EGGS FOR GRANDMOTHERS 51 



Lastly comes the process of landing the fish, and r 



it is at this supreme moment that a mistake is most 

 apt to be fatal. When the line is quite short and the 

 salmon is gasping at the top of the water, floundering 

 and flapping his broad tail, a well-directed stroke of 

 that natural weapon may break the cast or release 

 the fly, and you must keep a vigilant eye and a cool 

 head. You have steered him clear of the dangerous 

 rock, coaxed or guided him from the very verge of 

 the perilous rapids, pursued him over slippery 

 boulders, perhaps over your middle in the strong 

 stream your arms ache with the strain of the long 

 struggle. A little patience, and he is yours. Do not, 

 I entreat, spoil all by too impetuous handling. I 

 grant that the sight of the spent giant makes you 

 long to have him on the bank, but beware of reeling 

 up the line too short ; perhaps you may get the knot 

 which attaches the casting-line through the top ring 

 of the rod at all events, you will get a heavy strain 

 in the wrong place, and there will be danger if he 

 nerves himself for a final rush. Above all, keep your 

 gillie cool, if you have one with you, and impress 

 upon him, if he be inexperienced, that it is not his 

 business to catch the fish, but to land him, and that 

 a gaff should not be handled as if it was a hatchet, or 

 a spear, or a fleshhook dashed into a pan or kettle, or 



K 2 



