126 SALMONIA. 



caught. The Brora, in 1813 and 1814, was 

 an admirable river; I have often rode from 

 the mansion of the princely and hospitable 

 lord and lady of that county, after breakfast, 

 and returned at two or three o'clock, having 

 taken from three to eight salmon several 

 times eight. There were five pools below 

 the wears of the Brora, which always con- 

 tained fish ; and one pool, which from its 

 size was almost inexhaustible, at the top of 

 which 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 those 

 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 with- 

 out success it was always foul when I made 

 my essay. I have heard of a good salmon 

 river in Lord Reay's country, , the Laxford; 



