128 SALMONIA. [FIFTH DAY. 



eight salmon several times eight. There were five 

 pools below the wears of the Brora, which always 

 contained fish; and at the top of one pool, which 

 from its size was almost inexhaustible, I have taken 

 three or four salmon the same day. Another pool, 

 nearer the sea, was almost equal to it ; and at that 

 time I should have placed the Brora above the Ewe 

 for certainty of sport. When I fished there last, in 

 1817, the case was altered, and I caught only two or 

 three fish in the very places where I had six years 

 before been so successful. In the Helmsdale there 

 are some good pools, and I have caught fine fish there 

 when the river has been high. I have fished in the 

 river at Thurso, but without success it was always 

 foul when I made my attempt. I have heard of a 

 good salmon river in Lord Reay's country, the 

 Laxford ; its name, of Norwegian origin, would seem 

 to be characteristic.*" Along the coast of Scotland, 

 most of the streams, if taken at the right time, afford 

 sport. In this country the Beauly is a good river, 

 and I have caught salmon in that very beautiful spot 

 below the falls of Kilmornack. The Ness, at Inver- 

 ness, and the Awe, and Lochy, I have fished in, but 

 without success. I may say the same of the Ayr, and 

 of the rivers which empty themselves into the Solway 

 Frith. A little preserved stream, at Ardgowan, was 



* Lax is the Teutonic word for salmon. 



