Salmon Fishing. 259 



suitor for the pretty, silver-bespangled beauty 

 we offer to his notice, when wind, and water, 

 and weather, are favourable ; how frequently 

 are we compelled to beat a retreat at night 

 baffled, if not, utterly beaten, by our finny 

 friend's caprices. 



Well, good reader, were this not the case 1 

 and you able with mathematical precision to 

 "spot" a fish without failure always in a certain 

 locality, and under similar circumstances, would 

 you continue the pursuit of your prey with 

 unabated interest as now ? One of the chief 

 charms of salmon-fishing (to me at least) is 

 its uncertain nature. Fish on, as we do, often 

 for hours together without catching sight of a 

 fin even, every minute be it not forgotten, 

 are we hopeful of a happier change ; and 

 when Salmo does come, swift sometimes as 

 a flash of lightning, just shewing perhaps 

 an enormous head and tail ; or when taking 

 the fly under water with a "will;" who 

 does not feel at that magic moment more 



