348 THE KEEPER'S BOOK 



where they usually come. From that part fish care- 

 fully down for another twenty yards ; we will then go 

 on to the next pool." 



The angler begins to cast, and during the first half- 

 dozen casts there are anxious moments for the gillie. 

 He knows by that time whether his employer is an 

 experienced angler or not. He sees his employer is 

 casting straight across, and politely requests him to 

 " Cast a little straighter down, sir." 



After a few more casts, something pulls down the 

 rod and the line begins to run out. After a run or two, 

 the fish shows itself to be a kelt. " Do not be particular 

 with him, sir," you remark. 



The fish is brought bankwards as quickly as 

 possible. Instead of the gaff, the net is put under it 

 and pulled ashore. The hook is carefully extracted, 

 and the fish returned to the river with as much care as 

 possible. On no account should the gaffbe used. The 

 fly is examined to see that the tinsel has not been torn 

 by the kelt's long teeth. 



Another start is made at the same place ; there is 

 another pull, and the reel sings out again. A livelier 

 fish this time, and he jumps into the air. " A spring 

 fish, sir ; be more careful." After a little time the fish 

 nears the shore. The gillie remains quiet, gaff, instead 

 of net, in hand this time. Several times the fish comes 

 within a few feet of the gaff, and as often rushes out into 

 the stream again. The next time it comes within reach 

 of the gillie, who puts the gaff quietly over the fish's 



