SALMON FISHING IN LABRADOR. 199 



The flies to-day continued very annoying, and the 

 irritation caused by their bites itched so severely, that 

 it affected the majority of our tempers ; the only 

 respite that could be obtained was when out on the 

 water, where the draught of air had full scope. Oh, 

 that some one, versed in the likings and dislikes of 

 these insidious foes, would find a method that would 

 protect the angler from these pests, when he is enjoying 

 a trip that has- no other drawbacks. To describe my 

 sufferings would be impossible ; suffice it to say, that 

 my actions were sufficient to cause a physician to 

 imagine me fit for incarceration in a lunatic asylum ; 

 even now I can scarcely revert to the subject without 

 feeling irritated. 



Revenons a nos moutons. With salmon fishing, the 

 imaginary moment of victory is frequently the pre- 

 cursor of defeat ; the noble adversary but relaxes his 

 efforts that, in the resulting confidence which follows, 

 he may the more successfully concentrate his powers 

 for a final dash, that frequently results as I have 

 shown. I can compare it to nought else than the 

 skilful swordsman, who, finding himself overmatched 

 in his antagonist, gives ground and feigns fatigue 

 to imbue his foe with confidence, hoping that a 

 careless pass will still afford him an opportunity to 

 deliver the deadly thrust. Men have always foibles, 



