94 ECHOES OF SPORT 



western coasts, both with rod and handline, 

 thanks to a generous friend who put a fine 

 ketch of a hundred and twenty ton at our 

 disposal for a fortnight's cruise each year. 

 There is something peculiarly fascinating 

 in the western seas of our Scottish coasts, 

 whatever the weather be. Indeed, one must 

 see them in all their moods, from resplen- 

 dent sunshine to wildest storms, to be at 

 one with the surroundings. What more ex- 

 hilarating than to be on a magnificent sailing 

 yacht as she scuds before a good breeze, on 

 a sunny day, the waters flashing round her, 

 sapphires set with diamonds ? Like a great 

 white bird she skims along, full of buoyant 

 life, the crew nimble as cats among the ropes 

 and spars, the skipper shouting stentorian 

 orders from the wheel, and handling his craft 

 with a scientific precision that fills us land- 

 crabs with wonder. 



Another of yachting's delights is seeing so 

 much of the night. As long as it be not pour- 

 ing with rain, the deck is one's sitting-room, 

 and a good fur coat keeps out the cold. The 



