PLEASURES OF ANGLING. 127 



fighting salmon that he properly appreciates their 

 muscular energy and great endurance. 



It is not always possible to give a reason for the 

 difference in the play of different fish of the same 

 species. Every one has his theory. One says it is 

 in the sex. Another, that it depends upon their 

 recent or remote advent into fresh water, and 

 others upon where the fish is hooked. It is un- 

 doubtedly true that, as a rule, there is more game 

 in the male than in the female salmon, and that 

 fish fresh from the ocean are the most muscular and 

 ferocious. But I have had equal sport with fish 

 of either sex, and have found as tough customers 

 fifty miles from the sea as in close proximity to it. 

 The difference, I fancy, depends upon how and 

 where they are hooked. A barb through the 

 tongue of a salmon is like a curb on the jaws of a 

 horse ; he may have the disposition to run, but he 

 doesn't fancy the unpleasant sensation which fol- 

 lows his attempt to do so. Another reason is, the 

 seeming dull perception of some fish. Like some 

 men, it takes them a good while to get over their 

 astonishment at finding something wrong, and 

 before they really comprehend the situation, they 

 lose their advantage and are gaffed. 



I had a very interesting illustration of this one 

 day. I was fishing at a point where counter cur- 

 rents met, and where, consequently, it was difficult 



