THE FLEET AND HELMSDALE. 401 



At certain seasons, the angling for salmon in this 

 part of the river is excellent, but the assistance of rains 

 is frequently required, as its streams quickly decrease 

 in size, and become too clear and shallow for rod-fishing. 

 Loch Brora, which is about four miles long, contains 

 salmon, sea -trout, charr, and several varieties of fresh- 

 water trout. Not far from this lake, is situated Loch 

 Tubernach, a small expanse of water ; at one time in 

 high repute with the angler, on account of the size and 

 superior excellence of its trout. It has, however, of 

 late years, considerably fallen off in these respects. On 

 the Blackwater, are two fine cascades, one near Balna- 

 kyle, and the other at Kilcalmkill. 



The river FLEET has its origin on a rising ground 

 betwixt the parishes of Rogart and Lairg. During 

 the first ten miles of its course, it proceeds with con- 

 siderable rapidity, but before discharging itself into 

 Loch Fleet, an arm of the sea, moves at a sluggish 

 pace. It contains trout, and occasionally salmon. 

 There is a good inn at the village of Golspie, and 

 another at Brora. The rental of the Brora salmon- 

 fishings, or rather the sum paid for its produce, which 

 is sold to a company at a stipulated rate per pound, is 

 about three hundred pounds per annum. 



The river HELMSDALE has a course of upwards of 

 twenty -two miles. It takes its rise among several lakes 

 in the higher parts of Kildonan, and is increased, during 

 its progress, by numerous streams and mountain tor- 

 rents. The salmon-fishings on this river, and at its 

 mouth, are exceedingly productive, and are managed 

 with great judgment on the part of the proprietor. Of 

 the lochs that form its sources, the largest are Cuen 

 and Badan, both of which contain trout and charr. 

 The one most in repute, however, amongst anglers, is 



