THE WHITADDER, OR, WHITEWATER. 109 



parr are found only in salmon rivers. Is the converse true ? I 

 believe it is not. In certain districts of the North Eiding of 

 Yorkshire there are streams that are frequented by salmon- trout 

 at least, in which no parr have ever been found. 



But I return to the Leader. Of this river I know but little ; 

 I believe it to be a fair angling water, but not like those of 

 which I shall speak presently. Make for Leader Foot, if you can, 

 from the south : if from the north, march on Soutra, as I did. 

 Let the weather be close and warm, rain abundant, a light 

 breeze to ruffle the surface, and you are sure of some success, at 

 least. Trout take fast during heavy rains, yet on a clear autumnal 

 evening, with the wind at east, I have caught as many trout as 

 I liked in the Boat Pool at Shanna Bank, on the Whitadder. 

 Others, no doubt, have experienced the same caprices in the tastes 

 of trout. But I shall not dwell on the Leader, knowing so little 

 of it. Leader Foot is romantic and most beautiful ; the river 

 here joins the Tweed. Beyond, the eye wanders over Roxburgh- 

 shire, and the noble Cheviots shut in the scene, but thev are 

 indistinct. Dryburgh Abbey is near : it belongs to Tweedside. 



CHAPTEE V. 



THE WHITADDER : THE FASTKA. 



ANGLERS should have nothing to do with gigs and horses, 

 coaches, rails. I do not even like to mention them. The fishing- 

 ground must be reached, no doubt ; this I admit. But if you 

 be a true angler, you will turn your back as soon as you can on 

 road and rail, making your way to the sweet valley, the lovely 

 glen, and the hill side. 



The streams that feed the Whitadder may be reached at two 

 points. Leave your horse, or horse and gig, should you be un- 

 fortunate enough to have one, at Gifford or Danskiiie, and at 

 once face the Eed Brae road of Lammermuir. The misery is 

 that before you return your horse will be starved, and may be 



