THE ANGLERS SOUVENIR. 



93 



fish. There are some awkward rocks towards the 

 head of the pool which may cut your line ; turn 

 him, therefore, as soon as you can. Now is the 

 time to show your tact, in putting your tackle to 

 the test without having it snapt by a sudden 

 spring. Hold gently ease off a little now hold 

 again how beautifully the rod bends, true from top 

 to butt in one uniform curve ! He has a mouth, 

 though bittad for the first time. Bravo ! his nose 

 is down the water ! Lead him along. Gently; he 

 grows restive, and is about again. Though his 

 course is still up the stream, he seems inclined to 

 tack. Now he shoots from bank to bank, like a 

 Berwick smack turning up Sea Reach in a gale of 

 wind. Watch him well in stays, lest he shoot 

 suddenly ahead, and carry all away. He is near- 

 ing the rocks give him the butt and turn him 

 again. He comes round he cannot bear that 

 steady pull what excellent tackle ; lead him down- 

 wards ; he follows reluctantly, but he is beginning 

 to fag. Keep winding up your line as you lead 

 him along. He is inclined to take a rest at the 

 bottom, but, as you hope to land him, do not grant 

 him a moment. Throw in a large stone at him, 

 but have both your eyes open one on your rod 

 and the other on the place where the fish lies lest 

 he make a rush when you are stooping for a stone, 

 and break loose. Great, at this moment, is the 

 advantage of the angler who has a " cast " in his eye ! 

 That stone has startled the fish no rest for salmo 



