230 Salmon Fishing. 



out of hand, in such a quiet, retired spot ; and 

 with an expression that seemed to imply that 

 he pitied my hard fate ! " I hope sincerely we 

 shall meet again," he said, when he shook me 

 by the hand, as I was starting with my rod for 

 the banks of the Awe, and he and his com- 

 panion were walking away with their knapsacks 

 on their shoulders. 



Who of the whole fishing fraternity has not 

 heard of the river Awe ? Years ago I longed 

 to have the opportunity of fishing it ; and here 

 was I at length on the very eve of carrying my 

 wishes into effect. I had a week or ten days 

 at my disposal ; I was in the midst of scenery 

 that, turn which way you will, blind must be 

 the eye that does not behold it with unfeigned 

 delight ! 



Alas for us fishermen ! Seldom is it that we 

 are quite satisfied ; but here in my case perhaps 

 not without cause. Rain, rain, rain; hardly a 

 day for months before had the down -pour 

 ceased ; and with the exception of one Sunday, 



