GOOD PROSPECTS OF SPORT. 303 



considerably, particularly the fly, which not only had one of 

 the hackles broken, but also the tinsel ; I therefore stuck it 

 carefully in the crown of my hat, and replaced it with 

 another, intending in the evening, when comfortably seated 

 in our snug cabin, to bring my pliers, scissors, vise, etc., into 

 play, and construct its counterpart, being well satisfied that 

 the combination of color which in previous exploits had 

 done me good service was again destined to reap fresh 

 laurels and further establish its reputation. The upper por- 

 tion of the stream, and the only part I had so far fished, 

 was now well rested ; and while refreshing myself, prepar- 

 atory to making a third essay, several noble fish broke wa- 

 ter in the immediate vicinity where I had hooked both of 

 iny trophies. From what I had already seen, I was con- 

 vinced that magnificent sport was before me, and that I 

 had at last arrived in the land of plenty of salmon. There 

 was a satisfaction in knowing this a feeling I will not at- 

 tempt to describe, a gratification of a longing often felt, but 

 never expected to be realized. Fancy, brother fishermen, 

 having salmon as abundant as trout in a good trout-stream ! 

 In ten casts I had three rises, out of which I had hooked 

 and killed two fish ; and my friend across the water had 

 also been busy. Ye lords and commoners, who pay enor- 

 mous rentals for salmon rivers, can you, with all the par- 

 aphernalia that a London fishing-tackle establishment can 

 supply, with all the attendance and accessories that wealth 

 can purchase, show a finer record ? Truly I doubt if it is 

 possible. Again I commenced at the head of the pool, and 

 slowly progressed downward ; one fish I stirred, but on a 

 second time casting over him, he refused to put in an ap- 

 pearance. Step after step I descended, and when not more 

 than ten yards below where I had hooked my first fish I 

 struck another ; but, alas ! the hook did not hold : a few 

 spasmodic struggles, and he was free. 



