CASTING FROM ROCKS AND BOATS 177 



climbs up to the road level and a descent at some point 

 farther on. The rocks hereabouts, too, were wonder- 

 fully sharp-edged as compared with others which had 

 been fashioned and polished by the action of water, 

 and there was a general idea of Titanic splintering up 

 that was not a little impressive. 



One pool of the highest repute for salmon in a fair 

 height of water was walled by lofty rocks on the village 

 side, but was fishable from shore on the other. This 

 could only be attained by crossing the river either 

 above or below in a boat, and walking or stumbling 

 to the head of the pool over an acreage of scattered 

 rocks. From the elevation of the road this seemed 

 an easy task, for distance toned down the obstacles so 

 that they appeared scarcely more formidable than 

 pebbles. At close quarters they, however, proved the 

 most fatiguing of all ; they were too high for lightly 

 stepping over, and too far apart for unbroken progress, 

 so that for a quarter of an hour you were letting your- 

 self down and hoisting yourself up these countless 

 hindrances. The stones along the edge of the pool 

 were a trifle smaller, but it was never safe to take a 

 step without looking at your ground. 



You soon get into the way of such a condition of 

 affairs ; you learn that, however the torrent may swirl 

 or roar, you must keep your eye on your foothold, since 

 a small error may plunge you into the current. It is 

 essential, of course, to take advantage of every boulder 

 that affords even an extra foot of command over the 

 pool. The pool in question could only be properly 

 fished by keeping the rod at right angles over the 

 stream, which could be beautifully worked at the edge 

 or centre by the rod-top pointing a little upwards. 

 But to do this you had often to stand on a boulder- 

 perch in the water not larger than your brogue. 



12 



