SALMON ANGLING IN IRELAND. 151 



produced repentance, and repentance newness of life. Let us, 

 however, remember that good resolutions are nil without a patient 

 continuance in well doing. 



About four miles beyond the town of Sligo the great western road 

 runs through the village and close to the river of Ballysidere, and 

 along this route our party posted gaily early in the morning of the 

 last day of June. I had often passed this pretty stream, and always 

 regretted my inability to spend a few hours on its banks ; now, 

 however, with time at my disposal, I looked forward with eager 

 anticipation to a day on an untried water. But over and above the 

 charm of wandering over gi'ound previously unknown was another 

 source of interest, the fishery itself, which may be considered an 

 illustration of what fish cultivation can effect. 



Eleven years since Ballysidere could hardly be said to have had 

 an existence as a fishery. A few salmon and trout scramble over the 

 falls and reach the spawning grounds, to fonn a nucleus on which 

 skill and enterprise were soon about to act. In 1854 or 1855 

 ladders were erected, and now mark the results. During the first 

 season 18 fish were taken ; in the following year 203 ; and, as the 

 excellent manager said, " every subsequent one grew better and 

 better." By the 29th of June, 1863 a very early date, be it ob- 

 served 522 fish were on the books, and by the 3rd of July, 1865^ 

 with four or five of the best weeks yet to come ^the numbers were 

 1482. Thus a fishery has been created in a period not exceeding 

 eleven or twelve years. Here, indeed, is a bright example of what 

 can be effected ; an example which should be held up for the 

 encouragement of all who possess water rights. Were such pro- 

 prietors animated only by commercial views, what golden realities 

 are before them ; but if influenced by higher considerations, 

 what benefactors, might they not become to the age in which 

 they live. I have spoken of Ballysidere merely as a fishery, 

 as a light set on a hill, which ought not to be hid ; so trust the 

 present owner will forgive me, and pardon the unauthorised liberty 

 which has been taken with his property, for the sake of the spirit 

 that prompted the remarks. 



