AND ANGLING SONGS. 237 



details of the day's amusement, and interspersed with anecdote 

 bearing upon his own sporting experience. 



In the establishment at Thirlstane, Billy Balmer officiated, as 

 far as his growing infirmities permitted, in the capacity of game- 

 keeper. Billy was no longer, it is true, the shrewd, dexterous, 

 and contriving little soul he had been ; but he could still make 

 make himself serviceable in many ways, and had preserved to 

 him intact the instinct which could point out where game was 

 most likely to be found, or where a large trout had taken up its 

 quarters. As the caterer for bait, in the shape of minnows and 

 worms, he was invaluable. The former he possessed the knack, 

 by means of a sort of spirt-net or caralet, of securing by the 

 shoal, and always kept replenished a large perforated box, sunk 

 in one of the pools of Thirlstane burn, with some scores of these 

 little fish, in case of emergency. To a reasonable extent also 

 the old man's shoulders could stand the weight of the game-bag ; 

 although it was only when hunting the haughs and partridge- 

 grounds that it was considered not unmerciful treatment to put 

 them to the test. 



There was one special source of delight to this transportation 

 from the wilds of Westmoreland to those of Ettrick-head, iu 

 the way of sport, which carried infection along with it, and 

 secured frequently the presence of the Professor, along with that 

 of his family and guests, as eye-witnesses of Billy's piscatory 

 skill. It consisted in the setting and drawing of an eel-line of 

 great length, and armed with several scores of hooks variously 

 baited. At the entrance of the avenue leading to Thirlstane, 

 the river Ettrick approaches the main road, and forms, almost 

 in proximity with it, a pool of considerable extent and unusual 

 depth. Besides being the well-known resort of salmon, and the 

 choice abode of yellow trout, this stretch of calm water gives 

 accommodation of the best sort to the common fresh-water eel, a 

 fish which is still looked upon with distaste and aversion by the 



