform . Royal George . Richmond Piscatorial Royal Piscatorial Rodney . Second Surrey South Essex Sportsman Suffolk South Essex St. John’s Savoy Brothers Silver Trout St. Alban’s Nelson Working Men’s Club, 90 Dean St., Soho. Albion, East Road, Hoxton, N. White Hart, Aylesbury St., Clerkenwell. Duke of Wellington, Three Colt Lane, Bethnal Green. Eagle, 118 Trafalgar Road, Camberwell. King’s Arms, Tottenham Court Road. Lord Palmerston, Maple Road, Penge. Tavistock Arms, Wellington St., Oakley Square. Victory, Newnham Street, John Street, Edgware Road. Golden Fleece, High Street, Landport. Prince Albert, East Surrey Grove, Peck- ham. Prince of Wales, Gt. Barlow St., Man- chester Square, W. The Perseverance, Hackney Road. Pike and Anchor, Ponder’s End. Queen’s Arms, Bomore Road, Notting Hill, W. Jolly Coopers, Clerkenwell Close. Hope Tavern, Tottenham St., Tottenham Court Road. Station Hotel, Richmond. Foxley Tavern, Elliott Road, Brixton. Albion, Rodney Road, Walworth, S.E. Queen’s Head, Brandon St., Walworth. The Elms, Leytonstone, E. Lady Owen Arms, Goswell Road. Suffolk Arms, Boston St., Hackney Rd. Victoria Dock Tavern, Canning Town, E. Cow Cross Street, Pritchard’s Row, Three Compasses, Farringdon Street. Green Man, St. Martin’s Lane. Star and Garter Hotel, St. Martin’s Lane, WG; Royal George, Great New St., Kenning- ton Park Road. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 33 Sir Hugh Myddleton South London. St. Pancras Club Stanley Anglers Star Stepney . South Belgravia Surrey Piscatorial South Eastern. Sussex : Sociable Brothers Social Brothers St. James’s and Soho Stoke Newington St. John’s Wood Society of Caxtonians The Piscatorial Trafalgar True Waltonians Three Pigeons United Brothers United Essex . United Society of Anglers United Marlboro’ Brothers Woolwich Piscatorials West Ham Brothers Woolwich Invicta Waltonians : Walton and Cotton . Walworth Waltonians Empress of Russia, St. John Street Road, Clerkenwell. George and Dragon, 235 Camberwell Rd. 2 Crescent Place, Burton Crescent. The Lord Stanley, Camden Park Road Camden Town. King’s Arms, Charles Street, City Road. Beehive, Rhodeswell Road, Stepney. Telegraph, Regency Street, S.W. St. Paul’s Tavern, Westmoreland Road Sake Prince Arthur, Stamford Street, S.E. Sussex Arms, Grove Road, Holloway. Princess, 237 Cambridge Rd., Mile-End. * Prince Regent, Dulwich Rd., Herne Hill. 39 Gerrard Street, Soho, W. Myddleton Arms, Mansfield St., Kings- land Road. Queen’s Arms, Lower William Street, St. John’s Wood. Falcon Tavern, Gough Square, E.C. Ashley’s Hotel, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden. Star and Garter, Green Street, Leicester Square. White Horse, 80 Liverpool Rd., Islington. Three Pigeons, Lower Richmond Road, S: We Druid’s Head Tavern, Broadway, Dept- ford. Dorset Arms, Leyton Rd., Stratford New Town. Duke of Wellington, Shoreditch. Hercules’ Pillars, 7 Greek Street, Soho. Cricketer’s Arms, Sand Street, Woolwich. Queen’s Head, West Ham Lane, E. Golden Marine, Francis St., Woolwich. Jew’s Harp, Redhill St., Regent’s Park. Crown and Woolpack, St. John’s Street, Clerkenwell. St. Paul’s, Westmoreland Rd., Walworth. D 34. THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION West Central . : . Cross Keys, Theobald’s Road, High Holborn. Woolwich Brothers . . Prince Regent, King Street, Woolwich. Westbourne Park . . Pelican, All Saints’ Road, Westbourne Park, W. Walthamstow . Z . Common Gate, Markhouse Road, Wal- thamstow. West London . : . Windsor Castle, King St., Hammersmith. Watford . : : . Leathersellers’ Arms, Watford, Herts. Wellington. i . Prince Regent, Beresford St., Walworth. ENGLAND. BEDFORDSHIRE. Bedford Angling Society, Bedford. Blunham Angling Association—C. Forge, 11 and 12 Addle Street, Wood Street, secretary. BERKSHIRE. Maidenhead, Cookham, and Bray Thames Angling Association—: W. G. Day, secretary. Club-House—Skindle’s Hotel, Newbury and District Angling Association—J. Smith, 62 North- brook Street, Newbury, secretary. Reading and District Angling Association—Arthur C. Butler, hoz. sec. Club-House—Great Western Hotel, Reading. Windsor and Eton Angling Club.) Club-House—foyal Oak Hotel, Windsor. Windsor and Eton Angling Preservation Association—Rev. E. James, Eton, secretary. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. Great Marlow Thames Angling Association—Major Simpson Car- son, Great Marlow, hoz. secretary. High Wycombe Angling Association, High Wycombe. Marlow Angling Association—A. Maskell, Great Marlow, secretary. CAMBRIDGESHIRE. Cambridge and Ely Angling Society—W. Purchas, secretary. Club- House—Lzon Hotel, Cambridge. CHESHIRE. No. 1 Crewe Angling Society—John Dickens, secretary. Club- House—Dog and Partridge Inn, High Street, Crewe. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 35 CUMBERLAND. Carlisle Angling Association—J. B. Slater, Carlisle, secretary. DERBYSHIRE. Aquarium Angling Society—T. Winfield, secre¢ary. Club-House— The Three Crowns, Bridge Street, Derby. Burton-on-Trent Angling Association—Sir M. A. Bass, Bart., M.P., president; John C. Perfect, hon. sec. Club-House—J/idland Hotel, Burton-on-Trent. Castle Fields Angling Club, Messrs. Beden’s Factory, London St., Derby—M. Bland, secretary. Chatsworth Angling Club, Chatsworth. Chesterfield Angling Association—G. R. Hornstock, 26 Durrant Road, Chesterfield, secretary. Excelsior Angling Club—J. Hibbert, secretary. Club-House— Lamb Inn, Park Street, Derby. Mazeppa Angling Club, Traffic Street, Derby—F. Bond, secretary. Melancthon’s Head Angling Club, Park Street, Derby—W. Peet, secretary. Pride of Derby Angling Club—W. Tunnicliff, secretary. Club- House, Old English Gentleman, Normanton Road, Derby. Red Lion Angling Association, Bridge Street, Derby—Joseph Selvey , secretary. DEVONSHIRE. Avon and Erme Fishery Association, Plymouth. Culm Fishery Association—C. J. Upcott, Shortlands, Cullompton, secretary. Exe Landowners’ Salmon Fishing Association—Mr. Whippell, Rudway, Silverton, secretary. Exe Occupiers’ Trouting Association—W. C. James, Thorverton, secretary. Lower Exe United Fishing Association, Exeter. Tiverton Angling Association, Tiverton. Upper Culm Fishery Association, Exeter. Upper Exe Angling Society, Exeter. GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Avon and Tributaries Angling Association—E. B. Villiers, 26 Bath Street, Bristol, ov. secretary. Bristol Golden Carp Angling Association—Lewis Wride, Digby House, Barton Hill, Bristol, secretary. D 2 36 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION Bristol United Anglers’ Association—R. D. Frost, 48 Victoria St., Bristol, secretary. Cheltenham Angling Society—W. H. Davis, 7 Priory Terrace, Cheltenham, secretary. City of Bristol Angling Association—H. Lewis, Morton House, Barton Hill, Bristol, secretary. HAMPSHIRE. Portsmouth Waltonian Society—F. Tranter, secretary. Club-House —Golden Fleece, Commercial Road, Portsea. Stockbridge Angling Club, Stockbridge. Titchfield Angling Club—E. Goble, solicitor, Titchfield, secre¢ary. HEREFORDSHIRE. Bodenham Angling Club, Bodenham. Leominster Angling Club—V. W. Holmes, National Provincial Bank, Leominster, secretary. HERTFORDSHIRE. Harefield Valley Fishery, Rickmansworth. Watfield Piscatorial Society—H. A. Vincent, hoz. sec. Club- House—7Z%e Leathersellers Arms, Watford. KENT. Maidstone Angling and Medway Preservation Society—David Pine, Maidstone, on. secretary. Stour Fishery Association—Club House—fordwich Arms. Tonbridge Angling Association—Edwin Hollomby, secretary. Club- House—Bull Hotel, High Street, Tonbridge. LANCASHIRE. City of Liverpool Angling Association, 19 West Derby Road, Liverpool. Liverpool Angling Association—Richard Woolfall, hoz. sec. Club- House—Strawberry Hotel, West Derby Road, Liverpool. Liverpool Central Angling Association, 181 Dale Street. Manchester Anglers’ Association—Abel Heywood, jun., Zon. sec. Manchester and District Anglers’ Association—J. Procter, president ; Edwin Hicks, 6 Belmont Street, Eggington Street, Rochdale Road, secretary. The Association comprises sixty-six different Clubs. Stalybridge Anlging Society—J. B. Udale, secretary. Club-House —The Q. Inn, Stalybridge. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 37 Stamford and Warrington Angling Club. Club House—Guzde Post Tavern, Stalybridge. Wigan and District Amalgamated Anglers’ Association—Levi Booth, president, John Stones, secretary. This Association consists of twenty- six different Clubs. LEICESTERSHIRE. Leicester Jolly Anglers’ Club. Club-House—7he Earl of Leicester, Lnn, Infirmary Square, Leicester. North Britons’ Angling Association. Club-house—7he York Castle, Northgate Street, Leicester. LINCOLNSHIRE. Boston Angling Association—Mr.*Day, Boston, secretary. Great Grimsby Angling Association. Club-House—JZasous’? Arms fTotel, Great Grimsby. Market Deeping Angling Association—S. B. Sharpe, Market Deeping, hon. secretary. MONMOUTHSHIRE. Abergavenny Fishing Association —C. J. Daniel, Cross St., Abergavenny, ¢reasurer. Usk Fishery Association—Charles R. Lyne, Tredegar Place, Newport, secretary. NORFOLK. Bure Preservation Society—C. J. Greene, London St., Norwich, secretary. East Anglian Piscatorial Society—R. Palmer, Great Eastern Wine Vaults, Norwich, secretary. Great Yarmouth Piscatorial Society—James Lark, St. George’s Tavern, 162 King St., Great Yarmouth, secretary. King’s Lynn Angling Association—Frederick Ludby, freszdent ; H. Bradfield, hom. secretary. Norwich Angling Club—R. Moll, hoz, sec. Club-House—Wadlnut Tree Shades, Old Post-Office Yard, Norwich. Norwich Central Fishing Club. Club-House—O/d Oak Shades, Lower Goat Lane, Norwich. Norwich Champion Angling Club—G. Daniels, preszdent. Norwich Piscatorial Society—Mr. Capon, secretary. Club-House— Walnut Tree Shades, Old Post-Office Yard, Norwich. Wensum Preservation Association—E. H. Horsley, Fakenham, hon. secretary. 