54 The Atlantic Salmon 



have not forgotten their cunning gained in many 

 an exciting contest with a Hvely sahnon. 



The spring examination is the appetizer for the 

 coming banquet, and the imperative call for it is 

 felt when the warm breezes from the south swell 

 the buds, when the air grows soft and balmy, and 

 you know that the salmon are growing uneasy in 

 their mysterious haunts in the ocean's depths, 

 and, perhaps unconsciously, preparing for the 

 ascent of their native rivers. As " The Tyne 

 Fisher s Call " in " The Fisher's Garland " for 

 1 83 1, begins : — 



" The snow has left the verdant heights, 

 Which stand by rapid Tyne, 

 And spring invites the bhthesome wights 

 Who wield the rod and line," 



so we, on this side of the Atlantic, feel the fever 

 in our veins, and feed it by these preparations, as 

 pleasant as they are necessary. 



Although salmon may be taken with a poor 

 rod and an imperfect reel, a sound, strong line is 

 an absolute necessity. Strength without bulk is 

 the first consideration. I am obliged to differ 

 with those who assume that, because a dead pull 

 of about three pounds at the end of a line will 

 put as big a strain on the rod as any salmon ever 



