174 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



in his silvery armour, into shoal water. " Now, Crosby, 

 now's your chance ; careful, man ; don't be in too big 

 a hurry." But my advice was disregarded ; the sailor 

 made a plunge at the fish with the gaff as if it had been a 

 harpoon, scratched the salmon's side, and all my work 

 was again before me. The drawing of blood instilled new 

 vitality into the fish's veins, and the previously beaten, 

 vanquished foe was running out line as if he had been 

 fresh struck. I could not be angry ; when a novice I 

 had done likewise, and, no doubt, my attendant had 

 just made his virgin effort. In fact, I could not help 

 being amused at his astonished countenance, for, doubt- 

 less, he had already counted the fish as safe. This last 

 struggle did not continue long ; again I got him in shoal 

 water, when, having cautioned and instructed my 

 excited attendant as far as words could avail, he made 

 a second effort, and that correctly. Twelve pounds 

 was the weight of this noble salmon, and often have I 

 found that those of this size are more game and afford 

 a harder fight than larger fish. The strain on your 

 rod is not so severe, or the contest so long as with a 

 heavier antagonist, but the activity and energy dis- 

 played are sharper. 



Having overhauled my tackle, and lit a weed as a 

 reward for my prowess, I again ascended to the top of 

 the pool and commenced afresh ; visions of the first fish 