38 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION Yare Preservation and Anglers’ Society—C. J. Greene, London St., Norwich, secretary. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. Northampton Working Men’s Angling Club. Club-House—Bridge Street, Northampton. Wellingborough and Higham Ferrers Angling Club—E. Brummitt, Wellingborough, secretary. 2 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. Lenton Anglers’ Association—George Tilley, Zoz. sec. Club-House —Black’s Head Inn, Lenton, Nottingham. Newark Piscatorial Society. Club-House—Horse and Gears Inn, Portland St., Newark. Nottingham and Notts Anglers’ Preservation Association—Mr. Clarke, secretary. Club-House—7he Minstrel Tavern, Market St., Nottingham. Wellington Angling Association—Club-house—Wellington Hote/, Station St., Nottingham. OXFORDSHIRE. Henley and District Thames Angling Association—Mr. Cooke, Henley, secretary. Oxford Angling Society. Club-house— The Pheasant Inn, St. Giles, Oxford. Oxford Thames Angling Preservation Society—W. T. Mayo, 13 Cornmarket Street, Oxford, oz. secretary. RUTLANDSHIRE. Oakham Angling Society, Oakham. SHROPSHIRE. Plowden Fishing Association (River Onny)—A. B. George, Dodington, Whitchurch, fox. treasurer. Shrewsbury Severn Angling Society—F. H. Morgan, hon. sec Club-House—57 Mardol, Shrewsbury. SOMERSETSHIRE. Kingswood and District Angling Association, Kingswood. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 39 STAFFORDSHIRE. Cobridge Angling Society. Club-House—Wedgewood Hotel, Waterloo Rd., Burslem. Isaac Walton Angling Club—William Gregory, secretary. Club- House—Coach and Horses, Stafford St., Longton. Isaac Walton Angling Club—Frederick Higginson, secretary. Club- House—Dresden Inn, near Longton. Longton Excelsior Angling Club—Thomas Morris, secrefary. Club-House—Crownx and Anchor, Longton. Stoke-upon-Trent Angling Society—J. Hollins, oz. sec. Club- House—Pcke Hodel, Copeland Street. SUFFOLK. Gipping Angling Preservation Association—George Josselyn, president ; W.C. 5S. Edgecombe, National Provincial Bank, Ipswich, hon. secretary. Norfolk and Suffolk Fish Acclimatisation Society—Edward Birk- beck, M.P., president; W. Oldham Chambers, Lowestoft, Zon. sec. SURREY. Godalming Angling Society—F. Dowse, High Street, hon. sec. Club-House—Suz Jun, Godalming. Richmond Piscatorial Society—F. Gaunt, secretary. Club-House— Station Hotel, Richmond. SUSSEX. Brighton Anglers’ Association, Brighton, Chichester Angling Society—W. Cooke, secretary. Club-House— Globe Hotel, Chichester. Ouse Angling Preservation Society—Hector Essex, Hillside, Lewes, hon. secretary. Rother Fishery Association—D, N. Olney, Blenheim House, Robertsbridge, secretary. WARWICKSHIRE, Birmingham and Midland Piscatorial Association—James Gregory, 39, Vyse St., Aon. secretary. WESTMORELAND. Kent Angling Association—G. Fisher, Kendal, hoz, secretary. Milnthorpe Angling Society—W. Tattersall, Milnthorpe, secretary. 40. THE'ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION WILTSHIRE. Bradford-on-Avon Angling Association. Sarum Angling Club—H. Selby Davison, 40 King St., London, E.C., secretary. WORCESTERSHIRE. Evesham Angling Club, Evesham. Isaac Walton Angling Society—Club-House, Plough Inn, Silver St., Worcester. Teme Angling Club—W. Norris, Worcester, secrefary. YORKSHIRE. Aire Fishing Club—T. H. Dewhurst, Whin Field, Skipton, secreary. Burnsall, Appletrewick, and Barden Angling Club—T. J. Critchley, Brook St., Ilkley, secretary. Costa Anglers’ Club—J. H. Phillips, 22 Albemarle Crescent, Scar- borough, secretary. Derwent Anglers’ Club. Address—Mr. Patrick, gunmaker, Scar- borough. Hawes and High Abbotside Angling Association—B. Thompson- Hawes, secretary. Knaresborough Star Angling Club. Club-House—C. M’Nichols, Knaresborough. Marquis of Granby Angling Society—T, H. Settle, hon. sec. Club- House—Z7he Marguts of Granby, Leeds. Middleham Angling Association—J. E. Miller, Middleham, secretary. Otley Angling Club—Mr. Pratt, Otley, secrefary. Rockingham Angling Society—E. F. Atkinson, preszdent. Club- House—TZhe Fox, Leeds. Ryedale Angling Club, Hovingham. Sheffield Anglers’ Association—Charles Styring, preszdent ; Messrs. Baker, Gill, Greaves, Guest, Jenkinson, Leonard, Sheldon, Stuart, Swinden, Thompson, Unwin, and White, committee ; Thomas Walker, 24 Blue Boy St., Sheffield, secrezary. This Association comprises 232 Clubs in Sheffield and district. Wilkinson Angling Association, Hull. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 41 ANGLING CLUBS AND FISHING ASSOCIA- PIONS IN SCOREAND: ABERDEENSHIRE. Dee Salmon Fishing Improvement Association—William Milne, C.A., 147 Union St., secretary. BERWICKSHIRE. Berwick Anglers’ Club—Rcbert Weddell, solicitor, Berwick, secretary. Coldstream Angling Club—John Tait, High St., Coldstream, secretary. Ellen Fishing Club, Duns—The Hon. Edward Marjoribanks, president; G. Turnbull, 58 Frederick St., Edinburgh, secrefary. Greenlaw Fishing Club—David Leitch, Greenlaw, secretary. DUMFRIESSHIRE. Esk and Liddle Fisheries Association—The Duke of Buccleuch, K.G., president; Robert M’ George, writer, Langholm, secretary. EDINBURGSHIRE. Cockburn Angling Association—George E, Y. Muir, 1 West Cross- causeway, Edinburgh, secretary. Edinburgh Angling Club—William Menzies, 18 Picardy Place, secretary. Edinburgh Amateur Angling Club—J. Gordon Mason, S.S.C., secretary. Midlothian Angling Club—Joseph A. Cowan, 53 Rose St., secretary. Penicuik Angling Club—James Foulis, clothier, Penicuik, secretary. St. Andrew Angling Club—Professor Williams, preszdent,; J. Young Guthrie, S.S.C., 29 Hanover St., Edinburgh, secrecary. Walton Angling Club—Professor Williams, presédent,; James Grant S.S.C., 12 Howard Place, Edinburgh, secretary. Waverley Angling Club—John M’Dougal, 3 Rutland Place, Edinburgh, secretary. 426 PTET ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION: FIFESHIRE. Dunfermline Angling Club—James Mathewson, Dunfermline, secretary. Kirkcaldy Angling Club—Patrick Don Swan of Springfield, president ; Thomas Johnston, solicitor, Kirkcaldy, secretary. FORFARSHIRE. Alyth Angling Club—Major Japp, Ares¢dent ; James D. Murdoch, Alyth, secretary. Arbroath Angling Club—David A. Wilson, Kirk Wynd, Arbroath, secretary. Brechin Angling Club—-James B. Hodge, 2 Swan St., Brechin, secretary. Canmore (Forfar) Angling Club—David Maxwell, 16 Watt St., Forfar, secretary. Dundee Angling Club—David Ireland, Calcutta Buildings, Dundee, secretary. Dundee West End Angling Club—Alexander Mitchell, Roseangle, Dundee, secretary. Dundee Walton Club—W. Mudie, 3 Athole Terrace, Maryfield, Dundee, secrezary. Forfar Angling Club—James Dall, joiner, Market Place, Forfar, sec. Strathmore (Forfar) Angling Club—James Paton, 10 Arbroath Road, Forfar, secretary. x HADDINGTONSHIRE. East Linton Angling Club—The Rev. Thomas Stirling Marjoribanks, Prestonkirk, Jres¢dent,; George Smellie, East Linton, secretary. Haddington Fishing Club—Captain Houston of Clerkington, presz- dent; George Angus, 35 Court St., Haddington, secre/ary. KINROSS-SHIRE. Kinross-shire Fishing Club—Thomas Steedman, Clydesdale Bank, Kinross, secrelary. Loch Leven Angling Association (Limited)—Sir J. R. Gibson-Mait- land, Bart. of Craigend, prestdent,; George Bogie, solicitor, Kinross, secretary. LANARKSHIRE. Abington Angling Club-—David Oswald, teacher, Abington, sec. Buckland Angling Club—William Cross, 41 York St., Glasgow, secretary. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 43 Coatbridge Angling Club—David Girdwood, Langloan, Coatbridge, secretary. Echaig Angling Club—John Clark, 17 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, secretary. Glasgow Dodgers. Glasgow Junior Angling Club. Lanark Amateur Angling Association—David Gourlay, Bannatyne Street, Lanark, secrefary. Lanarkshire United Anglers’ Protective Association—Crawford Brown, 110 Garthland Drive, Glasgow, secretary. (Nine associated Clubs.) Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association—Alfred Brown, 163 West George Street, Glasgow, secretary. Motherwell Star Angling Club—James Brown, Braidhurst Colliery, Motherwell, secrezary. Stonehouse Angling Club—A. Hamilton, Stonehouse, secretary. St. Mungo Angling Club—W. Craig Ramsay, writer, Glasgow, secretary. Trout Preservation Association—David B. Macgregor, 51 West Regent Street, Glasgow, secretary. West of Scotland Angling Club—David B. Macgregor, 51 West Regent Street, Glasgow, secretary. Western Angling Club—John Wilson, 59 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Secretary. . LINLITHGOWSHIRE. Armadale Angling Club—Robert Kerr, South Street, Armadale, secretary. Avon Conservancy Association—W. Horn Henderson, Linlithgow, secretary. Bathgate Angling Club—Robert Bryce, Bridgend, Bathgate, sec. ‘ PEEBLESHIRE. Peebles Vigilance Trout Protection Association—Charles Tennant, M.P., The Glen, prestdent ; James Anderson, Peebles, secre/ary. Peebles Angling Association—James Wolfe Murray of Cringletie, president ; Alexander Pairman, grocer, Peebles, secretary. St. Ronan’s Angling Club—James Cossar, Innerleithen, secretary. PERTHSHIRE. Aberfeldy Club—James Forbes, Chapel Street, Aberfeldy, secretary. Aberfoyle Angling Club, 44. THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION Blairgowrie Angling Club. Perth Anglers’ Club—P. D. Malloch, 209 High Street, Perth, secretary. Perthshire Fishing Club— Robert Keay, City Chambers, Perth, sec. ROXBURGHSHIRE. Kelso Angling Association—Sir G. H. S. Douglas, Bart., of Spring- wood Park, Arestdent; Archibald Steel, Bridge Street, Kelso, secretary. Upper Teviotdale Fisheries Association—The Duke of Buccleuch, K.G., president ; Walter Haddon, Royal Bank of Scotland, Hawick, secretary. SELKIRKSHIRE. Caddonfoot Fishings—H. W. Cornillon, S.S.C., 139 George Street, Edinburgh, secretary. Gala Angling Association—Robert Hall, 131 High Street, Galashiels, secretary. Selkirk Angling Association—John Anderson, Elm Row, Selkirk, secretary. STIRLINGSHIRE. Bonnybridge Angling Club—Alexander Mitchell, Greenbank Cottage, Bonnybridge, secretary. Callander Angling Club—D. Melrose, Callander, secretary. Denny and Dudinace Angling Club—Robert Shearer, Well Strand, Denny, secretary. Dollar Angling Club. Dollar and Devondale Angling Club—Peter Cousins, Dollar, sec. Doune Angling Club—W. H. Hogg, Lanrick Castle, Doune, sec. East Stirlingshire Association of Anglers—John Hogg, writer, Lar- bert, secretary. Falkirk Angling Club—J. A. Miller, 144 High St., Falkirk, secretary. Forth Angling Club, Stirling. Haggs Angling Club—George Mirk, Haggs, by Denny, secretary. Muiravonside and Polmont Angling Club—A. Campbell, Blackbraes, Falkirk, secretary. Sauchie and Whins of Milton Angling Club—Sir J. R. Gibson-Mait- land, Bart., of Craigend, preszdent, Wm. Reid, Whins of Milton, by Stirling, secretary. Skinflatts Angling Club—William Russell, Skinflatts, by Falkirk, secretary. