CATCHING A SALMON. 195 



doubtedly, when, clearing after a flood, the water has 

 turned to a light whey or rather brown colour ; when 

 the wind blows pretty fresh, approaching to a mackerel 

 gale, (if not from the north,) against the stream or 

 course of the river ; when the sun shines through 

 showers, or when the cloudy rack runs fast and thick, 

 and at intervals discovers the pure blue ether from 

 above. In these situations of the water and of the 

 weather, you may always depend upon excellent sport. 

 " The most difficult thing for a beginner, is to throw 

 the line far, neatly, and to make the fly first touch the 

 water. A few attentive trials will, however, bring him 

 to do it with dexterity. It should always be across 

 the river, and on the far side, when you expect the fish 

 to rise. If he appears, do not be too eager to strike, 

 but give him time to catch the fly ; then, with a gentle 

 twist, fix the hook in his lip or mouth ; if he is hooked 

 on a bone, or feels sore, he will shoot, spring, and 

 plunge with so much strength and vehemence, as to 

 make the reel run with a loud and whizzing noise, and 

 your arms to shake and quiver most violently. In this 

 situation, take out the line from the winch quickly, 

 though with composure, keeping it always at the same 

 time stretched, but yet ever ready to yield to his leap- 

 ing. Do not let it run to any great length, as it is 

 then apt to be unmanageable, but rather follow him, 

 and if he comes nearer, you retire, and wind up as fast 

 as possible, so as to have the line tight ; and hold your 

 rod nearly in a perpendicular situation. When he be- 

 comes calmer, he often turns sullen, and remains mo- 

 tionless at the bottom of the water. Then cast a few 

 stones upon the spot where you think he is, and this, 

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