ABERDEENSHIEE. 95 



river ; and, on coming to a place near a mill, we 

 saw one friend on the opposite side getting grand 

 sport, nearly every cast brought its victim to 

 the fly, and we, anticipating wonders of course, 

 began also, but found that we could not hook 

 a single fin. The wind a kind of north east, 

 blew right across the stream. The flies, 

 drifting in a particular way to the other side, 

 were eagerly sucked down as they floated toward 

 the bank, and we had the mortifying satisfac- 

 tion of seeing our friend fast filling his large 

 pannier, when all that we took was scarce 2 

 Ibs. apothecaries. The fly being cast from the 

 other bank, against the wind, came back in so 

 natural and peculiar a way, that the fish eagerly 

 took them ; this is to be much studied in your 

 fishings, whatever side the wind blows to, there 

 expect fish to lie. This is all a beautiful 

 country, especially near the banks of the river, 

 the course of which the eye can follow far, as it 

 marks its way by the deeper green of the 

 luxuriant foliage. This, on the whole, was a 

 capital 'day's sport ; and, after dinner, like merry 

 anglers, we chirruped over our cups ; the joyous 

 jest and cheerful song went round, and I was 

 called upon to sing the old ditty, 



