

CHAPTER XIV. 



SALMON FISHING. 



.ORMERLY, and indeed not so very long ago, no one in 

 the Highlands of Scotland was considered free of the hill, 

 or indeed of any account, unless and until he had slain a 

 stag, a salmon, and an eagle. Nowadays, matters are some- 

 what different. The two former, inhabiting as they do the 

 forests and rivers, are in great request, and have a con- 

 siderable money value, and, in consequence, have passed 

 into the hands of those who have the deepest purses, saving 

 and except where some few Highland lairds and noblemen 

 retain their ancient rights in their own hands, and dispense their hos- 

 pitality amongst their friends as of yore. As for the golden eagle, 

 few would attempt, or even wish, to shoot so noble a bird. The ordinary 

 forest fine of ^500 is a sufficient deterrent, if, indeed, any is necessary. 

 Every effort is now being made, and should be made, to keep the 

 (now, alas ! scarce) king of the birds amongst us. 



But if, as we have said, the large majority of the forests and salmon 

 rivers are rented by those who are able and willing to pay almost any 

 price for the dignity of being lessees of such tempting and highly-prized 

 sporting grounds, the general appetite and desire have developed and 

 grown enormously. Ever-increasing facilities for travelling have brought 

 with them an ever-growing army of men, all eager to get good salmon 

 fishing, and searching high and low to secure it. Norway, Sweden, 

 Iceland, Canada, British Columbia, and a host of other portions of 



