370 THE SALMON RIVERS OF SCOTLAND 



a short step over to Strathlachlan on Lochfyneside. The river from 

 Dunans to the mouth is fully 8 miles long, and winds a good deal in 

 a rapid sinuous manner in the upper part, and again below Glen- 

 daruel House. 



Ormidale water extends to about 6 miles, 2J on both banks at the 

 mouth of the river, and the remainder on the right bank further up. 

 Then Glendaruel comes in with a considerable stretch of water, and 

 Dunans has the topmost section. The whole is strictly preserved. 

 For the most part the Ruel is a pleasant running stream of stony 

 character, with pools at the many bends ; but near Ormidale House 

 some quieter stretches occur amongst trees and meadow land. This 

 is the most productive water to the angler. 



Sea-trout are much more numerous than salmon, but when condi- 

 tions of water-flow and weather are right sport is often very good. 

 In a mild and rainy season fish begin to run in June, but as a rule 

 July is the month when regular fishing commences. Colonel Burnley 

 Campbell has kindly furnished me with the catch for the Ormidale 

 water during the last thirteen years : 



Year. Salmon. Sea Trout. 



1896 - - - - - - 42 167 



1897 ------ 49 253 



1898 - 41 500 



1899 - - - - - - 82 340 



1900 ------ 49 371 



1901 - - - - - --11 329 



1902 ------ 52 625 



1903 ------ 17 1000 



1904 20 673 



1905 ------ 20 450 



1906 ------ 27 561 



1907 17 425 



1908 10 682 



Average, 1896-1908 - - 34 490 



Like most Argyllshire streams, the Euel is a good deal dependent 

 on rain for successful angling, but, as most people know, this part of 

 the country is not generally deficient in this blessing. No end of 

 little burns run straight down the steep hills on either side of the 

 glen. They can show all along the slopes like parallel threads of 

 silver filigree ; yet in warm, summer weather, or during that more 

 beautiful season when the bracken is red and a sharp frost nips the 

 glittering hill-tops, scarce a trickle is to be seen. 



The average weight of the salmon is about 8J lb., and fish from 7 

 to 10 lb. are usual. The heaviest weights obtained are 23 lb. and 

 22 lb. Colonel Burnley Campbell has on one occasion got 7 salmon 



