12 SALMON FISHING IN CANADA. 



satisfied with such abundant and unexpected sport, I went 

 on filling the pockets of my jacket, until their weight 

 became unpleasant, and the waning light warned me to 

 expedite my progress towards my quarters for the night. 

 Having passed a considerable portion of the river without 

 fishing, the path led through some low and rich meadows, 

 along which I wearily strayed, now and then throwing my 

 fly into an inviting pool, unwilling to give up the sport, 

 yet conscious that I ought to seek food and repose : when 

 just as the dimness of twilight silently settled upon 

 mountain and valley, and blending roads and rivers, trees 

 and rocks into one dull hue, the path approached the 

 river's edge where its waters having hurried down a short 

 sharp rapid were gathered into a circular basin in which 

 they eddied round and round in concentric circles except 

 close to the bank on which I stood, whence they were 

 carried forward by a moderate current. Into the still 

 water at the far side of this current, I deftly dropped my 

 fly, letting the water carry it round towards me, when 

 suddenly I found an enormous weight upon the end of my 

 line ; immediately I gave the butt and wound up, until I 

 felt, for I could not see, the loop of my casting line grate 

 against the ring on the top of my rod. I peered into the 

 water with all my eyes, but nothing could I discern, except 

 floating bubbles and a dim reflection of the clouds and 

 trees. In vain I raised my hand and rod, endeavouring to 

 move the object of my anxiety; but I might as well have 



