ijo THE SALMON 



or dun disappeared at his approach. So, too, he is 

 obliged to cast from his knee, and as he flicks the 

 line behind him in desperate efforts to dry his fly, it 

 disappears with an ominous crack, and it is necessary 

 to go into dock for repairs. The difference between 

 the two sports is almost like that between chess and 

 whist. In the one case the professor has the in- 

 different performer absolutely at his mercy — in the 

 other, while he is secure of considerable winnings in 

 the long run, it is possible that luck may from time to 

 time give the victory to his less skilful adversary. 



I hope that no one will infer from these remarks 

 that it is an easy thing to become a good salmon 

 fisher. It is beautiful to see a real master at work, 

 and I would almost as soon watch such a one as 

 catch fish myself. First, there is the cast. Salmon 

 do not always obligingly put themselves just where the 

 stream will bring the fly over them wherever it 

 may have fallen. Often the place where they lie by 

 some submerged boulder is a long way off, and can 

 only be reached by the highest combined strength and 

 skill. The wind is gusty and squally, there are trees 

 or high rocks behind, and there is but a narrow and 

 treacherous ledge to support the feet, and that is often 

 deep under water in a strong stream. It is no child's 

 play — a false step might be fatal — yet see, the fisher- 



