56 THE SALMON 



nothing for it but to make for the further bank at a 



long distance across the raging flood. Leaning the 



butt of my rod, reel and all, into the gravel at the 



bottom, and supporting myself upon it as best I 



could, I crossed sideways with short and laborious 



steps. Well for me that I carried weight, and was 



young and strong. More than once I thought that I 



could stand no longer. 



Yet through good heart, and Our Ladye's grace, 

 At length he reached the landing place. 



I was fairly exhausted when I emerged, dripping 

 but safe, on the friendly shore. 



Stockings, or wading trousers if preferred, are 

 always better than any kind of boot. The inside gets 

 damp with perspiration, but dries easily when turned 

 outside after the day's work. Boots are very difficult 

 to dry. Of course, the foot should be protected by a 

 knitted stocking over the india-rubber, and the brogue 

 over the whole should be well studded with stout nails 

 to give a good foothold and prevent slips. Any mackin- 

 tosh covering is hot and uncomfortable to walk in ; 

 but unless I am obliged to go a long distance on 

 Shanks's mare I always prefer to wear waders. Even 

 in small rivers, where the casts can be easily fished 

 from the banks, it is a great convenience to be able 

 to cross at any ford or shallow— or if boat fishing to 



