80 SALMON - ANGLING. 



struggle, an indifferent one is apt to wear and give 

 way, often at the few last faint efforts to spurn the 

 shore. 



Behind large stones and in eddies there is always a good 

 cast for worm ; and in searching the latter you cannot be 

 too particular. Try every variety of depth and current ; 

 in fact, seem to humour the line, though dexterously 

 guiding it. No greater test of a practical bait-fisher than 

 this. 



I always like to have some bait in my pocket, even on 

 the most propitious day for the fly ; and the following 

 successful results of the practice occurred the summer 

 before last. There are four pools at the top of the Echaig, 

 a little separated from the other casts. As the season 

 advances, the large fish are very apt to remain in them. 

 My custom was generally to begin at the lowest of these 

 pools, fish up with fly to the top, and, if unsuccessful, to 

 put on bait, and rake them down again. In the autumn of 

 1847, I rose a salmon in the bottom pool, at the first 

 throw, gave him a rest, and rose him again. Another ten 

 minutes' rest, while I put on a smaller fly. He rose a 

 third time ; but not wishing to disgust him, I passed on to 

 the pool above, A second salmon rose near the tail of the 

 pool. But, although I gave him the customary law, and 

 also changed my flies, he was stubborn. I therefore 

 walked off to the two top pools, but no fish moved in 

 them either at fly or bait. I returned to my first salmon 

 up he came again, keen as ever. I left him once 

 more for his neighbour in the pool above, but his mood 



