AND ANGLING SONGS. 355 



duct constructed of wire and planking has been laid down for 

 the convenience of foot-passengers, and in lieu of a ferry-boat 

 until lately made use of a short way below. This means of 

 transit, which stands at an elevation of about twelve feet above 

 the ordinary level of the river, and is accommodated with a wire 

 railing on both sides, has been discovered to be splendid parade- 

 ground for an adept in salmon-fishing. It superintends, in fact, 

 one of the choicest halting-places in Teviot, which can only be 

 .fished, however, \inder certain conditions of wind and water, and 

 at the risk of falling foul of an underlying rock ; it being neces- 

 sary that, in order to canvass it properly, the angler should 

 let out, foot by foot, at least fifty yards of line. From the 

 vantage-ground described, I have met more than once with a 

 casualty of this kind, resulting in the loss of tackle to some 

 amount. On many occasions, however, I have been more 

 fortunate, my fly, which is necessarily kept at play several 

 inches below the surface, having been taken sure hold of by 

 large fish. 



One autumnal afternoon, while occupying the centre of the 

 foot-bridge in question, I observed what, at first glance, seemed 

 to be a single object coming towards me at full speed along the 

 line of planking. As it drew nearer, however, I recognised it 

 to be a gang of weasels, nine in number, so closely packed to- 

 gether that I could have covered them all with a trout landing- 

 net of the ordinary size. They were evidently in chase of game 

 of some kind, probably a rabbit, which must however have passed 

 at least ten minutes before, for I had been on the bridge fully 

 that length of time. On coming up to me, the whole gang 

 simultaneously turned neck, and halted for a second. Although 

 prompted to set foot upon them, I abstained from doing so, the 

 idea flashing across me that they were not 'to be lippened to,' 

 and remained motionless. Their curiosity appeased, the vermin 

 resumed their hunting attitude, and crossed the bridge at full 



