ABERDEENSHIRE. 89 



that I can easily understand preserving trout, 

 which remain stationary in streams and pools, 

 but to preserve salmon, unless to be fished for 

 the same day, is ridiculous, since they are con- 

 stantly moving upward, and, in fact, seldom lie 

 long in one place, and are always deteriorating 

 in fresh water ; so the sooner they are fished out 

 for food, the better. I have no hesitation in say- 

 ing, the Don is as good a river for large trout as 

 any in Scotland ; indeed, for its length, I am 

 inclined to think it is now the best. I never 

 desired, nor do I care, neither is it generally to 

 be wished, that a river should contain so many 

 trout, as no skill is required for their capture. 

 At every throw of the line were a trout to be 

 taken, it would soon be quite sickening. What 

 delight can that sportsman have who gets all his 

 deer driven up to his tent in the hills, and he 

 goes out and shoots them down in his morning 

 gown and slippers a regular battue what de- 

 light can there be in being put into a preserve 

 to shoot game, if, at every step you trod on a 

 pheasant or a hare, and they could not get out 

 of your way, and had no chance for their life ? 

 This is a kind of sport which the true lover of it 

 does not covet or desire. Fair play to all, the 



