1 5 o WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



of our Scots streams. Beyond that, the current 

 becomes sufficiently pure for life ; and I have a 

 vivid recollection of spring days with the rod, at the 

 meeting of the waters where two tributaries enter. 



Wiser counsels now prevail ; and halting efforts 

 are being made to clear up the impure interval 

 separating pure stream from pure sea. But, 

 whether the salmon will return to close the reign 

 of the trout; or, whether this is a consummation 

 devoutly to be wished, may well be questioned. 

 The larger fish could scarcely enter, without 

 disturbing the balance of life, and changing the 

 present complexion of sport. Now, we have plenty 

 of good salmon lochs already. This is the one 

 good trouting loch in Scotland. 



Some distance from the loch, the stream becomes 

 straight, almost as the flight of an arrow ; and 

 flows between banks which are manifestly artificial. 

 Thereby hangs a tale. In December 1830, the 

 shallow, winding, natural tail-stream, was deepened 

 and altered, to give more water to the mills on its 

 course. The area of the loch was considerably 

 lessened, to the benefit of the surrounding pro- 

 prietors. 



Many a time have I sat opposite the low Island 

 of St. Serfs, dangling my legs when they were 



