A MARCH SALMON 55 



best beat thereon, and the first access to the 

 best pools offered by a kindly and unselfish 

 host. A view, from the windows of the break- 

 fast-room, of a hillside softly outlined by birch 

 woods, delicately tinted in mauve and purple. 

 A walk over springy turf to the nearest pool. 

 Two fish in the first twenty minutes, inciting 

 to supreme keenness without a trace of fatigue 

 throughout the glorious hours that follow. 

 Another fish before luncheon in the third pool, 

 the second time over. Three silvery beauties 

 to contemplate during the brief interval for 

 luncheon itself, taken, perhaps, more leisurely 

 than usual, with a sense of initial achievement, 

 with unfished pools in prospect and hopes 

 of further success. Two more fresh-run fish 

 in the afternoon, both from difficult places 

 requiring long casts never before achieved, and 

 both affording moments of acute anxiety in 

 the playing and in the landing. Five spring 

 salmon in a day, six to the other rod, heavy 

 baskets to load on the wagonette ; and then 

 the drive home together up the strath, past 

 familiar scenes which recall former triumphs, 

 absorbing in silence the beauties of moorland 

 and copse, and storing up memories that make 

 for life-long contentment. 



I wonder in what quality success in salmon- 



