154 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SALMON FISHING. 



with scientific maxims, who promised that he would 

 furl his line, and fish mathematically. 



The next morning no one could start with a fairer 

 prospect of sport than the said novice. He was accom- 

 panied by Allan Beg, or Little Allan, because he was 

 told it was quite impossible for him to catch a salmon 

 without his assistance ; and he was taught how to kill 

 his fish "par raison demonstrative." But throw as he 

 would, furl as he might, he could by no means manage 

 to keep his fly always at right angles to his rod, al- 

 though he was a most excellent mathematician. At 

 length, after having lost seven favourite flies, and two 

 casting lines, he broke out in unqualified abuse of the 

 system ; which so enraged his " gentle brother of the 

 angle," that high words arose, and they were on the 

 point of committing the duello on those very sands 

 where it is said Prince Charles drew up his forces. 

 My friend was asked to act as impartial second to both 

 parties, which he consented to, on condition only that 

 they should stand and fire so that the balls might cross 

 at right angles to each other. But "Etes-vous fou," said 

 he to the Oxonian ; " cle Taller quereller, lui qui entend 

 les angles, et qui sait tuer un saumon par raison de- 

 monstrative?" At this good humour returned, and each 

 party fished the rest of the day according to the angles 

 that best suited his fancy, without let or argument. 



Now in holding your fly on a rough stream you must 

 advance your arms, and bring your rod straight across 

 the river, consequently your line hanging straight down 

 the stream ma}' form a right angle at the point of your 

 rod, and so you should work it in this instance ; but in 



