

194 THE MOOR -BURN. 



killed nine dozen in it himself. So having equalled him, 

 with two to spare, I washed my hands of bait-fishing 

 during the rest of my sojourn on the banks of the Tay. 



Of trout so caught, not above one in fifty averages a 

 quarter of a pound. But there is another manner of fishing 

 the deep lyns and rocky eddies, which is difficult, and 

 sometimes even dangerous, except for a steady head and 

 practised hand. Yet if love of adventure should entice 

 the angler to try it, he will be rewarded by larger trout, 

 and perhaps a heavier creel. 



In most of the small Highland burns, there is a succes- 

 sion of cataracts and pools, with a parapet of rock rising 

 perpendicularly on each side, and often scarcely footing 

 enough for a dog to pass. The greater proportion of 

 picturesque -looking brethren of the angle would almost 

 start at the idea of continuing their pastime under such 

 disadvantages. They therefore make a circuit, and come 

 down again upon the burn, where it is more easy to fish, 

 and the ground less rugged. The trout in these places are 

 thus left till many of them grow large, and each, taking 

 possession of a favourite nook, drives all the smaller fry 

 away. The difficulty of reaching these places is, I admit, 

 often great, the angler sometimes having to scramble up 

 on his hands and knees, covered with wet moss or gravel, 

 and then to drag his fishing-rod after him. These lyns 

 should always be fished up stream, otherwise, the moment 

 you appear at the top of the waterfall or rock, the trout 

 are very likely to see you, and slink into their hiding- 

 place. The burn, however, must always be low, as at no 



