238 SALMON-FISHING. 



vertence, or the slightest false step, would inevitably 

 lead to certain discomfiture) ; the constant state of 

 expectancy that attends every cast of the line ; the 

 value of the prize when won ; the amount of dexterity 

 and self-possession required to affect the capture of such 

 a powerful antagonist with the comparatively slender 

 means employed ; or the never-failing beauty of the 

 waters and surrounding scenery, where this aristocratic 

 member of the finny tribes invariably locates himself ; 

 all these considerations, few will deny, contribute to 

 render salmon-fishing the alpha and omega of field- 

 sports, as it decidedly is of piscatorial pursuits. Few 

 sights can be more exciting to the eye of a sportsman 

 than the vigorous dash of a salmon at the fly, and the 

 desperate and almost irresistible plunges and deter- 

 mined resistance that ensue, while it rampages fiercely 

 about, like a frantic lion, in the surging depths of some 

 black and savage-looking pool ; and with what self- 

 satisfaction will he not regard himself, when, after may- 

 be an hour's arduous contest between brute force and 

 human skill, the sturdy fish at length relinquishes the 

 fight, and finally stretches his silvery sides along the 

 shingle his much-admired captive ! 



IMPLEMENTS AND TACKLE FOR SALMON-FISHING. 



The Rod for salmon-fishing must be large and power- 

 ful ; of from 16 to 20 feet, according to the height and 

 physical strength of the wielder. Greenheart makes 

 an excellent material for the salmon-rod ; and it ought 



