242 AN ANGLER'S RAMBLES 



v. 



With rare deceits 



And cunning treats, 

 Minnow and creeper tender, 



We shall invite 



The scaly wight 

 To eye them and surrender. 



VI. 



And, when sport-worn, 

 We '11 seek some thorn, 



With shadow cool and ample j 

 The natural ground, 

 Moss-laid around, 



An angler's resting temple ! 



A STROLL BY THE WATERS OF THE SOLWAY. 



OF the rivers which are most in the way of hecoming benefited 

 by recent salmon legislation, I would point with confidence to 

 those having direct communication with the Solway Firth. 

 Passing through Scottish territory, the Esk, the Annan, the 

 Nith, and the Dee hold among them a prominent place. They 

 are what may be called second-class streams, and although press- 

 ing from the same lie of coast towards one estuary, differ very 

 much in character. I have fished them all, but am best 

 acquainted with the Esk, at one time a favourite resort of the 

 migratory Salmones, especially of sea-trout, but a river which, in 

 conjunction with its principal feeder, the Liddel, has suffered 

 more from drainage and want of proper protection during close- 



