SALMON -ANGLING. 



amazement, that it was attracted by a facsimile of the 

 identical fly which a moment before he had so dexterously 

 tendered to its acceptance ! Every really first-rate fly- 

 fisher will meet with such occurrences, when angling in 

 the wake of a less gifted craftsman. And although to the 

 looker-on it appears as if he had charmed the fish, yet it is 

 only by a more scientific knowledge of the exact spots 

 where the salmon are likely to come up, and lingering over 

 these with the motion of a glancing insect. This mastery 

 of the gentle craft can only be attained by long practice 

 and the most perfect command of the rod. 



Angling for salmon may be called the deer-stalking of 

 the streams. As in the first sight of the herd there is 

 more excitement, and more satisfaction when you bring 

 down the stag than any other game, so in salmon-fishing, 

 compared with all other kinds, the interest is greater when 

 you rise a fish, and the satisfaction double when you lay 

 him on the shingly bank. Like deer-stalking, however, it 

 has its disadvantages ; not the least of which is, the greater 

 stock of patience required, and the greater uncertainty of 

 the sport ; unless, indeed, in preserved waters, where there 

 is much less opportunity of displaying the superiority of 

 an accomplished fisher over the ordinary performer. In 

 unprotected water, for instance, should the weather be 

 unpropitious, the best rod may flog the river for hours 

 without stirring a fin ; while a couple of fish is always 

 reckoned a good day's work. Under the same untoward 

 circumstances, the trout-fisher may often, by skill and 

 perseverance, make out a very tolerable bagful. 



