THE CREE 407 



exposed to the possible attention of the stroke-hauler. In 

 Frank Buckland's time, and at his suggestion, a rough channel 

 was cut in the rock to facilitate ascent. It would not be 

 difficult, however, to do a good deal more in the way of cutting 

 the gradient down ; and although much of the water above is 

 in open moorland, the proper distribution of fish would, I have 

 no doubt, be distinctly improved. 



The Minnock in its lowest portion has some quiet water, with 

 grassy banks, and the junction pool is of very considerable 

 size, but in following the river upwards fine gravel banks soon 

 appear. These presently give place to stones of a rougher and 

 larger character, and presently rocky ledges and cascades 

 become marked at Glencaird. Three miles above the junction 

 it is joined by the Water of Trool, which descends one of the 

 most beautiful glens of this neighbourhood. It flows from 

 Loch Trool in a narrow, rocky gorge, and at the outlet the 

 stream has been sluiced and the level of Loch Trool brought 

 under power of control. Sir Herbert Maxwell informs me that 

 the effect of the Glen Trool sluice is to make a rise of 8 inches 

 possible on the Minnock, and that this rise may last from six to 

 eight hours. The main water is, however, raised only about 

 4 inches, but if there are fish in the Minnock, a rise such as that 

 referred to is quite sufficient to move fish and improve the 

 sport. On account of the level at which certain dwellings are 

 situated on the side of Loch Trool, it is not easily possible to 

 arrange for the storing of more water than at present. 



Glen Trool and the line of the Minnock converge from either 

 side of a spur of the hills named the Rig of Stroan, which rises 

 in a succession of eminences culminating in the fine mountain 

 of Merrick (2,764 feet). This whole region, with its rich 

 wooding and streams, its lochs and heather-clad slopes, and 

 especially its rock-covered hills, presents on every hand a 

 combination of varied beauty and grandeur which great tracts 

 of the Highlands cannot equal. Few Scotsmen know the 

 beauties of this part of our country. I am always inclined 

 stoutly to maintain that many parts of the Highlands surpass, 

 in their influence upon the mind, anything to be readily found 

 in Europe, and it may be on this planet. Of course, what is 

 most pleasing or impressive to one calls forth no response from 

 another; the personal factor cannot be eliminated in such 



