58 WILD SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



the year, one would conclude that the lake offers better 

 food and winterage to the salmon than the shallower 

 and colder waters of Aughniss. 



Our expectations were fully realised, and we found 

 the pools in excellent order. Independently of a west 

 wind being a favourite point for the angler — in these 

 rivers it blows against the current of the stream, and 

 consequently increases the ruffle on the surface of the 

 water, which in salmon fishing is so favourable. My 

 cousin, who is perfectly acquainted with the local haunts 

 of the salmon, placed me where I seldom failed to rise 

 or hook a fish. What splendid angling this wild country 

 offers I It spoils one in after fife, however. The man 

 who has held a salmon on his line disrelishes the inferior 

 amusements of the craft ; the fox-hunter will seldom 

 condescend to ride to beagles ; the deer-stalker will 

 not waste time and powder in a rabbit-warren ; and the 

 disciple of Izaac who has once indulged in the exquisite 

 delight of salmon fishing will feel little satisfaction 

 in the commoner pursuits and lesser pleasures of the 

 gentle art. 



We landed five salmon, besides taking a pannier full 

 of sea-trout. Had I been an adept, or better appointed 

 than I was, we might have killed double the number 

 of salmon. My flies were unluckily tied on London 

 hooks, and from their defective quality and formation 

 several fish escaped me. Repeated failures caused me 

 to examine the hooks, and I ascertained that they were 

 both ill-shapen and badly tempered. My cousin had 

 warned me against the consequences of using them, 

 but I believed that he was prejudiced, and concluded 

 that this department of my London outfit must be 

 unobjectionable. The event, however, proved that I 



