114 LAXFORD AND BROKA DESCRIBED. 



than 71bs. in weight, but they are handsome, 

 lively, and ftdl of game. Its best month is May, 

 for later in the season it is frequently too low. 

 However, after a flood it is invariably good. A 

 hundred sea-trout may be taken in it in a few 

 hours with a small (No. 10. hook) fly, having a 

 bright yellow body, ribbed with gold or silver, 

 a gaudily mixed wing, and blue jay at shoulder. 

 The size should be varied according to the state 

 of the water. This interesting little river, now 

 rented by Earl Grosvenor and Lord Anson, is fed 

 by Loch Stark, a small piece of water, and one 

 of the best in Scotland for sea-trout anoiins;. 

 Twelve dozen, averaging about 2lbs. a piece, 

 having been caught in it with the fly in one day. 

 The Brora. — This is a small river on the 

 east coast of Sutherlandshire, near Dunrobin 

 Castle. It is, like the Shin, a very early river, 

 and salmon take the fly well in open weather as 

 early as the first w^eek in February. In March, 

 even on a very snowy day, eight fresh-run salmon 

 have been taken by one rod in this river. Its 

 fish are small, but handsome, lively and " wicked." 

 In the spring they take large flies, as large as 

 those I have recommended for the Shin at high 

 water ; but, in bright summer water, the flies must 

 be small, and of sombre hues, like that recom- 



