CANTING THE BOAT. 249 



sixteen feet is the general length, and it is not easy to 

 see or strike a fish at a greater depth ; but in sunning 

 I have sometimes tied a light rope to the top of the 

 pole, and gone deeper than this with success, but then 

 it was when the river was unusually clear. The 

 opposite woodcut represents the cleik and the leister : 

 the latter is rather narrower, and altogether of a neater 

 make than those in general use. 



In burning, the boat is managed with this leister ; 

 but no one can make use of it in this way who has not 

 learnt to work it with a pole, — which art is termed 

 canting, and is, I believe, little understood except in 

 the Tweed — in the Tay and the Annan they know 

 nothing of the matter. Now the pole is not used as 

 in punting ; but the man who manages the boat, instead 

 of shifting his place, stands up or sits clown at the 

 stern ; he keeps his eye upon her head, and forces her 

 straight up the rapids, pressing the pole in the direc- 

 tion in which he would steer with a rudder. This is 

 in a great measure effected with a twist of the body. 

 If he does not keep her straight in her course, the 

 current takes her at the side, whips her round in an 

 instant, and down she goes, the deuce knows where, 

 head foremost; nor can you resume your position till 

 you again bring her head up the stream. 



In forcing your boat up very strong water, at every 

 fresh thrust you must catch up the pole and put it in 

 again very quickly ; for when you are not pushing the 

 boat will recede if the rapids are heavy, and thus you 

 may lose way. This, I think, can be done better by 

 sitting than standing, as you are nearer your work. 



