356 PEAIBIE AND FOEEST. 



supposing that the flies and mosquitoes were less numerous; 

 but even if the sport was then to be enjoyed to perfection, 

 the assaults of the insatiable pests would render the most 

 fascinating pleasure of fly-fishing a perfect labour. 



Turning from the house, a foot-path, sufficiently clear to 

 permit you to carry your rod ready for work, leads off to 

 the right, and soon you reach the river, tumbling with a 

 headlong, impetuous rush through several flood-gates and 

 a shoot.* The river above and below the fall is lovely, 

 yet almost the opposite in effect. Looking towards the 

 lake the water is placid and calm, with islands and bay, 

 covered or sheltered with trees, reposing in quiet peace, 

 while beneath the fall, from the effects of the descent, a 

 broad course of white foam water rushing with headlong 

 speed, first striking one margin, then ricochetting towards 

 the other, now divided by abrupt rocks of irregular out- 

 line, or swaying round in real whirlpools, descends on 

 its uncontrollable route. The best stand to fish from, for 

 those who object to wet feet, is a rock about the size of a 

 waggon, thirty or forty yards beneath the falls, on the 

 right-hand side. From this place a person may work for 

 hours with constant success. However, if the visitor be of 

 an adventurous disposition and fears not to wade, the 

 opposite shore is well worthy of attention ; but as the 

 bottom is extremely rough and irregular, and in some parts 

 the current very strong, care must be taken not to make a 

 false step or stumble, as fatal results might be the conse- 

 quence. 1 should advise the constant use of the handle of 



* A smooth incline, down -which the logs are floated. 



