290 FIELD-NOTES FOR THE YEAR. CH. XX. 



trout, becaring exactly the same relation and affinity 

 to that fish as the grilse does to the salmon ; but 

 the natural history of the inhabitants of another 

 element is too uncertain and difficult a subject for 

 a mere casual observer to enter upon. At any 

 rate, the finnock is not only an excellent fish for 

 the table, but affords capital sport, rising freely, 

 and playing boldly when hooked ; and has alto- 

 gether strong attractions for those anglers who some- 

 what love their ease. I have been much amused 

 by seeing an elderly, placid-looking London gentle- 

 man, who was staying at Forres for the purpose of 

 fishing in the Findhorn. This old gentleman used 

 to arrive at the river's edge at a comfortable noon- 

 day hour, accompanied by his lady, and a footman 

 splendid in blue and red, who carried camp-stools, 

 books, fishing-tackle, and last, though not least, a 

 most voluminous luncheon. Daily did this party 

 make their appearance at a certain pool, and while 

 the old gentleman, seated at his ease on his camp- 

 stool close to the water, with spectacles and broad- 

 brimmed hat, fished away with the well-known 

 perseverance and skill of a Thames angler, his 

 lady read her book on one side, whilst on the other 

 the red-legged footman either prepared the luncheon, 

 or held in readiness the well-stocked fly-book of his 

 master. Very different would be the description 



