290 FIELD-NOTES FOR THE YEAR. CH. XX. 



" finnock " is the grilse, or young of the common 

 sea-trout, bearing exactly the same relation and 

 affinity to that fish as the grilse does to the salmon ; 

 but the natural history of the inhabitants of another 

 element is too uncertain and difficult a subject for 

 a mere casual observer to enter upon. At any 

 rate, the finnock is not only an excellent fish for 

 the table, but affords capital sport, rising freely, 

 and playing boldly when hooked ; and has alto- 

 gether strong attractions for those anglers who 

 somewhat love their ease. I have been much 

 amused by seeing an elderly, placid-looking London 

 gentleman, who was staying at Forres for the pur- 

 pose of fishing in the Findhorn. This old gentle- 

 man used to arrive at the river's edge at a comfort- 

 able noon-day hour, accompanied by his lady, and 

 a footman splendid in blue and red, who carried 

 camp-stools, books, fishing-tackle, and last, though 

 not least, a most voluminous luncheon. Daily did 

 this party make their appearance at a certain pool ; 

 and while the old gentleman, seated at his ease on 

 his camp-stool close to the water, with spectacles 

 and broad-brimmed hat, fished away with the well- 

 known perseverance and skill of a Thames angler, 

 his lady read her book on one side, whilst on the 

 other the red-legged footman either prepared the 

 luncheon, or held in readiness the well-stocked fly- 



