274 Salmon-Fishing. 



way, but be sparing of the line, and maintain a 

 good strain on the rod. Should he be a salmon of 

 very decided and erroneous views, he may take at 

 once across stream. Scruple not to remonstrate with 

 him on the error of his ways by presenting him 

 unreservedly with the butt. Show him that you 

 and he are " linked together by the invisible gut of 

 destiny," and that as he chose his own time and 

 place to form the tie, so you will choose yours to 

 dissolve it. If he plunge wildly and throw somer- 

 saults in the air, there is. danger to the tackle, 

 unless you speedily let him have the line; but 

 wind up the moment the burst is over, and stand 

 on your guard for the next. This is a losing game 

 for the fish, if you play well, for every leap betrays 

 the dimensions of the enemy, and tends to exhaust 

 his strength. Never allow him to get down-stream 

 before you, if you can at all prevent it : the result 

 is pretty certain to be a lost fish, and a bitter 

 repentance ; 



" For when the fight becomes a chase, 

 He wins the day that wins the race. " 



If he boldly steer right up the stream, " straight 

 and steady as a bridegroom riding to the kirk," 

 follow him up closely, but take care to keep always 

 a little below. This has a wonderful effect in pre- 

 venting him from " sulking " under big stones a 



