12 THE SCOTTISH ANGLER. 



others over black and barren moors, to which (their 

 native abodes) fish, when swept into a huge reservoir, 

 are unable to return, being bewildered as to the en- 

 trance back, or more possibly induced to remain in a 

 wider though foreign sphere. 



Recurring to the subject of this chapter, we shall 

 extend our observations on lochs by a few remarks upon 

 their suitableness for angling. Now, we think river 

 sport far more agreeable, and requiring greater inge- 

 nuity ; besides, it is a healthier exercise. You are 

 kept in more rapid motion a great preventive to the 

 wader against colds and rheumatisms, which standing 

 middle-deep in a still and freezing water is likely to oc- 

 casion. Streams are both warmer and shallower ; they 

 harbour less vermin, and are not nearly so dangerous 

 as to footing. No doubt, lochs may be boated or fished 

 from the banks ; a poor fisher in general he is who 

 adopts the latter method ; nay, a craven angler, and 

 effeminate ; nevertheless, we make no reference to 

 unfordable places. Foolhardiness and cowardice are 

 equally to be despised. A pretender to the gentle art 

 ought, however, not to hesitate upon a shallow, but 

 boldly to plunge forward, should good sport be the 

 probable result. Yet, we do confess, this is often a 

 disagreeable duty, owing sometimes to the bogginess and 

 irregularity of the soil beneath, sometimes to the cold- 

 ness of the water, and, as we have once or twice ex- 

 perienced, to its poisonous nature. This latter quality 

 may be observed in a small loch near Kinghorn in Fife, 

 inhabited by pike only. It is covered with weeds and 

 water plants, which so taint and violate its contents, 

 as to render wading therein absolutely in its .effects 

 frightful and dangerous. The part of the body im- 

 mersed becomes covered with scarlet eruptions. No 

 doubt this may be the work of a minute insect, capa- 



