THE CREE 393 



brought under power of control. Sir Herbert Maxwell informs me 

 that the effect of the Glen Trool sluice is to make a rise of 8 inches 

 possible on the Minnock, and that this rise may last from six to eight 

 hours. The main water is, however, raised only about 4 inches, and 

 the angling is probably unaffected by it; but if there are fish in the 

 Minnock, a rise such as that referred to is quite sufficient to move 

 fish and improve the sport. On account of the level at which 

 certain dwellings are situated on the side of Loch Trool, it is not 

 easily possible to arrange for the storing of more water than at 

 present. 



Glen Trool and the line of the Minnock converge from either side 

 of a spur of the hills named the Eig of Stroan, which rises in a 

 succession of eminences culminating in the fine mountain of 

 Merrick (2764 feet). This whole region, with its rich wooding and 

 streams, its lochs and heather-clad slopes, and especially its rock- 

 covered hills, presents on every hand a combination of varied beauty 

 and grandeur which great tracts of the Highlands cannot equal. 

 Few Scotsmen know the beauties of this part of our country. I 

 am always inclined stoutly to maintain that many parts of the 

 Highlands surpass, in their influence upon the mind, anything to be 

 readily found in Europe, and it may be on this planet. Of course, 

 what is most pleasing or impressive to one calls forth no response 

 from another; the personal factor cannot be eliminated in such 

 matters. One man delights in huge Alpine peaks in their brilliant 

 hard atmosphere, another finds repose of soul in the woods and 

 misty distances of flat country. But I know not where refined 

 grandeur can be found as in the Scottish Highlands ; while, apart 

 from the actual landscape, the subtle charm of romance, people, 

 sentiment, call it what you will, all combine to captivate both the 

 Celt and the Saxon. At the same time, there is a strong charm 

 about the knot of hills which discharge to the four points of the 

 compass the head waters of Boon, the water of Trool, the Blackwater 

 of Dee, and the Penkill Burn to the Cree at Minnigaff. 



The Cree below the junction with the Minnock has a course of 

 6 miles to Newton-Stewart, In this there is much pleasant 

 fishing water, although in the neighbourhood of Penninghame the 

 river expands into a wide lake-like stretch which is sometimes 

 described as Loch Cree a pikey -looking place. Much of the water 

 is of that character which is most suitable for spring fishing ; there 

 is a fine steady run with a swirl here and there, now a break over 

 some boulders, then a shallower and quicker stream, again an even 



