SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR. 179 



fresh run from the sea, for he had not yet cleansed 

 himself of the sea-lice ; his breadth and depth were 

 enormous in proportion to his length the best proofs 

 of condition. In this capture, from the time the fish 

 was struck till I had him floundering on the bank, full 

 forty minutes elapsed, I having noted time previous 

 to making the first cast at the head of the pool. 



On examining my tackle, I found that it had 

 suffered considerably, particularly the fly, which not 

 only had one of the hackles broken, but also the tinsel ; 

 I therefore stuck it carefully in the crown of my hat, 

 and replaced it with another, intending in the evening, 

 when comfortably seated in our snug cabin, to bring 

 my pliers, scissors, vice, &c., into play, and construct its 

 counterpart, being well satisfied that the combination 

 of colour which in previous exploits had done me good 

 service, was again destined to reap fresh laurels and 

 further establish its reputation. The upper portion of 

 the stream, and the only part I had so far fished, was now 

 well rested ; and while refreshing myself preparatory to 

 making a third essay, several noble fish broke water in 

 the immediate vicinity where I had hooked both of my 

 trophies. From what I had already seen, I was con- 

 vinced that magnificent sport was before me, and that 

 I had at last arrived in the land of plenty of salmon. 

 There was a satisfaction in knowing this a feeling I 



