FIRST BLOOD AT SALMON-FISHING. 29 



great rocks at the head of the pool, which is wide and 

 rough for a long way, and deep nearly to the very 

 edge. 



Before trying this place we had lunch, with a 

 mossy hillock for a seat, and a large stone for a table ; 

 so, resting a little, we refreshed ; and while Ward 

 was rapidly sketching the scene, I smoked a pipe, and 

 changed my fly for one with a " gled " wing and an 

 orange bod}^. 



" Hope," I said, " you had better fish this pool." 



" No, no ; I shall wait a little at my lessons, as 

 Fred said. Besides I am enjoying all this mightily, 

 and I wish to see the handling of a big fish." 



" Now, then, we shall try," I said, and rose to 

 begin casting this lovely reach of water. Nor had 

 Hope long to wait. At the fourth or fifth cast, a 

 splendid fish dashed at my fly ; and, just as I 

 caught a glimpse of his bright side, I struck lightly, 

 and felt I had him. 



As often happens with heavy fish, he was stolid 

 at first, but all of a sudden he rushed, like a rocket, 

 up the river, then turned and ran straight through 

 the pool, and down the water. It is useless trying 

 to resist the first burst of a strong salmon he 

 would smash rod and tackle in a moment so I 



