PREFACE. Vll 



famous piscatory university of Scotland. The 

 term was mainly occupied in inquiry, obser- 

 vation, and practice — in conversations, consulta- 

 tions, and friendly disputations with the great 

 masters and practical teachers of the North. I 

 merely mention this to show, that although I 

 am a self-elected teacher, I have tried hard not to 

 deserve being called an idle, or an ignorant one. 

 I shall state briefly the results of my studies. 



The FiEST part of this book will be found to 

 consist of a code of rules for the practice of 

 pure fly-fishing for salmon. I presume the 

 student to be already proficient in the art of 

 fly-fishing for trout, and taking him at that point 

 of progress, I place in his hands the salmon-rod. 

 I tell him of what materials it is to be made ; of 

 what size and shape it is to be ; and I describe 

 the winch and lines best suited for it. I tell him 

 then how to use it, whether for casting the fly, 

 humouring the fly on the water, or striking, 

 hooking, or playing a salmon. I show him how 

 a salmon river is to be fished, and where and 

 when to the best advantage. 



A 4 



