A COMPARISON. 267 



would then most assuredly allow him a reasonable 

 respite of some minutes, and, at the same time, substi- 

 tute a fly-hook of smaller dimensions I do not say less 

 gaudy in appearance, but rather the contrary ; for it is 

 well known, in respect to Scottish rivers, that the Irish 

 fly, with all its glitter, is most killing under a clear sky 

 and on low limpid water ; while the Scotch one, sober 

 in hue, developes its attractive powers in dull, windy 

 weather, and not unfrequently when the streams are of 

 a deep porter colour, the delight of the trout-fisher's 

 eye. This refused, I would experiment, according to 

 the state of the river, with a larger one ; and finally, as 

 a last resort, recur to the hook first employed. 



Perhaps all this extreme fuss and trouble about a 

 single fish may be looked upon as unnecessary, if not 

 ridiculous. It is so, I allow, in certain rare positions ; 

 and there are those who, being placed in such, laugh 

 at the idea of bestowing more than mere brachial exer- 

 tion in the capture of salmon with the rod. Such, hav- 

 ing their will and wont of a well-reputed stream, are 

 less dependant for sport upon the caprice of the fish, 

 and take less care to exhibit craft and science in the 

 securing of them than others, whose range is limited 

 and unprotected. These latter, however, be it under- 

 stood, form the better salmon- slayers. They may be un- 

 able to boast of many captures in proportion ; but it is 

 not because they are deficient in skill or practice. What 

 honour is due as a sportsman to the ranger of a well- 

 stocked preserve? Is he necessarily a better shot 

 keener-eyed steadier handed more active more en- 

 during abler in the management of his kennel, than 

 one who has to toil over hill and dale, through marsh and 

 stubble, in search of a broken covey or solitary hare ? 

 With the former, to miss his bird is a matter of small 



