Transactions. 23 



that the whole tract of Scotland is but one single series of admir- 

 able delights, notwithstanding the prejudicate reports of some men 

 that represent it otherwise. For Scotland is not Europe's uvihra, 

 as fictitiously imagined by some extravagant wits ; no, it's rather 

 a legible fair draught of the beautiful creation, dressed up with 

 polished I'ocks, pleasant savannas, flourishing dales, deep and 

 tor23id lakes, with shady fir woods, immerged with rivers and 

 gliding rivulets ; where every fountain overflows a valley and 

 every ford superabounds with fish. Where also the swelling 

 mountains are covered with sheep, and the marish grounds strewed 

 with cattle, while every field is filled with corn, and every swamp 

 swarms with fowl." After a long discussion on religion and 

 politics the two friends, Theophilus and Arnoldus, resolve to 

 undertake a fishing tour through Scotland. Says Arnoldus : 

 '• Whither would your fancy direct you ? " Theophilus : " Into the 

 very centre and bowels of Scotland." Arnoldus : " What would 

 you propound to yourself there ? " Theophilus : " The exercise of 

 the rod, and learn to fish." Arnoldus : " And who shall instruct 

 us?" Theophilus: "Ourselves; who should? You shall be my 

 tutor, and I'll be your pupil." Arnoldus : " If that be your resolu- 

 tion, give me your prospect." Theopliilus : " The flourishing 

 fields and the plentiful streams in Scotland." Arnoldus : " Shall 

 we ramble the Highlands ? " Theophilus : " Ay, and the Low- 

 lands too." The directions given to the angler are acknowledged 

 to be very valuable, much superior to those given by Isaac 

 Walton, of whom Franck speaks with disparagement. In fact, 

 the book is far more valuable to the angler than to one who is 

 searching for information about the districts traversed by the 

 tourists. After fishing- in the Eden and describing Carlisle, 

 Arnoldus says : " It's very true, the river Eden floats near the 

 skirts and the fortifications of Carlisle. But then you must con- 

 sider there's another river commonly known by the name of 

 Annan (of a more rapid motion, and more resolute streams) which 

 issues from the famous top of Ericstaue, not far from as famous a 

 mountain called Tintan. This Annan glides along the southern 

 marches of Scotland, which afterwards espouseth with the ocean 

 westward, and gives name to a dale commonly called Annan's 

 Dale. But there is another river the natives call Esk which juts 

 just upon Annan, on the Scottish promontories, so tumbles into 

 the sea at N. Nor'west, as near as I can guess at Quaking Sands. 



