116 INTRODUCTION. 



by means of gulf or strait, which, with the tides 

 themselves, forms alternately an influx and reflux 

 current. Across this strait is fixed a wire grating 

 to prevent the escape of the stored fish. The 

 pond of Portnessock in Wigtonshire is a very re- 

 markable one, where the fish are amply provided 

 with their watery element and appropriate food, 

 and, generally, become quite domesticated ; the Cod 

 especially becoming tame, recognising their keeper, 

 accepting the morsel from his hand, and feeding 

 like hogs out of the trough when introduced with a 

 supply of food. The Store of Yalleyfield, on the 

 Forth, the well-known hospitable mansion of the 

 late Sir Robert Preston, contained a great variety of 

 fish. Of these the Turbot, Brill, Salmon-trout, 

 Cod, Skate, Flounder, Smelt, Sole, and Herring 

 were the most distinguished. The food supplied 

 consisted of ofials, broken shell-fish, &c. Many of 

 these fishes were found to thrive well, whilst others 

 lost in flavour and firmness. To render these Salt- 

 water Preserves practically and extensively useful, 

 a little experience and science seem all that is 

 required. In many circumstances the expense of 

 their construction would be trifling, and the satis- 

 faction of possessing them would amply repay the 

 outlay. 



These details must bring us to a close, without 

 touching upon what has been called the Gentle 

 Art^ and those popular associations connected with 

 the Rod, the River, and the Loch, which are usually 