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 45 Stirling Forth and Teith Angling Association—Alexander Moffat, Clydesdale Bank, Stirling, secretary. Stirling Fishing Club—Sir J. R. Gibson-Maitland, Bart., of Craig- end, president; Robert M‘Luckie, Stirling, secretary. The following short descriptions of some of the most prominent Angling and Preservation Societies of the Provinces are compiled mainly from the information kindly supplied by the secretaries of each Association. They are placed as nearly as may be in alphabetical order, the particulars being summarised as much as pos- sible, so as to come within the scope of this little book. AIRE FISHING CLUB. This club, which has been in existence some ;forty-five years, was founded and fostered by J. R. Tennant, Esq., of Kildwick Hall, Skipton. It consists of twenty members, paying an entrance fee of ten guineas, and an annual subscription of the like amount, who preserve the river from Cargrave to Eastburn Brook. It has also a number of subscribers, limited to thirty, paying an annual subscription of thirty shillings, who are allowed to fish the river from Carleton Stone Bridge to Eastburn Brook. The Hon. Secretary is T. H. Dewhurst, Esq., of Whinfield, Skipton, while the President is J. R. Tennant, Esq. ABERGAVENNY FISHING ASSOCIATION. This Association was founded in 1860, and has been carried on from that time with fairly good success. The number of salmon and trout season tickets is limited to 20, the holders of such tickets in the previous years having 46 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION the option of renewing them. Five of these tickets are reserved for persons living twenty miles from the town. Rule 6 provides: That the price of salmon and trout season tickets be 40/-, except to persons who, in the judgment of the committee, are professional fishermen, who will be charged £10; season tickets for trout, 20/-, to admit the use of fly, worm, minnow, or gentle; season tickets for trout, if fly only be used, 10/-. Day tickets for salmon and trout, 5/-, to be restricted to persons residing 10 miles or more from the town; day tickets for trout, fly only to be used, 2/6; or 5/- to admit the use of worm, minnow, or gentle. None of these tickets are transferable, except as provided for in Rule 8. Also that tickets for clodding for eels shall be issued at 5/-; and that tickets for dace fishing during the trout closed season shall be 5/-; or to include both eels and dace, 10/-, such fishermen to be subject to Rule 10, as to time of fishing. Ladies may be allowed to fish on the payment of half the price of any of these tickets. The Association has about two miles of water, most of which can be fished from both banks. The Marquis of Abergavenny gives the right of fishing from his property on the left bank, while the Association rents the right bank from a local landowner. THE BIRDSGROVE FLY-FISHING CLUB, MAYFIELD, ASHBOURNE. This club, which is limited to twenty members paying an annual subscription of five pounds each, was formed by J. H. Villiers, Esq., and fishes four miles of the river Dove situate about a mile from Ashbourne, and lying between the Okeover and Norbury Fishing Clubs. The river SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. .47 abounds in trout and grayling, and runs through some very fine scenery. The members at present consist of eighteen gentlemen, thus showing a vacancy for two more rods. BRADFORD-ON-AVON FISHING ASSOCIATION. This Association was formed about ten years ago with the object of putting a stop to the poaching, netting and pollution which was then going on in the Avon. The principal supporters of it were W. Stevine, Esq., of Warleigh, the Rev. George Baker, of Manor House, Freshford, and Captain Sainsbury, of Bathford. It pre- serves the river from Holt to Stoke, which distance is divided into three sections. The charge for a yearly ticket for the whole of the water is 41, and such ticket is transferable to any member of the owner’s family. For half the water the cost of a ticket is I1os., and for one of the sections it is 2s. 6d. per month. In 1876 the water was handed over to an association formed at Bristol, of which Mr. E. W. B. Villiers, of 26 Bath Road, Bristol, is secretary. BOSTON ANGLING ASSOCIATION Was established in 1871, having for its object the pre- vention of the wholesale destruction, by netting, of fish in the river Witham and its tributary streams, so that good angling might be provided for the inhabitants of Boston, its visitors, and the neighbourhood. This object the Asso- ciation has undoubtedly attained, and is now one of the largest and best free fisheries for coarse fish in the kingdom, being bountifully supplied with pike, perch, roach, rudd, chub, ruffe, bleak, bream (two kinds), tench and eels. Burbot are occasionally taken. It is 148 miles in extent, comprising the river Witham, and the drains in the East, 48 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION West and Wildmore Fens, under the jurisdiction of the River Witham Drainage Commissioners, and under whose by-laws the B. A? A. have power, and’ act. "At“the present time it is the principal resort of the Sheffield anglers, it being nothing uncommon to witness two thousand in a single day. It is computed by competent authorities that there were not less than 30,000 visitors last season. It is regulated by a code of rules twenty in number, and supported by voluntary contributions. The officers consist of patrons, a president, vice-presidents, treasurer, secretary, and a committee of management. The officers are appointed annually by ballot, on the first Monday in July. The committee meets monthly on the second Wednesday in every month, having power to call special meetings. The quarterly meetings are held the first Monday in October, January and April. Besides the above there is the North and South Forty- foot drains, about forty miles in extent, under the juris- diction and management of the Black Sluice Drainage Commissioners. The latter drain is large and deep, with excellent water, and though it has only been preserved three seasons it abounds with most kinds of the fish previously mentioned, but is particularly noted for its pike and perch. There is a small annual fee of 2s. 6d. charged by the Commissioners on these waters. BRISTOL GOLDEN CARP ANGLING ASSOCIATION. This Association was founded in September 1879, and is limited to 200 members. The subscription for the first year is 5s., and 2s. 6d. per annum afterwards. General meetings are held the last Monday in each quarter, and committee meetings last Monday in each month. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 49 Secretary, Lewis C. Wride, Digby House, Barton Hill, Bristol. CARLISLE ANGLING ASSOCIATION. This Association was formed in 1852 to preserve the River Eden and its tributaries. Up to that time a great amount of poaching had existed, there being no regular watchers on the river. In the first year of its existence the bailiffs seized thirty-two illegal nets, in most cases securing convictions. Up till 1870 they were the only preservers of the river, then, however, the Eden Board of Conservancy was formed, having a staff of ten men and an inspector, whose salaries were paid out of the funds arising from the sale of net and rod licences. The number of salmon and trout has steadily increased since the Association was formed. In 1878 the salmon disease broke out amongst the fish, and has continued more or less ever since, showing itself principally in the spring and autumn. The Eden is one of the finest trout and salmon rivers in Eng- land, abounding in fishy streams and runs with occasional rocky pools. There are netting-stations for fifteen miles from the outlet, but in spite of these salmon and grilse run up the river in large numbers. The Hon. Sec. is J. Bedwell Slater, Esq., of Chatsworth Square, Carlisle. THE CHICHESTER ANGLING SOCIETY. This Association was established in 1881. Its Patron is His Grace The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, while the President is W. W. Baker, Esq., and Vice-President, Wes Kerwood, fsq-- WMreasurerns Mr AS Purchase; Hon: Sec MiG ee Salter.) Ghewhead-quarters are at “the “ Globe Hotel,” Chichester. This Society numbers over 100 members, and has a fine E so YHE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION stretch of water within a short distance of the club-room, well stocked with carp, bream, perch, roach, and a few tench and eels. Pike are also fairly represented. The canal from the basin to the lower lock is over three miles, and since the weed clearance by the Society in 1882 is in fine angling condition. THE COSTA ANGLERS’ CLUB. The River Costa at Keld Head runs in considerable volume at the foot of the oolitic limestone moorlands, lying north of Pickering, in the North Riding of the County of York. In many respects it is a remarkable stream. It is of high uniform