FISHING RIVERS. 133 



We hooked large salmon both above and be- 

 low this, but, owing to the ruggedness of the 

 bed, we often lost them, the line fixing between 

 stones lying against each other through which 

 the fish ran and broke our line or hook, which 

 we had the provoking satisfaction of witnessing 

 two or three times. 1 The river, at this part, is 

 interesting and beautiful, and we often got into 

 situations which the wader's eye can only be 

 gratified with ; and had we been proficients in 

 sketching, how many delightful neuks of scenery 

 could we have gratified our friends at home 

 with. In this respect fishing has its pleasures. 

 While we wade, we often bring ourselves into 

 parts that have been seldom seen from such 



1 Duchar, the smith, told us the following story, which 

 took place here. Three young gentlemen came to fish, 

 and, like all Londoners, were well provided with all sorts 

 of tackle \ but salmon, being their chief end, were recom- 

 mended and put under his instructions. He took them 

 to that fine stream below the mills, and they were not 

 long in hooking a good sized grilse. After playing it for 

 some time, one of them, who had a span new cleek or gaff, 

 was told to gaff it when it came near the side. In vain 

 he tried to do so, at last the smith asked him what he 

 was fumbling about ? He innocently observed, that ' if 

 it did not open its mouth how could he gaff it ; ' which 

 caused a good laugh at his expense, you may be sure. 



