SALMON 245 



of them are compelled to employ many stout guardians to 

 protect us during these close times, and, knowing all that 

 I now do, it is certain no fish is so mercilessly or so in- 

 cessantly persecuted as we poor salmon. Each day we pass 

 in fresh water we are in danger from poachers, who use 

 spears, gaffs, ' spurge ' or poison, dynamite, and nets, that are 

 not lawful ; then, when what the Foe calls the close time 

 comes to an end, nets innumerable try to take us both in 

 fresh and salt water, the while the prowling Foe on the bank 

 never ceases to tempt us with his insects, minnows, prawns, 

 and worms. 



" All praise, therefore, be to the water gods who inspired 

 me to devise a plan for ensuring a somewhat more certain and 

 peaceful life to all those good salmon who joined in my scheme. 

 Amongst our increasing numbers the seal, the otter, and the 

 poachers are now the only enemies to be dreaded, while it is 

 but little to our credit that the attacks of the two first-named 

 scourges are so often successful. That good fortune, however, 

 which had guarded me through so many perils did not desert 

 me in this matter, for though at times chased sorely hard, while 

 being badly wounded by the teeth of both these enemies, I am 

 yet swimming about in health and safety. As for the poachers, 

 they troubled us but seldom, for as the rules of our company 

 forbade us to proceed very far above the good city of Aberdeen, 

 and as the fish-stealer liketh not publicity or the proximity 

 of those of the Foe who dress themselves in dark blue, he 

 was perforce driven to seek more secluded spots for the carry- 

 ing out of his illegal designs. 



"After comparing notes with many friends dwelling in the 

 Don, the Deveron, the Spey, and the North Esk, I am 

 indeed well satisfied at having been born a Dee fish ; not 

 that I would sing its praises as quite a perfect salmon Paradise, 

 but it is much nearer that way than any of the other named 

 rivers. As to the realisation of a true salmon elysium, I have 

 ceased to dream of such a joy, for I recognise that as long 



