DAYS STOLEN FOR SPORT 169 



large white fly. So we turned inland, and from an 

 eminence enjoyed a sight of the wondrously island- 

 dotted sea, which was soon glorified by a magnificent 

 sunset that dipped each little island in a separate 

 colour and yet compelled the thought of one great 

 mauve expanse to the undetaihng eye. Herring 

 boats, all with the same pecuhar drooping foremast, 

 were making their tortuous journey to the distant 

 open sea, submitting themselves to Nature's tingeings 

 as they passed each isle until at last they all became 

 black specks and the scene displayed no sign of motion 

 save those of changing hues. 



The next day we went on to Glenelg by steamer, 

 a trip all too short and speedy for any but the most 

 impatient. Every few minutes the boat seemed 

 to be making straight for land, only to defeat our 

 guess each time by running into an unseen kyle — 

 a narrow rapid leading to wider waters. 



We arrived at Glenelg at noon. The hotel is an 

 excellent stopping-place for tourists and anglers, 

 and we found a very pleasant company there, of whom 

 the greater number were evidently fishermen who, 

 in spite of a long period of drought, wore brave looks 

 that showed they were well accustomed to the freaks 

 of salmon rivers in summer time. 



'Far too low for the slightest hope, Geen,' was the 

 greeting of a Spring salmon fisher of my acquaintance. 



'Have you tried the pollack?' I inquired of him, 

 and his reply shattered my hopes in that direction 

 completely. 'Yes, several times, and not a pull, and 

 the boatmen say this will be one of the years when 

 none will come.' 



I learned that pollack \'isit5 were very rare, although 

 the rocky ground seemed an ideal home for them. 

 As yet I have failed to find a fisherman who can 

 explain why these fish are always to be found on some 

 rocky coasts and only now and then on others. From 

 experience I have formed -the idea that their chief 