temperature, rarely below 37 degrees, consequently it never freezes, and in cold winters the condensation of vapour is a striking phe- nomenon, rising, as it frequently does, high into the air, and may be seen for many miles. This high temperature naturally promotes the rapid growth of weed, and is one of the annoyances which the managing committee have to contend with in being com- pelled to cut and keep it under so very frequently in the height of the fishing season. On the other hand, this weed forms a capital shelter for fish, and produces a vast amount of insect food, on which young fish rapidly increase in size and condition. The club is only a youthful institution; nevertheless, the managers have already a breeding establishment in operation, and are able to turn out annually from 15,000 to 20,000 fry, consequently the stream is becoming fairly stocked with both trout and grayling. Those killed last season, and so far as this one has progressed, have been of an average weight of 13 to 2 lbs., and a few 3 lbs. Each member is limited to ten brace a day, not less than SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 5t 10 inches in length, and to 20 days, angling during the season, for which he pays four guineas subscription and an entrance fee of five guineas. There are 40 subscribing members, under the presidency of the Rev. J. R. Hill, of Thornton Hall, near Pickering, a thorough sportsman and a county gentleman of the truest Yorkshire type. The Costa receives the Pickering Beck near Kirby Misterton, and two or three miles below the united waters are discharged into the Derwent. J. H. Philips, Esq., of Scarborough, is the honorary secretary, and it was mainly through his exertions that the club was re-established some four years ago. DERWENT ANGLERS’ CLUB. This Club preserves a stretch of water extending from two miles below East and West Ayton, near Scarborough, through the celebrated Forge Valley, thence past the highly picturesque village of Hackness, the seat of Lord Derwent, to Hill’s Green Bridge at the entrance of “ Barnescliffe,” a wild gorge of surpassing beauty, running up and forming the eastern side of the lofty “Langdale Rigg,” from the summit of which there is a magnificent view of a large expanse of country. On the east the cliffs of the sea coast, with the baronial castle keep of Scarborough standing out like a sentinel to guard that ancient borough and queen of watering places—on the south are the Great Wolds, with the bold promontories of Filey Brigg and Flamborough Head forming striking objects, whilst on the.west the eye stretches away to Malton and the Howardean Hills, with the Hambleton plateau in the far distance. On the north is large expanse of moorland lying in the direction of Robin Hood’s Bay, and the Peak, flanked by the railway from Pickering to Whitby, emerging from Newton Dale on to K 2 52, JHE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION the heights above. It is here on high ground, under the shadow of “ Lilla’s Cross,” that the “ Derwent” takes its rise ; and, descending in a meandering form, with many a pretty waterfall, it traverses the monotonous expanse of moor in a south-easterly course until it meets at the foot of the upper end of Langdale Pike the “ Luggerhowe” stream coming from Harwood Dale, and unitedly they enter the Barnescliffe Valley. From this point to Hill’s Green Bridge is a nice stretch of stream, full of small yet toothsome trout, of which Lord Derwent is the owner, and who liberally grants permission to honest anglers. That portion of the Derwent which is preserved by the club is a pleasant fishable stream, with abundance of trout and a few grayling, though neither of them are of large size, averaging about three to the pound. The stream may be briefly described as one of alternate pool, with here and there gravelly streams, fringed on both sides with trees and bushes where trout love to hide and dwell and to watch for their daily ephemeral food. Through the Forge Valley the stream runs deep and sluggishly, but many a lusty trout lies there in ambush, only to be interviewed when there is a wind blowing up or down the valley. A practical hand then may readily fill his pannier. Lord Derwent and Lord Londesborough are the chief proprietors, and are the liberal patrons of the Club, though there are other riparian owners, all of whom generously place their respective waters at the disposal of the members. The Derwent being at such a convenient distance from Scarborough and easily accessible by rail, are great facilities for the members reaching the stream. The Club was formed upwards of forty years ago, namely in 1839, and, from its many surroundings, has always been a popular SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 53 one, especially with the gentry residing in Scarborough. The managers have a breeding establishment at the Forge Cottages, and for many years past have turned out from 10,000 to 20,000 fry, so that the stream is kept constantly replenished with an abundant stock of fish, to supply diver- sion for its many members, who occasionally jostle each other —as for instance in the Mayfly season, when every one is anxious for the fray and to secure a basket. If, however, the angler should fall on an untoward day, when trout decline conclusions with his “ gentle art,” he has before him magnificent scenery which will well repay him for his outing, though he may have to return home with an empty creel. T. B. Etty, Esq., of Scarborough—a relative of the dis- tinguished painter—is the acting and obliging honorary secretary of the Club, which consists of 40 members, subscribing two guineas each annually and three guineas entrance. THE DART DISTRICT FISHERY BOARD Exercises certain powers of control over a defined district, the limits of which were settled by a certificate from the Secretary of State dated 26th of March, 1866, under the powers conferred by the Salmon Fishery Acts ; and under the same powers the members of the Board are appointed by the Magistrates at Quarter Sessions. The Board has the power to issue licences, without which no person (not excepting owners of property) can fish. The Chairman is Jeffrey Michelmore, Esq. of Totnes, while the Hon. Secretary is Anthony Pike, Esq., of the same place. DERWENT VALLEY ANGLING ASSOCIATION. At a public meeting held at the Town Hall, Shotley Bridge, on Tuesday, March 9th, 1865, to consider the 54 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION propriety of forming an association for the protection of fish in the River Derwent, the late Thos. Wilson, Esq., of Shotley Hall, in the chair, it was resolved : I. That the above Association be formed for the above object. II. That it be governed by a president and a committee of not less than six members, with secretary and treasurer. III. That Mr. Wilson, of Shotley Hall, be president, and that the provisional committee to carry out the resolutions of meeting should be composed of the following gentle- men, viz: Mr. John Armandale, Mr. Thos. Ramsay, Mr. Geo. Peile, Mr. Thos. Richardson, Mr. (now Dr.) Renton, the Rev. W. Cundill, Mr. Featherstonehaugh, and Mr. Thirlwell, Mr. A. Town (Hon. Treasurer), the Rev. F. B. Thompson, and Mr. Booth (Hon. Sec.). IV. That such committee be authorised to communicate with the landed proprietors along the bank of the river, asking their co-operation, &c., and report to future meeting, together with proposed rules and regulations for working of the association. V. That a subscription list be now opened and _ sub- scriptions solicited towards funds of the Association. At a public meeting held on Monday, 30th October, 1865, the report was presented and rules adopted, while it was settled that fishing should commence on the 16th of March, 1866, and close on the Ist of October. Tickets Ios. each. The first subscription amounted to £ 32. Since March 1879 the tickets to new members have been 5s. to old members 2s. 6d. From report of annual meeting held in February last I find that the Society commenced earlier, viz., on March Ist instead of 16th. Since its formation 6,000 fry (farzo and SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 55 levenensis) have been introduced in the river and tributaries. (Fishing in the latter is strictly prohibited.) The subject of introducing grayling is postponed for the present. THE EAST ANGLIAN PISCATORIAL SOCIETY. This Society had its origin in the City of Norwich, and was founded by Mr. Alfred Palmer, the then proprietor of the Great Eastern Hotel. It was first started in the year 1870, and up to the present time has had a most successful career. The society consists of, and is limited to thirty members, besides several honorary members. Prominent amongst the latter is the name of Edward Birkbeck, Esq., M.P., as also the names of W. H. Grenfel, Esq, M.P. for Salisbury, and Edward Fanshaw Holley, Esq., of Gunyah Lodge, Norwich. The above gentlemen have taken a keen interest in the welfare of the Society. The members meet once a month for the transaction of business, special meetings for readings, and “Social Board” meetings are held at intervals. The society has done much in prohibiting netting and other unfair fishing both in the rivers Yare and Bure. THE EATON FISHING CLUB. The club preserves about three miles of the rivers Lugg and Arrow, commencing a mile below the town of Leominster, Herefordshire. The water which runs through land belonging principally to the Earl of Meath is well stocked with both trout and grayling. This society was originally formed some thirty-five years since, and is limited to fourteen members. Since then it has passed through various changes in rules and con- 86 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION stitution, and is now managed by a committee of local gentlemen. THE ESK FISHERY ASSOCIATION Was founded in the year 1866, and consists