8 Fly Fishing for Salmon, 



hold will be got on the edge of the rock, and then 

 with a wriggle or two they are safe in the upper 

 water. These leaps have been greatly exaggerated 

 by some writers ; it is doubtful whether a salmon 

 can surmount at one leap any fall above nine feet, 

 more likely under eight. That they get over higher 

 falls it is true, but often, without it being noticed, 

 there is a ledge of rock within the white spray, 

 which gives the fish a moment's rest, and then he is 

 up the two or three feet in an instant. 



In earlier times it was supposed that salmon 

 made this leap by putting their tails in their mouths 

 before making the effort. Izaak Walton believed 

 it, and quotes Drayton for his authority : — 



" Here when the labouring fish does at the pool arrive, 

 And finds that by his strength he does but vainly strive, 

 His tail takes in his mouth, and bending like a bow 

 That's to fiill compass drawn, aloft himself doth throw, 

 Then springing at his height, as doth a little wand. 

 That bended end to end, and started from man's hand, 

 Far off itself doth cast, so does the salmon vault." 



Polyolbion. 



It is strange that such an error should so long have 

 prevailed. Mr. Samuel Taylor ("Angling in all its 

 Branches," published 1800), at p. 107 says, "It seems, 

 however, to be performed by a forcible spring with 

 their tails bent to their mouths;" and Captain 

 Williamson ("Angler's Vade-Mecum," 1822), writes, 



