290 SALMON-FISHING WITH THE PARR-TAIL, &c. 



Tweed was large and thick. Bull-trout and whitlings 

 take it freely on such occasions (vide Chapter vin). 

 On the Nairn river, in 1837, I captured with the worm 

 a small clean salmon, the water being brown and full ; 

 and I have frequently on Teviot seen kelted fish taken 

 by means of the minnow or parr-tail, under similar 

 circumstances. I recollect with the former bait cap- 

 turing a newly -run salmon of above nine pounds weight 

 out of the same river (17th February, 1844), under 

 circumstances not at all favourable for the angler, the 

 streams running large, and, although not absolutely 

 dirty, being highly impregnated with snow water. As 

 to bull-trout or whitlings, they will snatch at a worm, 

 minnow, or parr-tail without much ceremony, I do not 

 say freely or at all times, but with many degrees less 

 fastidiousness than the salmon, during floods or while 

 running. Cold weather also appetises them wonder- 

 fully; but when the river is clear and small they 

 become a shy, distrustful fish. As kelts however, they 

 are, in all states of water, voracious, and will dash 

 equally at bait and fly, with the fearlessness and avidity 

 of the pike itself. 



