SALMON- ANGLING. 313 



yet it is only by a more scientific knowledge of the exact 

 spots where the salmon are likely to come up, and by linger- 

 ing 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 in any other game, so in salmon-fishing, compared 

 with all other kinds, the interest is greater when you raise a 

 fish, and the satisfaction double when you lay him on the 

 shingly bank. Like deer-stalking, however, it has its disad- 

 vantages ; 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. 



I have heard it said by some pseudo-salmon-anglers, that 

 the only pleasure was the hooking of the fish ; and some 

 have even declared they would not mind breaking every 

 salmon directly after fastening him. Such men, to be con- 

 sistent, should drop the salmon and stick to the trout they 

 will of course have more rises, and fix more fish ; but their 

 idea is absurd. If they have arrived at such a pinnacle of 

 perfection, why not reduce their tackle to a single horse-hair ? 

 And if even this should be too strong for their exquisite skill, 

 let them carefully cull the softest hair from the softest lock 

 of their own softer heads. 



However one may admire the dexterity of a master of the 

 rod, as he casts his line between every opening among the 



