A DAY ON CLYDE 243 



and a sweep with the net lifts the pair of beauties to 

 the bank overhead. We throw the rod up after 

 them, and scramble downstream to the first place 

 where we find it possible to leave the water. We 

 bring the creel along as well. 



We sit down to rest awhile after these strenuous 

 labours, pleased with all the world. Often have we 

 landed two trout at once ; never before have we 

 been forced to stand motionless during the process, 

 and not until now have we so clearly realised the 

 assistance that running water can be made to give 

 in such a case. In a loch, too, there are difficulties 

 which can all be overcome if the angler who would 

 reap the full benefit of his good fortune will exercise 

 great patience and ignore the net altogether, until 

 the lower fish is ready for it. 



We find we cannot rest, as the trout below con- 

 tinue to rise ; they may cease at any moment, so 

 we toil to our post again. Almost immediately we 

 raise a trout to the dropper, but owing to a short, 

 tight line or an excess of force, or a combination of 

 both, we leave the fly in its mouth. Rather than 

 take the trouble to replace it we continue with the 

 single fly. A fish rises in mid-stream, a fine boil 

 indicative of a heavy trout ; we pull off line sufficient 

 to reach it, make a tremendous effort with an over- 

 head cast, and succeed in hooking a thistle-top 

 behind us on the bank. 



This lapse necessitates a slow walk to the tail 

 again, and involves a loss of time in repairing the 

 damage, but it is time well spent. It serves to 

 quell our excitement, and we determine to avoid 

 further errors. By slow degrees we work up the 

 edge, getting a little encouragement now and then 



