184 FISHING ON THE 



diately make him change his tone, all this can hardly 

 fail to impress on the mind of the imaginative, that the 

 spirit of the Highlands, though dormant, is not dead, and 

 to carry back his fancy to the old times of clans, catarans, 

 and claymores.* 



The fishing of the sea-loch is not nearly so scientific 

 as that of the inland. The great art lies in being 

 thoroughly acquainted with the best state of the tide for 

 commencing operations in having a perfect knowledge of 

 the fishing ground, and being able to set your long line 

 with neatness and despatch. Having lived for a couple of 

 years on the banks of two sea-lochs, I had every oppor- 

 tunity (which I did not neglect) of practising the diffe- 

 rent kinds of fishing, and making myself master of the 

 most propitious times of the tide for doing so with success. 



TROLLING FOR SEA-TROUT 



May be ranked at the head of this fishing ; but, before 

 attempting to describe it, I shall mention two curious 



* It is often amusing to see how easily the warm blood will boil, even in 

 those whom years and hardship might have cooled. The following charac- 

 teristic instances occur to me : A spruce young gentleman and party of 

 friends, in crossing a ferry, had only one boatman, nearly eighty years old, 

 tugging away at both oars. The young spark, who rather piqued himself 

 upon his performance, offered to relieve him of one. " Na, na," says old 

 Donald, whose manner was the extreme of respect, " ye'll no be accustomed 

 to this wark." " Me ! " says the youngster, " I'll row any man in your 

 country." The Highlander instantly faced him with a look and tone of 

 perfect equality, " I've seen the day when ye wad hae been sair pushed ! " 

 The other case was that of an old " grannie " in defence of her rights and 



