82 FORAYS AMONG SALMON AND DEER. 



we found it of very fair dimensions, and the salmon 

 were evidently making the most of the short oppor- 

 tunity, for we saw them constantly springing out of 

 the water on their upward course. 



After following the course of the stream about a 

 quarter of a mile, we came to the only pool on the 

 river Poul Glas, or the Grey Pool, so called from the 

 colour of the rocks around it. Here the salmon con- 

 gregate before ascending the fall just above ; and here 

 we commenced operations. I took the part of the pool 

 nearest to the fall, being separated from it by a rapid, 

 which plunged through some huge fragments of rock 

 almost meeting overhead, and reminding one of the 

 "blue Symplegades," famed in ancient story for closing 

 on the ill-fated vessels that passed between their rocky 

 jaws. On one of these fragments I took my stand, 

 and, casting my fly on the dark water boiling just 

 below, I soon raised a fish, but did not succeed in hook- 

 ing him. After a slight delay I cast again, and again ; 

 but, after repeated trials and no success, as there was 

 no other likely spot except that occupied by my com- 

 panion, I went up to the fall and watched the waters 

 tumbling down from ledge to ledge, from stone to 

 stone. While standing by I observed more than one 

 salmon attempt to scale the height, but without 

 success. 



After a few minutes spent in this way I descended, 

 and, having again tried my part of the pool, and caught 

 nothing, though I raised more than one good fish, I 

 threw down my rod and turned to watch Allister, who 

 was fishing within a few yards of me, at the lower end 

 of the pool. He had hooked a good fish while I was 

 up at the falls, and was just about to land it as I joined 

 him. A grizzly old keeper or " water-bailie," who had 

 accompanied us, was rendering assistance with his gaff, 



