346 FORTH AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. 



A short way above Stirling, on the Perthshire side of 

 the river, the Forth is joined by the ALLAN water. This 

 stream runs by Ardoch and Dumblane, entering Stir- 

 lingshire at the bridge of Allan. It contains trout, 

 and in the upper parts a few pike. Occasionally, whit- 

 lings enter its mouth, and a stray grilse or two. 



In connection with the rivers and lochs of Stirling- 

 shire, a fishing club was recently instituted, comprising 

 upwards of seventy members, and governed by a strin- 

 gent code of laws. Under the able and judicious 

 management of a highly respectable council, and its 

 secretary, John Sawers, Esq., Procurator Fiscal for the 

 county, it has every prospect of nourishing. The prizes 

 contended for consist of a medal, fishing-rod, and other 

 appurtenances connected with the angler's art. 



Below Stirling, Bannockburn joins the Forth from 

 the south, and a little way further down it is increased 

 by the Devon from Clackmannanshire. The main 

 river, from Stirling to Alloa, is deep, sluggish, and 

 winding in its course. It is also, at certain states of 

 the tides, navigable for vessels of considerable burden, 

 and steamers ply regularly to and fro. The Devon 

 joins it about two miles west from Alloa. Including 

 its windings, the course of this stream is twenty-six 

 miles ; exclusive of these, that is, taking it in a direct 

 line from its source to its embouchure, it does not ex- 

 ceed six miles. In the upper parts of Devon I have 

 killed great numbers of small trout, but machinery and 

 other causes have considerably thinned them lower 

 down. A few whitlings and grilses find their way 

 up, during close-time, as far as Dollar. Below Alloa, 

 an insignificant stream, termed the South Devon, dis- 

 charges itself. It contains some pike, and in its neigh- 

 bourhood is situated an artificial expanse of water, 



