ANGLING INCIDENT IN THE HIGHLANDS. 293 



brightens, and life's citadel pulsates at a heightened 

 rate, as the mind in magic thought lives in, and 

 wanders through the pleasurable adventures of the 

 past. As we write we once again see the broad 

 expanse of slightly heaving water, bordered and bound 

 by the huge heather-clothed hills through which ever 

 and anon the primeval moss-clad rocks are seen to 

 peep in clusters, adding nobility and grandeur to the 

 scene. From the green-garbed slopes, rich in verdure, 

 upon which the shaggy wild-looking north country 

 cattle are grazing peacefully, to the shining waters 

 that reflect the rising sun in his refreshing splendour, 

 our mental gaze wanders. All nature seems serene, 

 save when the crack of a distant gun, or the splash 

 of an oar, betrayed the presence of man. Now and 

 then a sportive fish, fresh run salmon or bull-trout, 

 causing a quiet boil, shows his broad tail above 

 the rippling water's surface, in his playful friskings or 

 wilful plunges, after real or fancied food. Dotted at 

 long intervals are several boats, occupied by 

 fishermen. One of these moves rapidly in response 

 to the heavily-worked oars, leaving, as it progresses, 

 an extended line of curls and bubbles in its trail. 

 This is tenanted by an angling visitor who, with his 

 attendant or gillie, is plying the " otter."* This 



* This engine consists of a strong cord, from fifty to seventy yards 

 in length, to this is affixed a miscellaneous assortment of baited or tin- 

 garnished triangles, veritable meat hooks in coarseness, mounted on 

 gimp ; these were attached to one end of the cord at intervals, together 

 with a large-sized single hook or two, wrapped on strands of gut, these 

 being disguised with scarlet wool, and a strip of white goose feather 

 higher up the cord, a large lead of about i Ibs. weight is fixed to 

 serve as sinker. The whole is used upon a reel, formed by a square 

 framework of wood, with a loose peg to turn upon. 