of the land- owners consenting to the preservation of their portion of the stream by the club, and persons who subscribe to the whole of the club waters. This Association has done good and important work in breeding salmon, having turned into the river not less than 100,000 fish. Last season more salmon were taken with the rod than sea-trout or bull- trout. THE GRASSINGTON, THRESHFIELD AND LINTON ANGLING CLUB Was commenced in 1855, for the purpose of preserving a length of about three miles of the river Wharfe near Grassington and between the Kilnsey and Burnsall angling waters. The fishing is almost entirely for trout and grayling. : The present subscription is 10s. for a season ticket, and 2s. 6d. for a day ticket. The Club is managed by a committee consisting of a president, secretary, and three other members of the club. Tickets may be obtained from the secretary, Mr. William Harker, Grassington, near Skipton, Yorkshire. GREAT GRIMSBY ANGLING ASSOCIATION. This Association was formed a short time back by Mr. Hollingsworth, “Mason’s Arms Hotel,’ Grimsby. It now numbers 100 members, and has secured by rental a great part of the “South Navigation Canal.” The society rents several fishing streams. The river Ancholme is within SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 57 easy reach of the vicinity of Grimsby, and contains numbers of bream, roach, perch, pike, &c. It is the property of the “ Ancholme Commissioners,” who issue a season ticket at the moderate charge of 55.; it is strictly preserved, and affords excellent sport. From the docks a stream called the “Haven” runs for miles through several adjoining villages, and contains plenty of trout and roach; it is preserved in some parts by the owners of the land through which it passes. The docks abound in roach, pike, &c., and the fishing is free. The Association is managed by a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and a com- mittee of twelve members, and is in a very flourishing condition. Their head-quarters are the “Mason’s Arms Hotel,” Grimsby. KING’s LYNN ANGLING ASSOCIATION. This society was started in December 1880—the origi- nator being H. Bradfield, Esq. It preserves the Gaywood river, and hires the Middle Level Main Drain, the Hundred Feet river, Roxham Drain, and the Drain—Downham or St. John’s Eau—the Walks rivulet, Long Pond, and Lake, the latter being provided for the fishing of the inhabitants of the borough free of charge. The Association rears large numbers of trout fry, part of which are procured from parent fish in the neighbourhood. The greater portion of the ova is hatched in the Lynn Museum—entrance to which is free—and the operation is one of great attraction to the inhabitants. The young fry is afterwards transferred to a nursery pond. Last year 15,000 fry were hatched, and this year 20,000. | The annual subscription is 5s., honorary members 41 Is. and tos. 6d. The Hon. Sec. is H. Bradfield, Esq., of Gay- wood Road, Lynn. 58 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION LIVERPOOL ANGLING ASSOCIATION. — Head-quarters, “Strawberry Hotel,’ West Derby Road, Liverpool. Some four years ago a number of anglers who were in the habit of meeting at the above hotel conceived the idea of forming an angling association, and after some difficulty succeeded in their endeavour. The number of members at first was thirteen, but this has now increased to 100, with about twelve hon. members. They had great difficulty in obtaining or renting fishing waters, but have now secured the right of fishing in the reservoir of the Ruabon Water Company, which is well stocked with trout averaging half a pound each. About 2000 Lough Neagh trout have been placed in the brook leading into the reservoir as a trial, with the intention of placing some 10,000 more there if this attempt is successful. They have also got permis- sion from the Parks Commissioners to fish in the Park lakes. The President is James Wilkinson, Esq., while the Hon. Sec. is Mr. R. Woolfall, of 27 Troughton Road. LOWER MONNOW FISHING CLUB. This Club is limited to twenty-five members, paying an annual subscription of £5 each, and has the fishing for about nine miles on the lower Monnow. The trout average three to the pound; fish of three and four pounds are, however, frequently caught. There are vacancies for more members. The Hon. Secretary is R. Wrightson, Esq., Newport, Monmouth. LOWER TEIGN FISHING ASSOCIATION. This Association was formed in February 1876, after a public meeting held at Newton Abbot on the 24th of that month. All the principal landowners on the Teign and its SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 59 tributary the Bovey gave up their fishing rights to the Society. Since then part of the Bovey has been withdrawn, and the Association right now extends for about nine miles up the Teign, and about two miles up the Bovey. ‘Tickets are issued to the public at 10s. 6d. for the season, 5s. per month, 2s. 6d. per week, and Is. perday ; a trout licence of 2s. 6d, and a salmon licence of 41 Is., is also imposed by the board of conservators. m@he* Secretary is. the Rev. J. Yarde; of Culver House: Chudleigh, while the Treasurer is Sidney Hacker, Esq., of Newton Abbot. THE MARKET DEEPING ANGLING SOCIETY. The right of fishery in the river Welland at Market Deeping extends from a point at the end of Mr. Thorpe’s mill-stream to Kenulph’s Stone, a distance of six miles, and formerly belonged to the Crown as Lord of the Manor of East and West Deeping. It was let until 1872 to a fisherman who netted it at all times and seasons, sparing nothing. Mr. S. B. Sharpe represented the matter to Mr. Gore, Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Woods and Forests, who accordingly discharged the tenant and accepted Mr. Sharpe, in company with Mr. Holland and Mr. Molecey, of that place, as tenants. In 1875 the manor was sold, and in 1877 the right of fishery was purchased by a few local noblemen and gentlemen, consisting of the following :— Lord Kesteven, Lord Burghley, William Holland, William Beadzler Deacon, George Linnell, John Thorpe, John Mole- cey, Twigge Molecey, Edmund Lawlett, and Samuel Bates Sharpe, Esqs., and an angling society formed which has been eminently successful. The Welland is a very good breeding river, running over a gravel bottom, the lower parts running through low-lying lands which in winter become flooded, 60 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION and form what is called Crowland Wash, a few miles below Deeping, and there the fish, especially pike, breed in great numbers. The dace in the higher waters about Deeping are very fine and rise freely to the fly ; large numbers have been caught from eight to fourteen ounces. Through the efforts of the proprietors, aided by the untiring exertions of the Hon. Sec., Mr. S. B. Sharpe (who is also on the Council of the National Fish Culture Association), the river Welland at this portion literally teems with fish. The object of the Society being “the preservation of fish for legitimate sport,” and that alone, the rules are extremely liberal to anglers—the annual subscription of five shillings, for example, including the head of a family and his young children. THE MIDDLEHAM ANGLING ASSOCIATION. This Society was founded in 1880, and preserves the fishing on the river Cover (a tributary stream of the Yore). The water contains trout and grayling, and is rented from the lord of the manor, J. Wood, Esq. The members at present number about twenty, and pay an annual subscrip- tion of £1 Is. with an entrance fee of a like amount. dhe. President is -S. I. Scrope- Esq, of Danby Halk Bedale; Secretary and Treasurer, Ji: E. Miller Esq? Middleham, Bedale. THE NENE ANGLING CLUB. This Club was established in 1856, Dr. Webster being the first President and J. Hensman, Esq., Hon. Secretary. They preserve from twelve to fourteen miles of the river Nene. The water contains jack, bream, perch, carp, &c., and large bags are frequently made. A bream of 6 lbs. and a carp of 9? lbs. were lately taken from the water. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 61 The annual subscriptions are £3 3s. for the whole fishery extent ; from the Paper-mills to Castle Ashby, £1 Is.; and 10s. 6d. for the third fishery, from the Paper Mills to Billing; there being also an entrance fee of 10s. 6d. for the whole water, and 5s. for the £1 Is. preserve. President, the Rev. H. Smyth, Little Houghton; Hon. Bec, fl. Py lensman, Msq, NORWICH PISCATORIAL SOCIETY. This Society was originated by Mr. W. Capon, of Norwich. It numbers 50 fishing and a large number of honorary members. The annual subscription is 1os., hon. members 20s. The Club gives a very fine Challenge Cup, to be won twice before becoming the property of any member. Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. W. G. Capon, Mar- ket Street, Norwich. THE NORTHAMPTON WORKING MEN’S ANGLING CLUB Was formed May 22nd, 1876, and now numbers 80 members ; fishes about $ miles of private water in the Nene. Annual subscription 8s. 6, hon. members Ios. 6d. The Society has several prize competitions during the year. Its head-quarters are at the ‘Half Moon’ Inn, Bridge Sircet.s sllon, occ: Mr. J. Jamies, 10) Pike ane: NEWARK AND MUSKHAM FISHERY ASSOCIATION. This Association was formed 1868, it has about 4} miles of private water rented from Lord Middleton and H. Manners- Sutton, Esq. The number of members is about 70, paying a subscription of 15s. per annum for a single ticket, and 41 1s. for a family ticket. The limits of the fishery are defined as follows, and include some of the very finest 62 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION lengths on the river Trent. The “Muskham Fishery” extends on the north bank of the river from the “ Fir Trees” in Kelham Lane to the fence dividing the parishes of North and South Muskham, two fields below “Toder’s Holt ;” and on the south bank, from the fence dividing the parishes of Kelham and South Muskham, nearly opposite the aforesaid “Fir Trees,” to the fence dividing the same parishes opposite the Bottom Lock. The “Dead Water” and “ Muskham Fleet” are also included in the Fishery. The Hon. Secretary of the Association is J. Neal, Esq., of Mount Schools, Newark-on-Trent. OTLEY ANGEING ‘CLUB. The Otley Angling Club was formed in 1876, principally through the kindness of Ayscough Fawkes, Esq., of Farnley Hall, who gives to the Club about six miles of fishing on one side of the river Wharfe. The number of members is limited to 30, paying an annual subscription of £3 and an entrance fee of £2. The society hatches about 26,000 trout fry annually and places them in the river. The President is Ayscough Fawkes, Esq., while the Hon. Sec. is R: M. Pratt, Esq., Otley: THE REDDITCH PISCATORIALS. The Club was established a short time ago to meet the requirements of the working-men anglers (who are mostly engaged in the Redditch hook, &c., manufactories). So far it has been a decided success. The subscription is Is., with 1d. for a book of rules. The Club has been greatly assisted by several of the manufacturers giving prizes to be fished for. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 63 President, Mr. George Welch; Secretary, John E. Wilkes, 31 Edward Street, Redditch. RYEDALE ANGLING CLUB. The Ryedale Angling Club was formed June Ist., 1846, and consists of 20 members paying an annual subscription of £4 4s. and £2 2s. entrance fee. They rent from Lord Feversham the length of water from Helmsley Bridge to Newton, a distance along the stream of about 4 miles; the fishing is restricted to artificial fly and dead minnow. The river Rye is a good trout and grayling stream, and is strictly preserved both above and below the Club water. The Honorary Secretary is Bryan Ed. Cookson, Esq., of 40 Holgate Road, York. SHREWSBURY AND SEVERN ANGLING SOCIETY. This Angling Society was started in March, 1882, having then 70 members, which have increased to I10 at the present time. The honour of originating it belongs chiefly to T. H. Morgan, Esq. The annual subscription is 2s. 6d, Witte issentrance fees hon, members 10s, 6¢. The Society has promoted an Act of Parliament to do away with netting in the part of the Severn within the limits of the borough. President, James Watson, Esq., of Berwick Hall; Hon. Sec., T. H. Morgan, Esq., Shrewsbury. THE SPALDING ANGLING CLUB. This Club was formed in the year 1864. The fishing exists inthe Drains belonging to the Deeping Fen Drainage Trustees and extends over some 25 miles of water, the Society also has a reach of about four miles of the River Glen. 64 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION Tickets are issued to subscribers at the rate of £1 Is. for double tickets and Ios. 6d. for single. The Hon. Secretary is J. G. Calthrop, Esq., of Spalding. THE STOUR FISHING ASSOCIATION. This Association was formed in January 1866, in the place of an old private club which had almost become extinct. They preserve part of the River Stour, containing some of the finest trout in England, and also breed artificially with success. The number of members is limited to 100, paying an annual subscription of £3 3s. to £5 5s. and an entrance fee of £10 10s. Hon. Sec., Captain Lambert, Stanmore, Canterbury ; Assistant Sec. Mr..F. G. Haines, 9 Watling Street, Canterbury. ST. JoHN’s AMATEUR ANGLERS’ ASSOCIATION. This Association was formed about five years ago by several anglers residing at St. John’s, Worcester, with a view to securing for themselves good fishing waters and to encourage sportsmanlike angling. The number of members is limited to 30, paying an annual subscription Of 25,107, Hon. Sec., Arthur Hill, Fern Villa, St. John’s, Worcester. UPPER EXE FISHING ASSOCIATION. This Association was formed in February, 1851, by the owners and occupiers of land on the river Exe, and was then called “The Occupier’s Exe Fishing Association,” but has since been altered to the above title. Cards for the season are issued at £1 Is.; monthly, 1os.; weekly, 5s. ; day, 25. 6d. The extent of fishing is about five miles up the river Exe, SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. (65 from Thorverton Bridge to near Beckleigh Bridge, and comprises the best fishing in that river. The Hon. Secretary is W. C. James, Esq., Thorverton, Collumpton, Devon. TRENT FISHERY BOARD OF CONSERVATORS. The chief honour of the establishment of this important Board belongs unquestionably to Thomas Worthington, Esq., solicitor, of Derby, who in 1863, by means of a series of letters addressed to the Derby Mercury, called public attention to the fact that no proper steps had been taken, under the Salmon Fisheries Act of 1861, for the preser- vation of the Trent. Ata public meeting which followed, Mr. Worthington and another gentleman, on the motion of the late Sir Oswald Mosley, Bart., were appointed the first conservators under the act. The movement greatly inte- rested the then Lord Vernon and other fishery proprie- tors, amongst whom was Mr. Dennison, the then Speaker of the House of Commons. In June 1864 a meeting of fishery proprietors was held at Mr. Dennison’s residence, when an association was formed, and called the “ Trent Fishery Association.” Mr. Thomas Worthington, and Major Scott, of Knaith Hall, near Gainsborough, were appointed joint honorary secretaries, In 1865, the Salmon Fisheries Amendment Act having been passed, the Trent Fishery Association was duly formed into the “Trent Fishery Board,” in pursuance of the act. Major Scott resigned the honorary secretaryship, and Colonel G. M. Hutton, of Gate Burton, Gainsborough, was appointed in his place, and still remains hon. secretary. In December 1880 Mr. Worthington, in consequence of ill-health, was compelled to resign the hon. secretaryship, F 66 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION and Mr. C. K. Eddowes, solicitor, Derby, was appointed clerk and solicitor in his place. TONBRIDGE ANGLING CLUB AND FISH PRESERVATION SOCIETY. This Society was established at Tonbridge about eight years ago to preserve the upper reaches of the Medway, and put a stop to the continuous poaching and netting which was then going on. The Society received great assistance from the riparian proprietors, and is now in a very flourishing condition. They have recently acquired “The Ballast Pit,” a lake of about six acres, which it is the intention of the association to stock with trout. The annual subscription is 10s. 6a. for the whole fishery, and 5s. for part; day tICKELS, 15: President, A.-T. Beeching, Esq.; Hon. Sec, Mr. E. Hollomby, Quarry Hill, Tonbridge. UNIVERSAL ANGLING SOCIETY. This Society was formed in 1872, and was principally composed of the former members of the “ Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Angling Association,” which had ceased to exist as a club in the preceding year. The association owes a great deal of its present success to the good services and management of Mr. Thomas Maplebeck, who was for several years their president. The number of mem- bers at present is eighty, paying an annual subscription of 8s. with an entrance fee of Is. Secretary, Mr. W. H. Barker, High Street, Hull. THE WATFORD PISCATORS. This Society was established in March 1882, for the purpose of putting a stop to the poaching which was going on in the public waters of the neighbourhood, and to rent SOGIE RIES OF LONDONAND THE PROVINCES. 67 fishing for the exclusive use of its members. In May the club got under their control about half a mile of the river Colne from the railway arches to the Leathersellers’ Arms, and some time afterwards secured a reach of the canal from Cassio Bridge to Beasley’s Lock. The number of fishing members is limited to 50, with numerous hon. members. The annual subscription is 5s. Flon. Sec., Mr. H. A. Vincent, 4 Carey Place, Watford. LONDON ANGLING CLUBS. I now come to an entirely distinct consideration of the “Angling Clubs” of London pure and simple. It is very likely that a certain class of unreflecting people, or people who don’t know any better, may imagine that the sole aim and ambition attendant upon the formation or weekly gathering together of the members of an angling club is centred in the consumption of a good deal of fourpenny ale, unlimited grogs, and the strongest sort of tobacco. Now and again it is possible, but they are very isolated instances, that this view of matters represents something like the facts of the case. More frequently such an un- generous reading is as far wide of the mark as the North Pole is to California. Then, again, it may be asked ‘What good do angling clubs effect ? what are they really doing that is worth doing? and what might they not do? Truly three such queries open up a terrible vista of argument, and although the first question may be, and is, easy enough to answer, the two following must inevitably place the ma- jority of the angling clubs, to speak simple truth, in a by no means complimentary or particularly enviable position. What good do angling clubs effect? Well, by way of EH 2 68 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION answering that question I will endeavour to show the difference between angling clubs past and present. At a date by no means very far antecedent there were, comparatively speaking, only a very few angling clubs in existence. Such as they were, they embraced all the best and longest-lived societies then in being, with some few of the now rapidly springing body of piscators, constantly resolving themselves into some new club, and which might, under proper skilled management, become in time a mighty host, powerful to do good. Such angling societies as existed then, or many of the members at any rate, were anglers only in name. They re- cognised, save with rare exceptions, no fence seasons at all, and as to size, bagged every living thing in the shape of a fish that they could entice with either worm or gentle. It was no disgrace then for an angler proudly to display in the club room, as the result of his day’s sport, such a col- lection of fish as nowadays he dare not even bring home. It was literally shocking in those degenerate days to see what baby fish were slaughtered. It was sad to think that men were amongst us calling themselves sportsmen— Heaven save the mark !