102 AUTUMNS ON THE SPEY. 



the bottom near the shore, the uppermost boughs 

 pointing outwards, all closely packed together and 

 forming a regular chevaux de frise, frequently ex- 

 tending far into the stream ; large boulders are 

 again heaped upon the trunks nearest the land, 

 and then another layer of trees, the process being 

 repeated until the work is supposed to have 

 attained a sufficient elevation. This sort of sub- 

 aqueous fence sometimes extends for a consider- 

 able distance, occasionally interrupted, only to be 

 recommenced twenty or thirty yards lower down, 

 and where the banks have once been subjected to 

 this treatment, it is easy to imagine that the 

 salmon-fisher must seek for a more favourable 

 spot for the exercise of his art. 



The year before my arrival, Eurnside pool had 

 been fortified on the above system, and conse- 

 quently deserted by anglers, but I had heard so 

 much of its former renown, and so many rumours 

 had reached me of the number of large fish still 

 frequenting its deep recesses in perfect security, 

 that I felt an irresistible desire to pay it a visit 

 and invade the sanctuary, although with a full 

 knowledge of the consequences of such an attempt. 

 Even partial success was of course out of the 

 question while the water was perfectly clear and 

 the use of single gut casting-lines and small 



