52 THE SALMON 



cauldron or pot, to impale and bring up some portion 

 of the contents. I write feelingly, as I have more 

 than once had my line gaffed by men who ought to 

 have known better, and I have even seen a salmon 

 literally knocked off the line by a blow of the cleek 

 from above. Perhaps it is owing to this disagreeable 

 experience that I prefer when it is feasible to land or 

 gaff my own fish ; but of course this is not every- 

 where practicable. A deep, still place should be 

 selected to gaff a salmon, and if you prefer to beach 

 him you should keep some little distance from the 

 water and rather take advantage of the fish's own 

 movements than drag him nolens vokns on the shore. 

 A steady, direct pull, and then, when he is gasping 

 high and nearly dry, down with your rod and run in 

 behind him and throw him up upon the shore. A 

 smart rap above the snout with a stone or stick will 

 put an end to his floundering, and whatever may be 

 your fortune for the rest of the day, at least you will 

 not return empty-handed. 