—who were content to base their claim to the title upon the wretched laurels they might win by the production of such a tray of fish as would have almost disgraced the doughty deeds done in the days when the embryo angler sallied forth armed with a pea- stick, bent pin, some stolen cotton, and a borrowed pickle bottle. However, such were the facts, and I turn gladly to a contemplation of the picture in our own day. That resolves itself into a totally different one. Anglers nowadays are, in the first place, restricted by most wholesome rules, which bar them from showing anything but fairly good sample fish, and in the second, I fully SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 69 believe that their latent sportsmanlike feeling has been so thoroughly developed by good example, that in many cases they would not exhibit poor specimens even if they had the chance. A very strong feeling, emanating it is only right to say with the “Gresham Angling Society,” has sprung up of late years against the promulgation of “gross weight competitions,” and in favour rather of specimen fish. The scale of weights has been fixed in all cases at a fair size, and in many instances some of the clubs—and notably those old Societies, “The Piscatorial Society” and “The Friendly Anglers ”»—fix their weight at a very high standard indeed. How different from the old days, when everything in the shape of a fish was bagged, and the waters north, south, east, and west of the compass, were slowly, it is true, but not the less surely, depleted and gradually fished out. I may ask now, What are the London Anglers doing for the common good of their brethren? and the answer, without giving offence, which I should be sorry enough to do, is one especially difficult to shape nicely. In the first place they have established by joint effort, spread over certain districts, three institutions by means of which cheap railway facilities have been obtained from all those companies whose permanent way leads to well-known angling resorts. These are the West Central Association ot London and Provincial Angling Societies, The United London Anglers’ Central Committee, and the Central Association. In the next place, they have founded what should be known as the best and most important work that the London anglers, as a body of sportsmen, have ever at- tempted to give root and birth to, in the shape of “The Anglers’ Benevolent Association.” This has for its main object the assistance of anglers who through declining 70 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION years, or the working of that strange unwritten law which would seem to hamper some unfortunates with the unvari- able and accursed sting of poverty, sink gradually into a pitiable state. Before its institution, and when a properly accredited member of an angling club fell into distress, there was nothing by way of relief save the “whip round” with its open declaration of distress, sometimes especially hurtful to a man’s feelings, but which, to the credit of his comrades, they were never disposed to shirk. Now a dis- tressed angler simply makes his case known to the Com- mittee of that institution, and he is instantly relieved to the best of its ability. But is this institution, which should be one of the first and most important, properly supported? No, I answer— emphatically no ; yet the very men probably who hesitate in the time of prosperity to put their shilling into its funds are the very men who would think they were hardly dealt by if, in the hour of need, they were not offered pounds. My friend Mr. Geen, the hard-working practical “ anglers’ friend,” if ever man deserved the title yet, has lately written a paper, which has been read before various Angling Societies, upon “The better Organisation of the London Anglers.” I had not intended to trench upon the ground he, in that admirable and sensible essay, has taken up, but he speaks so much more powerfully than my feeble pen is capable of expressing, that I shall not hesitate, with many apologies for so doing, to quote here and there his opinions, mainly as a means of strengthening my own. Hear what he says, ye London Anglers, concerning this same “ Anglers’ Benevolent,” and mark, learn, and inwardly digest the wisdom of his repeated warnings. “ Another fault, and not a small one, is the difficulty of getting members to join. One of the chief reasons which SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 71 caused me to work for the society was the hope that begging would be done away with. I feel certain that there have been more journeys undertaken, and more earnest pleading, and eloquent speeches made to get members to join the Anglers’ Benevolent than was ever made for the needy angler under the old system. “ And what does all this begging for members produce ? 637 8s. 7d.—actually a smaller sum than they took out of it. No one could possibly take exception to a single item of the expenses, yet they amount to 431 3s. 4d., which is only £5 15s, less than the members’ subscriptions.” The last good working of the London anglers, or at any rate its outcome, is the establishment of the “ United London Fisheries Association,” having for its object the renting and stocking of various waters for the use and pleasurable enjoyment of its members. Now the business working of these five associations means simply and totally, apart from their admirable objects, a sheer waste of both time, labour, and money. Mr. Geen’s great idea, and in this I fully and entirely join issue, is that all might be comprised under one general head, and that in lieu of five sets of officers, embracing three presidents, two vice-presidents, five chairmen, five treasurers, fifteen trustees, five committees of twelve each, and five secretaries, all might be well and efficiently done by one set of officers alone, and that in opposition to the ridiculous issue of three sets of privilege tickets for rail- way purposes, all might be easily comprised in one, saving trouble, expense, and a lot of entirely unnecessary round- about business. What would be the result? There would be more money at command to help the various Preservation Societies, at present greatly neglected ; there would be still 72 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION more to help to stock the waters, at present absolutely in the London anglers’ hands, and get them more efficiently protected and watched, and there would be still more left vested, and ready when needful, to help and assist the sacred cause of charity. I quote Mr. Geen again, because no language of my own could make the question of how is this desirable result to be obtained more clear than he does. Te first of all tells us that-there are 2117 enrolled members of one or other of these split-up associations. Some belonging to one, some to another, but few to all three combined. Upon the question of ways and means he says :— “T have left the important matter of ways and means until the last, as I thought it best you should first be informed as to the nature and extent of my other sug- gestions. “At present we pay Is. to the association of whom we get a privilege ticket, and Is. to the Fisheries Society; so that the yearage is now 2s. Then the Benevolent steps in and asks us to voluntarily pay them 1s. Six hundred and ninety-one out of the 4117 responded to that appeal, and paid over £37 8s. 7a. How much easier, how much fairer and more satisfactory that we should all pay 3s.! I hope no one will accuse me of being unmindful of my poorer brother anglers. I would not be a party to taking a single penny unnecessarily from their pockets, and before I could bring myself to consent to make this suggestion, I had ascertained that it is the poor angler that is paying the 3s. now. I have also asked myself the question, ‘What do I offer in return?’ The answer is, your railway concessions shall be guarded, and, if possible, extended ; your free rivers shall be protected, and private waters shall SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. “73 be rented for you; the needy and distressed among you shall be relieved. “Three shillings per year means a trifle more than one halfpenny a week. Many of you must have been struck with the wonderful penny’s-worth offered. Cheap tra- velling, good sport, pleasure and charity for one half-penny per week. Small as this sum is, it would produce 4617 IIs. The donations and annual subscriptions to the Benevolent amount to £65 17s. 8¢@., making our gross income £683 8s. 8d. Out of this sum we must pay our secretary and bailiff, vote a sum to the Benevolent committee, and provide for printing, stationery, stamps, and general expenses. “Much will depend on our getting a good practical secretary, whose salary I fix at #150 per annum, payable monthly, not Wieaihy aus: as ae we Ve L502 OneO Head bailiff, 30s. per week eye aes 7,5) BOwm© Benevolent vote (the amount expended last year) me ate ae on Fe) fe) Xe) Present amount paid for printing, station- ery and stamps, £133 15s. 5a. ; proposed amount 433 155. §@d. (his “sum would be found ample, if not more than sufficient, when augmented by the numerous advertisements which a fully paid secretary could get) ae oye 2255 95 Incidental expenses as 50 ne 20 OO Total See eso) thas Which leaves us an available balance of £351 13 3 “What are we going to do with this