66 



THE SALMON RIVERS OF SCOTLAND 



no more spirited place to see a sweep net worked than this Linn 

 Pool when the water is about a foot too high. I have seen Peter 

 Thomas send his boat out here in great style, and I have seen him 

 have the windlass whirling net and boat back again when the latter 

 had been taken a trifle too far to pay out with safety, the boat 

 coming in stern first and rearing up under the pressure of the net 

 till one thought it would be dragged under. Then when the shot 

 is properly rowed in high water it has to be rowed with speed, and 

 as the coble charges the beach, the men leap out and the line is run 

 along to the windlass, the smartness of the whole operation reminds 

 one of bluejackets at their gun drill. 



Stobhall now commands a large total rental, something, I suppose, 

 over 1000. I was informed lately by Sir John Graham that in his 

 early sporting days he and two friends rented this water from 

 Islamouth to Lady Mansfield's cottage for 80 a year. I should 

 say they got their money's worth. 



Here are some results of the fishings to which reference has just 

 been made, which have already been published. 1 They refer to 

 the autumn angling after the close of the netting, and for four 

 years, three days a week, the habit on the Tay being for each tenant 

 to fish both banks on alternate days. 



The Fishing Gazette at the close of the seasons referred to. 



