206 WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



seals. During the hotter months, no fish seem to 

 go far up the river, or stay in the upper reaches, as 

 in larger streams. 



The scene, from any of the bridges, at the back- 

 end, is lively, and essentially dramatic. Salmon 

 differ from marine food-fishes, in that they pair, 

 and deposit sunken eggs. Lying on her side, the 

 busy female constructs her redd by fanning up 

 the gravel with her tail ; while the male hovers 

 near, ready to give battle to any intruder. Jealous 

 rivals, and hungry trout, form an interested circle 

 of spectators. 



Many find their way into side burns, with scarce 

 sufficient water to cover their backs. The ease 

 with which they are reached, under such conditions, 

 illustrates the wisdom of the petition, " Lead us not 

 into temptation." Only a sensitive conscience need 

 rob a Tweedside man of fish diet ; and such a con- 

 science, in the matter of taking a salmon, a good 

 many Borderers do not seem to possess. 



Various poaching devices are practised, from the 

 leister upward, according to the state of the water, 

 and the action, and position of the fish. When the 

 river is in spate, a trap is prepared for the running 

 salmon, which could scarcely be excelled for sim- 

 plicity, and ingeniousness. Two nets, one with a 



