228 FORAYS AMONG SALMON AND DEER. 



stream, brought me quickly to the spot. At the first 

 cast I gave, and before the fly had gone a yard through 

 the water, I daresay six fish had bolted at it ; they 

 must have jostled each other, for none touched. I 

 cast again immediately, and at it they came again ; 

 but this time I hooked one. I ran him up to the top 

 of the pool, and lauded him on a nice gravel beach, 

 and back I went. The first cast, again there were 

 three or four rises ; the second, another fish was 

 hooked and killed. They seemed so determined to 

 be taken, that Jemmy declared they were having a 

 " Bannish " (Anglice, " wedding ") an occasion on 

 which any piece of folly is pardonable in the High- 

 lands. They certainly must have been affected in 

 some extraordinary manner, for through four hours I 

 stood upon the same spot, only going to the top ol the 

 pool to land the fish, and during that time I believe I 

 never cast twice without raising a fish. At last, about 

 twelve o'clock, they ceased rising all of a sudden, and 

 I ceased trying ; so I had the flask out, took and gave 

 nips, and a bite of bread and cheese, lighted my pipe, 

 and told Jemmy to count them. He began with the 

 smallest, and down they came at my feet, 1, 2, 3, to 11. 

 He stopped, and I was remarking, " This pool has 

 done well, Jemmy," when down comes another into the 

 heap. " That's 12." Down comes another. " Halloa ! 

 how many have you ? " Down comes another, the 

 largest of all, making the lot out of that one pool 14. 

 There they were, 11 salmon and 3 grilse, and a more 

 beautiful or refreshing sight I should never care to 

 see. To say that I felt pleased is nothing 1 made 

 no demonstration of any kind ; but I have not for- 

 gotten, and never shall. After a rest of half an hour, 

 during which the fish were placed on the grass, ranked 

 according to size, and duly admired, and their weights 



