LEISTERING SALMON, 101 



As yet, Thorburn has held back ; but now, although 

 third in the attack, one may observe, hung in air, his 

 fatal spear, thrown from the steadiest hands among 

 modern Borderers, and down, at the very feet of the 

 Ettrick Shepherd, it falls unerringly upon the head of 

 the devoted fish, which, hard pressed, is employing 

 every means to escape. 



In leister fishing, allowance must always be made 

 for the refractory nature of the water ; and it is neces- 

 sary, where the pool is of any depth, to strike below, 

 and not at the fish. Salmon are rather attracted than 

 frightened by the torch, and will often, if not otherwise 

 disturbed, move slowly up towards it, or balance them- 

 selves steadily upon their fins within reach of the eager 

 sportsman. 



Sometimes an otter is killed by the leister, for that 

 animal is as keen a hunter as man himself, and knows 

 well the season when salmon spawn, and in what mood 

 of water they can be captured with the greatest ease. 

 A chase of this kind surpasses all other sports the 

 power and sagacity generally displayed by the otter in- 

 creasing not a little the fervour and interest of the pur- 

 suit. One of these creatures, transfixed by the salmon 

 spear, has been known to twist itself round the shaft, 

 and divide it by the mere strength and sharpness of its 

 teeth. Its great cunning, also, will enable it sometimes 

 to escape, after being severely, if not mortally, wounded. 



But our group of hunters are now somewhat wearied. 

 The torches, one by one, are consumed. A cold frost 

 settles down over the atmosphere, and even works itself 

 into the wet garments and plaids of the satisfied Low- 

 landers. Above a score of fish have they immolated 

 salmon, grilses, sea trout, and yellow-fins and here 

 they lie in a goodly heap, to be shared out among the 

 whole party. The best, a fresh-run salmon, is allotted 



