146 LOCH-FISHING. 



to try the effect of the fly in the deep water, further 

 from the shore. Still, however, only small fish were to 

 be had ; and after patiently lashing the loch for upwards 

 of an hour, I again landed, and, as an amusement, 

 commenced a sketch of the spot, which was very 

 picturesque. 



Meanwhile Walter and Donald took up the baited 

 line ; and, judging by the noise they made over the 

 occupation, the enjoyment must have been rare indeed. 

 Eowing slowly along the line, wherever they found a 

 fish hooked, it was transferred to the boat, and the 

 hook baited afresh. Occasionally as they approached 

 a victim, of a size rather larger than ordinary, there was 

 a great commotion and splashing ; and more than once 

 as the two, in their hurry to seize the prize, rushed to 

 the same side of the boat, the little vessel was within 

 an inch of being capsized, crew, cargo, and all ; where- 

 upon there arose a peal of laughter, waking the echoes 

 of the hills around, and rousing the grouse in their 

 heathery beds. 



While sitting occupied on my sketch, or watching 

 the party in the boat, my attention was attracted by a 

 sound somewhat resembling the bark of a dog, which 

 seemed gradually approaching from behind. I looked 

 round, expecting to see some shepherd make his 

 appearance over the rising ground to my rear; but 

 nothing presented itself. In another moment the same 

 sound was heard again, this time immediately overhead 

 and on looking up I at once recognised the author of 

 it, in a noble eagle, sailing majestically along, almost 

 within shot, the very picture of proud indifference and 

 kingly dignity. I watched the stately bird, as he winged 

 his way towards his throne, in the storm-battered 

 heights of a mountain, five or six miles distant ; and 



