THE NAVER 265 



catches for four years given by Mr. Augustus Grimble : 



1895 ... 754 



1896 . 306 



1897 ... 364 



1898 , . . 401 



The average for this earlier period is 456, as compared with 

 the average of 361 for the later period, but with unequal periods 

 this result may be misleading, and the river has changed hands 

 since these days. 



There is no obstruction of any kind in the whole course of 

 the Naver, and a descent of 247 feet in 18 miles shows an easy 

 flowing gradient very suitable for spring fishing. 



Loch Naver is not much fished, although both Syre and Ben 

 Klibreck Lodges have a boat on it, but the keepers, when not 

 otherwise engaged, try the loch. It is a bit difficult to get to 

 in winter, but what would not some men give for the privilege 

 these keepers enjoy when not otherwise engaged. From 1st 

 May the hotel-keeper at Altnaharra, which is at the head of 

 the loch, had, in the Duke's time, right of fishing for his visitors, 

 and about 50 salmon were taken annually. It is reported 

 that a few years ago one rod had 52 fish in seven weeks. As 

 in other localities, loch fishing for salmon is not of very much 

 account when spring is over. By that time the fish have been 

 too long in the water to rise freely to the fly. Altnaharra is 

 quite a nice place when you get to it, and when one reads that 

 a daily motor car carries the mails from Lairg, through Altna- 

 harra to Tongue, the journey seems simple. But that long 

 stretch of bleak Sutherlandshire road about 22 miles of it 

 has been quite the worst piece of road I have experienced in 

 Scotland, and that is saying a good deal. The last time I was 

 in the district I was amazed when the motor-man said the solid 

 tyres lasted three months. I felt he was speaking the truth 

 when he said the road, in winter, could not be described in 

 words. This road to Altnaharra seemed to me the greatest 

 obstacle in the way of getting to the place. 

 The six beats of the Naver are divided as follows : 



No. 1. From foot of Loch Naver to Ceannacoille Burn. 



No. 2. From Ceannacoille Burn to low end of Dalvina 

 Pool. 



No. 3. From low end of Dalvina Pool to Skail Burn. 



No. 4. From Skail Burn to low end of Steep Brae Pool. 