handsome sum of money? Why, give it to the Preservation Committee, Th GLE ANGLING CLUBS’ AND PRE SIARVA LLON. who, with the active assistance of our secretary and bailiff, and with our support and encouragement, will remove those cruel evils in our present system of preservation.” The following short particulars give some idea of the formation and history of such few of the London Angling Societies as responded to my application for them. I regret personally that they are so few, in opposition to the lengthy list of provincial societies. The regret, however keenly felt, will not unfortunately supply the deficiency. THE PISCATORIAL SOCIETY. In the year 1836 a few friends, who were in the habit of meeting at the “Granby Tavern,” South Audley Street, Grosvenor Square, who were devoted to angling, and frequently made parties for competing in a friendly manner, resolved to form an association to take the name of “The Piscatorial Society.” This was done in October of the same year, the object of the Society being to meet their friends and associates in social conversation and harmony (religion and _ politics being excluded), to encourage fair angling ; while a portion of the funds was to be appropriated to prizes, and forming a museum and collecting works on angling, &c. Rules were formed, and under their Secretary, the late Mr. Cotterill, the Society was launched and has sailed on progressively to the present time. In the course of the past 47 years they have had a great many good anglers, who have contributed largely to the museum and library. The late Frank Buckland, Esq., an old member, was especially devoted to their welfare, and frequently gave a lecture on the Natural History of Fishes. He presented, in conjunction with the late H. L. Rolfe, Esq., a cast of pike, which was painted in his usual excellent SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 75 manner, forming a noble and valuable angling trophy. The late Mr. Chapman, who was Hon. Secretary for several years, contributed largely to the museum and library, and his celebrated composition of the “ Fine Old Jolly Angler” was also presented to the Society. A valuable album of original sketches was presented by T. H. Parker, Esq,., and another, containing comic sketches of the members of the Piscatorial Society, by B. Perelli Rocco, Esq. The library now consists of over 150 volumes, with many valuable paintings and portraits. In 1838 the Society exerted themselves in giving assistance to the formation of the Thames Angling Preservation Society, and one of the members, the late H. Dean, was for several years secretary. The Piscatorial Society have subscribed three guineas annually to that association, independently of the subscriptions of the individual members. The museum consists of a large number of cases, and have been exhibited at the Westminster Aquarium, for which a silver medal was awarded; also at the Fisheries Exhibition, Norwich (silver medal and 415) ; at the Fisheries Exhibition, Edinburgh (a gold medal) ; and now exhibiting at the International Fisheries Exhibition, Kensington. The Society now holds its meetings at “ Ashley’s Hotel,” Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, on Monday evenings at 8 o'clock. The members number 150. THE TRUE WALTONIANS Was established in 1830, and the number of its members is limited to 4o. It seeks rather to avoid than to court publicity, and the feeling of the society is strongly opposed to prize fishing. 76 LHE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION Quoting from its memoirs, I find that “This society was established in the year 1830 to encourage periodical meetings of its members: whereat they might reason, converse or instruct with sober pleasantry and unlicentious hilarity; to promote the principles of fair angling, to vigorously oppose every description of poaching, and to cultivate and advance brotherly and true Waltonian feeling among the members of the society and anglers generally. It also provides for the renting and preserving, for the purposes of angling, such water or waters as may be decided upon from time to time.” THE WALTONIAN ANGLING SOCIETY. After many removals from place to place in search of suitable head-quarters this Society settled down at last at the “ Jew’s Harp,” Redhill Street, Regent’s Park, where they) now number 58 members, and under the secretary- ship of Mr. J. Packman are in an extremely flourishing condition. THE SPORTSMEN’S ANGLING CLUB Is one numbering amongst its members many who devote themselves to other pursuits than a study of the gentle art. One of them is now lion-hunting in Africa, while several other members are fishing on far off continental waters. Its head-quarters are at the “ Lady Owen’s Arms,” Goswell Road, and its Secretary Mr. Benjamin Denny. THE EALING DEAN CONVIVIAL ANGLING SOCIETY Was started in October only of last year, yet already numbers 54 members. They fish for no prizes and have no subscriptions, are very rigorous as to the size of fish shown, and support the Thames Angling Preservation SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINGES. 77 Society. I care not to say more, for if their rules are novel they are at least good. WESTBOURNE PARK PISCATORIAL SOCIETY. This Society, started in 1876, has gradually increased until it stands now with a list of nearly seventy names. Although in existence but seven years the walls of the club-room boast of twenty-three cases of preserved speci- men fish (thirteen of the cases are now being exhibited at the Fisheries Exhibition). Amongst this number may be mentioned the following : Jack weighing 263 lbs.,a Thames Trout 6 lbs., 2 Roach 4 lbs., 1 Dace 16} ounces, and also a very pretty Jack of 16 lbs. taken from the Regent’s Canal by the late Mr. Severn (in which water he recently lost his life), 1 Bream weighing 6$lbs., 1 pair Tench olbs., and also a pair of Carp weighing 16lbs. I may mention that “gross weight” competitions have been entirely abolished in the Society, and none but speci- men fish of the following weights are now recognised: Jack 5 lbs. Bream 3 lbs., Trout 2 lbs., Barbel 2 lbs., Chub 2 lbs., Carp-2 Ibs., Tench 1% lbs., Roach 1 ib., Rudd r Ib: Perch 1 lb., and Dace 4 Ib. WEST LONDON ANGLING CLUB. This Society was formed March 31, 1880, at a meeting held at the “White Bear,” King Street, Hammersmith. It holds its meetings now at the “ Windsor Castle,” and under the secretaryship of Mr. G. S. Benham the Society is in a thoroughly sound condition. THE HAMMERSMITH UNITED ANGLING SOCIETY Is another excellent association of anglers possessing a splendid museum, upwards of sixty members, and under 78 THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION the presidency of Mr. P. Geen and the secretaryship of Mr. J. Hoole is as flourishing as need be. THE WOOLWICH BROTHERS ANGLING SOCIETY, AND WOOLWICH PISCATORIALS. These are two capital clubs, numbering a fair average number of members, established in the town of Woolwich. THE ACTON PISCATORIAL SOCIETY. This excellent Society, small in number yet high of purpose, at its start in 1881 had very few members, yet it now musters forty to fifty. Gross weight is barred, and specimen fish are entirely sought after. Its secretary is Mr. C. Simpson, and its head-quarters the “George and Dragon,” High Street, Acton. GOLDEN BARBEL ANGLING SOCIETY. The above Society was established in the year 1872 at the “Bear and Runner,” Wells Street, Mortimer Street, by Mr. Fullerton, then a fishing-tackle maker of Wells Street, W. Dixe, the late secretary, and six or seven other gentle- men. After some two years or so the Society was removed to the “York Minster,” Foley Street, Portland Street, W., where it still remains. The Society is enrolled on the “West Central Association of London and Provincial Angling Societies,” at whose meetings the Society send two delegates to represent it. The objects of the Society are to promote the interests of its members, so far as regards angling, to assist its members to preserve specimen fish. The Society gives prizes for every species of fresh-water fish, and prizes for the three first gross weights, and one for the gross weight of pike. SOCIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. 79 THE BUCKLAND ANGLING SOCIETY Was formed in September, 1881, and its title taken, as may be surmised, from the name of the late Mr. F. Buckland. Its head-quarters are at the “Middlesex Arms,” Clerkenwell Green, and its secretary is Mr. L. V. Welean: THE ALLIANCE ANGLING SOCIETY Holds its meeting at the “Clerkenwell Tavern,” Farring- don Road. It possesses a good museum of preserved trophies, and under the secretaryship of Mr. T. J. Cundell flourishes exceedingly. CLERKENWELL PISCATORIAL SOCIETY. The above Society was founded in August 1879 by the united efforts of Messrs. Stebbings, Trott and Cooper. Its head-quarters were fixed at the “ White Hart,” Aylesbury Street in Clerkenwell, and at the present time it has about forty members. The contribution is 12s. per annum, which sum clears all expenses. The members fish free waters only. THE GRANGE ANGLING SOCIETY. This Society was formed in 1882, and although only in existence for little more than twelve months, is in a highly efficient state, being both well officered and well supported. Their. head-quarters are at the “Earl of Derby,” Grange Road, the Society having for president W. Hosken, Esq., while its hon. secretary is Mr. William Kayes. This ends the list of the “Angling Clubs of London.” If it is “cribbed, cabined, and confined,” it is not the fault of J. Rea LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, Limitep, STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS. - OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES EXHIBITION, PUBLISHED BY WM. CLOWES & SONS, Limited, 13, Charing Cross, S.W. 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