26 THE SALT OF MY LIFE 



There is individuality in a fish fighting for its exis- 

 tence that cannot be looked for in birds, driven 

 or otherwise ; and even with both the fisherman 

 and his tackle all that could be desired, an un- 

 usually big or cunning fish will sometimes make 

 good its escape. 



THE PEACEFUL SCENES OF RIVER FISHING 



Of such few experiences of river fishing as have 

 fallen in my way this retrospect takes no account. 

 Indeed, I am the poorest of performers with the 

 fly-rod, and my most recent efforts, over the 

 broad pools of the lovely Orchy, left the salmon 

 unmoved, while on Loch Etive, where fresh 

 mingles with salt, and sea-trout, brown trout, and 



