326 THE SALMON RIVERS OF SCOTLAND 



Moidart, I am not aware that the tide ever flows into the Sea Pool, 

 although high springs may dam up the fresh water. The Sea Pool 

 is about 200 yards long, and has a fair stream. 



I think the point is worthy of consideration whether or not benefit 

 would, not result from cutting down the rocky barrier at the mouth, 

 and at the same time deepening the channel upwards so as to draw 

 a better current through the St. Columba and Eoad Pools above. 

 I understand that the Eoad Pool is not now a productive cast, and 

 that there is a troublesome growth of weed in all the still parts of 

 the river. If action of this kind were taken, it is possible that the 

 Sea Pool might be reduced in value at the expense of the others, and 

 at present I believe the Sea Pool ranks about third favourite in the 

 river. But besides the increased current a compensating advantage 

 would very likely follow in giving fish an easier entrance from the 

 sea, when, in all probability, fish would run at an earlier date. 

 When the water is cold, spring fish will not run the rough fall as 

 it is at present. A more gradual transference to fresh water would 

 certainly be a great benefit in this particular respect. 



At present fish are not looked for till the end of May the time 

 when wintry conditions of temperature have given place to the 

 approach of summer, and when spring fish all the country over 

 ascend rough falls for the first time. A few fish have occasionally 

 been taken in April I believe, probably in mild springs. 



The next pools are The Captain's and The Garrison, both very 

 sluggish, and requiring an up-stream breeze for good results. The 

 latter is, however, of good repute. Above this is a pool called The 

 Cliff, which only fishes in high water, but which usually has a good 

 stream. I think it not at all unlikely that this pool could be 

 materially improved by a little judicious croy building, but the con- 

 ditions require to be studied in different conditions of water, and 

 with greater care than I have had time to give. 



Next in order of ascent comes the Rock Pool at a narrow and 

 deep rocky channel. It has this advantage, that owing to the draft 

 between the high banks, a slight breeze is readily felt on calm days. 

 Above this is the Bridge Pool, which is not only the best, but much 

 the widest in the river. There are seven different casts in the 

 Bridge Pool: Grassy Point, Providence, Between the Trees, the 

 Parapet, the Gullet, the Big Rock, and the Upper Stage. 



Mr. Stone, who has rented Lord Howard's rod during May, June, 

 and July for many years, has become intimately acquainted with 

 the river. He informs me that the time-honoured lies of fish are 



