12 PISH AND FISHING IN SCOTLAND. 



duration. To be altogether independent in this world is difficult. 

 In angling expeditions, however, as in warlike, where men not 

 trout are caught and knocked on the head, I strongly recom- 

 mend the Napier system of materiel and equipment. A short 

 salmon rod, reel and line, from fifty to sixty feet, is the best. It 

 must have some spare tops enclosed in the butt. A basket 

 somewhat longer than those in general use. A book containing 

 tackle of every description used in fly, worm, and minnow fish- 

 ing ; choice of flies. Lastly, wrapped up in a waterproof bag, 

 hose, and wading shoes. The suit of clothes he wears, made of 

 Scottish plaiding, is quite enough. In his pockets he will place 

 a few extras, not forgetting a knife and pair of scissors. Of 

 waterproof clothing, I know but little ; for, in the first place, 

 none I have ever tried proved to be waterproof. And yet I 

 could fancy a small cape useful, if light and not cumbersome. A 

 friend told me that once, by a river side, he saw something 

 stalking about strongly resembling the Ghost in " Hamlet." On 

 approaching the phantom, it was Charles Bell, cased to the eyes 

 in waterproof! Well might my friend say, " Which of you has 

 done this ?" Was it Soho-square with its carpeted rooms ? Or 

 was it the everlasting thunder which rolls over flinty Oxford- 

 street ? Or the soul-destroying den of Windmill-street ? I 

 know not, but so it was. Here was poor Sir Charles transformed 

 from a man into a cit. He once said to me, " People say that 

 you are the only person I never quarrelled with." I told him 

 that the world had said precisely the same of me. Peace be 

 with him. His remains repose, I think, in England. We met in 

 Castle-street of Scotland's capital for the last time. He was leav- 

 ing for England, he said, resolved not to return. He never 

 did. 



I have always fished in this independent manner, so that on 

 leaving the inn in the morning I could proceed onwards down 

 the stream without being obliged to return for any luggage. 

 Nevertheless, I have at times felt the inconvenience of this when, 

 after a long day's fishing, my basket full of trout, and many 

 weary miles from the inn I had slept at, the shades of night 

 fast obscuring the blessed day, it became urgent to march boldly 

 on some distant town or village. 



