SALMON FISHING. 99 



may be predicted almost with certainty. Even 

 particular stones are not unfrequently haunted by 

 Salmon with a pertinacity which is very remark- 

 able. In the Conway, for instance, I have often 

 had pointed out to me a stone, the little eddy be- 

 hind which was almost invariably tenanted by a 

 Salmon. Such is also the Red Stone below 

 Makerston on the Tweed, and there are many 

 similar instances. 



Why Salmon should evince such strong predi- 

 lections for particular spots is a question which has 

 never been entirely answered ; but that they do so 

 evince them is beyond a doubt ; and whilst such 

 is the case, the Salmon-fisher who does not want 

 to waste his time will never, if he can help it, try 

 a new water without some local guide who knows 

 the casts, and what are and what are not the spots 

 most likely to hold Salmon. 



A gaff is sometimes necessary for the safe and 

 expeditious landing of Salmon, but it requires to 

 be used by an experienced eye and hand, and in 

 the early spring months, when the kelts or spawned 

 fish are dropping down the river, a net, (which 

 should not be less than two feet in diameter), will 

 both save the fisherman's time and probably the 

 lives of at least some " doubtful" fish. In fact, on 



