CHAP, v.] THE RIVER TAY. 211 



north-west of Perthshire. The loch is well stocked with trout, 

 and large specimens of the Salmo ferox are frequently caught ; 

 but the true salmon (Salmo solar) is not found either in Loch 

 Rannoch or Loch Tummel, their ascent being checked by the 

 Falls of Tummel. Below the falls, however, there are several 

 salmon-fisheries, but they are not very productive. The Tay, 

 after receiving the waters of the Tummel and Garry at Logie- 

 rait, flows onward through beautiful scenery till it reaches 

 Dunkeld, where it receives the tributary stream of the Braan, 

 which has for its source a small sheet of water named Loch 

 Freuchie, situated in Glen Quoich. The scenery around the 

 junction of the Braan and Tay is hallowed by numberless 

 associations of bygone times. Passing beneath the noble 

 arches of Dunkeld Bridge, the Tay flows eastward till it is 

 joined by the Isla, when it again takes a southerly direction 

 until it reaches Perth. On its way thither it receives the 

 tribute of the Almond, the Shochie, and the Ordie. The Isla 

 is a large and important stream, draining as it does a consider- 

 able extent of country, and lending its aid both to miller and 

 manufacturer. The Almond is the next river in importance, 

 .but a tradition connected with it is better known than the 

 river itself. On Lynedoch Braes, which are near the foot of 

 the stream, dwelt the heroines of the poetic legend of Bessie 

 Bell and Mary Gray, in the house which they "biggit" with 

 their own hands, and " theekit ower wi' rashes." The Shochie 

 and Ordie cannot claim the name of rivers, but they are cele- 

 brated as being named in a prophecy attributed to Thomas the 

 Rhymer : 



" Says the Shochie to the Ordie 



Where shall we meet ? 

 At the cross of Perth, 

 When a' men are asleep." 



The Isla, Almond, and the two rivers last named, in common 

 with all the tributaries of the Tay, afford excellent sport to 



