SALMON FISHING 119 



striking out and looking up we could clearly see our feet above 

 our head. For two or three strokes we fought our hardest 

 to reverse the position, but before we had any chance to try 

 further experiments we were floated against a piece of project- 

 ing rock, and clinging on quickly pulled ourself out. Although 

 smoking at the time of immersion the pipe was not lost, also 

 the rod was kept hold of, which perhaps had something to 

 do with the poor progress made in swimming. John Power, 

 one of the late Sir William Cunliffe Brooks' keepers, was with 

 us that day, wearing a long blue woollen sailor's jersey ; so, 

 as the sun was shining brightly, we stripped to don this 

 garment, and raced up and down the bank to keep warm, 

 while the wet ones having been wrung out were spread on 

 a bush to dry. After a certain time the wind and sun were 

 pronounced to have done their work, so, dressing again, we 

 fished the day out. 



Most anglers have the feet of their waders, as well as the 

 brogues that cover them, made much too small ; for in F'eb- 

 ruary and March it is most desirable to keep as warm as 

 possible while in the water, for if there be the least tightness 

 or pressure on ankles or feet the cold becomes almost painful. 

 For spring wading in snow water we encase ourselves from 

 head to foot in Shetland wool, and tucking the ankles of the 

 drawers into a pair of soft worsted socks, over these come a 

 pair of very warm and long knicker stockings, followed of 

 course by the ordinary raiment of everyday life. Thus attired 

 we walk to the river, and then, before putting on the waders, a 

 pair of soft lambswool sleeping-socks complete the heating 

 apparatus ; but all this will be of no use if the feet are cramped 

 up by either the wader or the brogue. If, however, all fits 

 easily, then thus arrayed we can stay in the water in the 

 coldest weather for an hour at a stretch without being numbed 

 or miserable. Brogues are preferable to boots for wearing 

 over all, as they are quicker to take off and put on when 

 walking from pool to pool ; and if the fisherman have a gillie 



