144 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SALMON FISHING. 



As an instance, I once fished over a short stream 

 above " The Webbs," in Mertoun-water, without having 

 an offer ; being convinced there were fish in it, I went 

 over it a second time with the same fly immediately 

 afterwards, and caught two salmon and two gilse. 

 Now if I had changed my fly, as is usual, the success 

 would naturally have been attributed to such change. 

 But, observe, I do not mean to assert that all flies are 

 equally successful, for there must obviously be a pre- 

 ference, however slight ; but I mean merely to say that 

 a failure oftener occurs from atmospheric variations 

 than from the colour of the fly. Yet an occasional 

 change is always advisable, particularly if you have 

 had any offers ; since the fish in so rising, having, per- 

 haps, discovered the deception, will not be solicitous to 

 renew their acquaintance with a detected scamp. After 

 all, the great thing is to give the appearance and mo- 

 tion of a living animal. 



Once, when I was adjusting my tackle on Tweed side, 

 I was accosted by a native fisherman in these words, — 

 " Ye needna fash yersel the day wi' yer lang wand, for 

 I wudna gie a pinch o' snuff for a' that ye'll get ; there 

 are too many pouthered lawyrs aboot." Powdered 

 lawyers ! I gazed around me, and did not see a single 

 gentleman of the long robe. What on earth could the 

 man mean? and what had a powdered lawyer to do with 

 my sport? Upon explanation, I found out that he allud- 

 ed to the numerous puffy white clouds above. Whether 

 the likeness of these to lawyers' wigs was appropriate or 

 not, I leave to those who are learned in similes to de- 

 termine; but he certainly was right in his main position. 



