240 SALMON FISHING IN THE TWEED 



It resembles a trident in its general appearance ; 

 but has five prongs, instead of three, made of very 

 stout iron : there is only one barb to each prong, as 

 two would tear the fish too much in extricating 

 them. This weapon is fastened to the end of a pole 

 more or less long, according to the depth of the 

 water in which it is intended to be used ; sixteen 

 feet is the general length, and it is not easy to see 

 or strike a fish at a greater depth ; but in sunning 

 I have sometimes tied a light rope to the top of the 

 pole, and gone deeper than this with success, but 

 then it was when the river was unusually clear. 

 The preceding woodcut represents the cleik and the 

 leister : the latter is rather narrower, and altogether 

 of a neater make than those in general use. 



In burning, the boat is managed with this leister ; 

 but no one can make use of it in this way who 

 has not learnt to work it with a pole, which art 

 is termed canting, and is, I believe, little under- 

 stood except in the Tweed: in the Tay and the 

 Annan they know nothing of the matter. Now 

 the pole is not used as in punting ; but the man 

 who manages the boat, instead of shifting his place, 

 stands up or sits down at the stern ; he keeps his 

 eye upon her head, and forces her straight up the 

 rapids, pressing the pole in the direction in which 

 he would steer with a rudder. This is in a great 

 measure effected with a twist of the body. If he 

 does not keep her straight in her course, the current 

 takes her at the side, whips her round in an instant, 

 and down she goes, the deuce knows where, head 

 foremost ; nor can you resume your position till 

 you again bring her head up the stream. 



