WOKM-FISHING. 45 



patience when rivers are discoloured ; it is con- 

 trary to their notions of sport ; a spate, however, 

 is useful in cleaning the bed of the stream, and 

 stirs up large trout to feed more boldly. 



Although it is when flooded that the banks of 

 a river are most crowded, we can assure our 

 readers it is no true criterion of the best time to 

 fish ; we have enjoyed good sport for a week or 

 two when the river was small, disturbed only by 

 an occasional angler. Whenever the rain came 

 the whole neighbourhood turned out with rods, 

 every one apparently thinking that the most 

 favourable opportunity had arrived. On such 

 days we have seldom found that good takes were 

 general. 



BUKNS. Burns are improved with a little extra 

 water ; when small they require to be fished with 

 much of the skill necessary for the main stream. 

 Light and accurate casting is of great importance, 

 and it is necessary to fish more directly up stream. 

 A shorter rod will be found better adapted for the 

 narrow channel. Burn trout are never very fas- 

 tidious, and generally take either fly or worm 

 greedily ; they afford good sport, but rarely equal 

 in average or quality those met with in streams 

 running through richer soil. The inducement 

 to burn- fishing consists, to a great extent, in the 

 invigorating hill air, fine scenery, and splendid 

 exercise it affords. 



