157 



with the rod, and not half exhaust the objects of in- 

 terest which, to a real fisherman, it furnishes 

 in every direction. 



We have often wondered, in travelling through 

 these Highland counties, whether there are any great 

 numher of traditionary songs on, or descriptions of 

 angling sports among the Gaslic race. Though we 

 have occasionally mentioned the subject to persons 

 likely to know something on the matter, yet our in- 

 formation has hitherto been very scanty. We have 

 heard of one Gaelic song which, in English, is to the 

 following purport. It is said to be the production 

 of the thirteenth century. 



Oh ! set me down by the river's brink. 

 Which rushes along with giant speed ; 

 Beneath yon rugged rock, 

 There the majestic salmon leaps. 



There down the gushing stream he speeds 

 His way like king of fish ; 

 And hurries past yon ivied tower, 

 And bends his way to ocean's bed. 



When summer floods and rains fall, 

 When summer suns shall warm the banks, 

 The salmon spear shall again be used, 

 To kill our noble game. 



There are said to be some relics of Gaelic songs 

 which allude to one of the modes of fishing pursued 

 by the monks in the priory of Augustines, situated 

 in Loch Tay, and founded by Alexander I. in 1122. 

 The mode of fishing in question was by the employ- 



