114 THE SPEY. 



Those who are in this quarter, whether fishing 

 or otherwise, should stop a while at Craig- 

 ellachie. The Spey is decidedly like the Dee, 

 purely a salmon river. They will find Jamie 

 Shanks a capital fisher and guide on those waters, 

 and some of the pools contain large clean fish ; 

 to run one and to kill it is a great feat. I know 

 a gentleman who, a few years ago, killed one 

 26 Ibs. ; and, a few seasons ago, a friend of mine 

 and a good fisher, hooked a fine fish, which went 

 off with fly and every inch of his line, before 

 you could say Jack Robinson. In such places, 

 rod, line, and reel, must be strong and large, as 

 the runs are very severe and exciting. For trout, 

 it may be tried above the Iron Bridge, at Craig- 

 ellachie^ when the water is in good condition 

 only. Their cast lines here as in Ireland, are 

 usually made of whip cord, steeped in oil, and 

 then, with a preparation of wax, etc., flies large, 

 and with heron hackle. 



LARGE SALMON FOUND ON SPEYSIDE. 



Early one morning last week, Alexander 



