54 THE SALMON 



at the knot as you strike hurriedly at a rising fish, or 

 wears and gives in the long struggle, just losing you 

 the prize at the moment he seems to be your own. 

 Salmon fishing at the best of times must be an 

 expensive amusement, and you are lucky if in tips, 

 rent, and travelling expenses, your fish cost you less 

 than five pounds apiece. It is indeed ' spoiling the 

 ship for a halfpennyworth of tar ' to grudge the 

 necessary cost of thoroughly reliable workmanship 

 and materials. 



The angler must of course be prepared to face all 

 weathers ; often the most disagreeable day, with a 

 strong wind and heavy showers, proves the most 

 productive. Flannel next the skin and a good home- 

 spun suit will turn a lot of water, or prevent much 

 risk of chill if you happen to get a ducking, but you 

 or your attendant, if you have one, should carry also 

 a good stout mackintosh. Don't have it made too 

 short ; shopkeepers are very apt, if you do not take 

 care, to sell you what they call a fishing mackintosh, 

 which just reaches down to your hips. Remember 

 the heel of Achilles ; or, if you are a mechanical 

 engineer, unversed in the classics, that no chain is 

 stronger than its weakest link. If you have to face 

 an Afgyleshire shower with a practicable breach 

 between your wading stockings and your coat, or if you 



