132 WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



of our clear lochs swarm with perch, or fresh- water 

 bass, lying among the submerged grasses, which 

 might be had by the cart-load. And yet no one, 

 above sixteen years of age, thinks them worth rod 

 and line. 



Even pike, of from 15 to 30 Ibs., are left 

 unmolested in their weedy haunts ; and, should 

 occasion arise to thin them out, men are sent 

 down with a net. After pike, and perch fishing 

 are seriously pursued, bass, and saithe may follow. 



Sea -fishing has a charm, lent by its very 

 association with the blue water, and the fresh 

 breeze, and the magic coast-line ; and serves a 

 useful purpose, as a pleasant break on the in- 

 tolerable monotony of a month in a watering- 

 place. But, neither of these entitles it to a place 

 in the first rank of sport. 



