124 INVERXESS-SHIRE. 



same thing over and over again and again ; but, 

 I tell you, there is constantly something new 

 occurring. Lowe, who can draw a long bow 

 with any man in Scotland, but only on the 

 fiddle assured me that, a few years ago, he 

 hooked a fish in the Ness, and it at once run out 

 all his line. He did not like to break it, and, of 

 course, the worst came to the worst ; for he threw 

 after it rod, reel, and line, and trusted to Provi- 

 dence, like an honest angler, for their restoration. 

 However, on getting below the tree, and on 

 searching the pool, no fishing-rod could be re- 

 covered or seen, after two hours fruitlessly 

 spent looking for it. His son was dispatched for 

 grappling irons ; and, after a good deal of toil, 

 they succeeded in finding the rod, and, on re- 

 suming it and winding up, never thinking of 

 a fish to their great surprise a fine new run 

 grilse of 9 Ibs. still held the hook, which, after 

 a little play, they landed and bagged, to the 

 great satisfaction and surprise of both. 1 He is 



1 An honest farmer who often returned from market 

 top-lieavy, had heard his guidwife say ' When in any 

 difficulty, just put your trust in Providence.' One night 

 coming home, he fell off his horse, and he made several 

 unsuccessful attempts to get on. At last, for about five 



