ISLA, ERICHT, LINN OF CAMPSIE. 357 



river of considerable size, which has its origin in For- 

 farshire. 



The principal tributaries of Isla, are the Dean, Ericht, 

 and Lunan waters. The first-mentioned proceeds out 

 of the Loch of Forfar, and although a deep, slow-run- 

 ning water, abounding in pike and perch, contains trout 

 of large size and renowned quality. These are taken, early 

 in spring, with a light-coloured or yellow fly. The Ericht 

 is formed by the junction of the Shee or Blackwater 

 with the Ardle, and is received into the Isla about two 

 miles below Blairgowrie. Neither the Ericht nor Isla 

 are much esteemed as trouting streams, and in regard 

 to salmon, with which at one time they abounded, these 

 are now, comparatively speaking, scarce, at least during 

 the open season. The whole rental of the Ericht, from 

 Keith to Blairgowrie, amounts only to twenty-one 

 pounds twelve shillings; whereas, in 1804, no fewer than 

 three hundred and thirty- six salmon and grilses were 

 taken at one haul, out of a single pool close to the above- 

 mentioned village. There are some small lochs con- 

 taining trout, pike, and perch on the hills that bound 

 Glen Shee and Strath Ardle, but none of these claim 

 much attention from the angler. 



Not far from where it receives the Isla, the Tay forms 

 what is called the Linn of Campsie, falling over a rugged 

 basaltic dyke, which crosses the river, and is known to 

 extend many miles on either side. This is the only part 

 of the Tay where the rod-fishing for salmon can be pro- 

 nounced good, I do not say by any means first-rate, but 

 more to be depended upon than what is met with on any 

 other part of the river. This is owing of course to the 

 rocky nature of the bottom, which affords protection 

 and positions of outlook for the fish, while the rapid 

 character of the stream helps, by disguising the fly or 



