396 TH E RIVERS OF THE DORNOCH FIRTH. 



Shin river flows, is a large expanse of water, twenty- 

 four miles in length, and measuring it by a straight 

 line through the centre, eighteen miles. It is one of 

 a chain of lakes, including Loch Merkland and Loch 

 More or Byrne, which extends nearly across the 

 island ; the west end of Loch More being only a mile 

 distant from Loch Stac, and within three or four 

 miles of Loch Laxford, an arm of the Atlantic. At 

 the head of Loch Shin, the salmo ferox is frequently 

 captured, and exists, I have no doubt, throughout the 

 entire chain of lakes just referred to. Its principal 

 feeders are the Figach and Tyrie waters, the latter of 

 which is connected by a rivulet with Loch Craggie, 

 distant from Lairg three or four miles. This lake is 

 famed above all others in Sutherlandshire for its fresh- 

 water trout. These vary in weight from one to five 

 pounds, and take the fly readily. In quality, they are 

 esteemed very superior. Not far off, in the north- 

 eastern extremity of the parish of Bogart, are situated 

 two lakes of the name of Lochs Beannached or lakes of 

 blessing, which are also in high repute. 



The rivers of the Dornoch Firth are among the 

 earliest of our Scottish salmon streams, and the best 

 rod-fishing months, before the grilses commence run- 

 ning, are March and the early part of April. The 

 Duke of Sutherland retains most of the fishings in 

 his own hands, and the system adopted by him with 

 regard to the nettings and cruives, tends much to 

 increase the produce of the several rivers where it is 

 followed out. One regulation insisted on by his Grace 

 bears reference to the close-season which commences a 

 fortnight before the legal time, rod-fishing alone 

 being carried on until the 14th of September. The 

 angler visiting Sutherlandshire requires to be provided 



