8 INTRODUCTORY. 



being stronger than any fish, of its size and to its 

 fine edible qualities. 



In some parts of England trout have almost 

 disappeared, and the angler has been compelled to 

 have recourse to meaner fare ; but in Scotland trout 

 are more plentiful than any other fish, and trout- 

 fishing is within the reach of all. The difficulty 

 is not to name a river where good sport may be 

 had, but to name a river where good sport may 

 not be had, if properly gone about. Kailway 

 travelling has afforded the angler great facilities 

 for the pursuit of his vocation. One, or at most 

 two hours 7 ride will convey all lovers of sport in 

 any large town in Scotland, and in most of those 

 in England, to streams where there are plenty of 

 trout ; and, to do them justice, they avail them- 

 selves of it to the utmost. On a holiday the banks 

 of any stream in the neighbourhood are thickly 

 studded with anglers, a few of whom meet with 

 good sport, but the greater number, having demo- 

 lished their sandwiches and emptied their flasks, 

 return with their baskets, and occasionally their 

 heads, lighter than when they left home. Happily, 

 however, and it is certainly a strong argument in 

 favour of the attractions of angling, they are not 

 a whit discouraged ; but, on the contrary, eager 

 to return first opportunity, and have always a 

 good excuse for their want of success. We never 

 yet met a bad angler that had not a good excuse ; 

 sometimes it is clear water, sometimes a bright 



