70 TWEED. 



foolish endeavours to catch it by the tail. About 

 September and October, and when the mornings 

 are frosty and clear, the most deadly kind of 

 fishing is perhaps with the worm, either on 

 smooth bottoms thrown toward the deep side, 

 or, casting it like a fly, on the most rapid places ; 

 this may be done either by baiting one large 

 hook with two large worms, or having two or 

 even three large hooks, all hanging nearly in a 

 bunch, two worm son each hook, theylik,e a good 

 mouthful, and so much for the often repeated 

 idea, that salmon eat nothing. No doubt, I 

 never found any thing in the stomach of a 

 salmon ; he is a healthy fish, and of a very quick 

 digestion. I once was eye witness to this fact, 

 having seen five or six taken one morning before 

 breakfast, from a pool near Ashiestiel, in this 

 same way. While this may be good sport to 

 those who like it, I never exercise it ; the filthy 

 bag full of moss and our last enemy I cannot 

 abide, and the difficulty of obtaining them also 

 is another objection. I have seen two or three 

 of us go out at darkening to the garden, with 

 spade and grape, and naming tallow candles, 

 and a scene worthy of Rembrandt, ensued. I have 

 already said you should, in fishing, get over your 



