A HIGHLAND SALMON RIVER. 109 



salmon rush straight through the rapids and rocky 

 falls right up to Loch Tay, where, in early spring, 

 they tingle the fingers and heighten the pulse of 

 many a keen angler amidst the wild and beautiful 

 mountain scenes of Breadalbane. 



After an hour's rest, the marching order was 

 "home." 



" What a pleasant, exciting day this has been ! " 

 said Ward after dinner, as he leant back in his chair 

 and sent forth great puffs of tobacco-smoke. " The 

 loch has its charms, but the river is the more sporting 

 game." 



" No doubt," the Major replied; "every pool 

 brings change of scene and tactics, and fish are so 

 strong and active in rapid currents." 



" Why is there no poaching here ? " Ward inquired. 

 " Archie says there has not been a case for a year." 



"Distance," I replied; "we are away from 

 towns and villages ; and I am glad we have no 

 prosecutions, as I have a sort of tenderness for 

 poaching when not professional, and do not feel 

 vindictive at a sly cast for a salmon, or a boy 

 catching a rabbit, or even a cotter trapping a hare in 

 his cabbage-garden." 



" Whom then should you prosecute ? " 



