166 SALMON-SPE A RING 



first, we choose that day when the more noble art of 

 the rod and fly would be exercised in vain — a clear 

 sunny day, with as little ripple as possible, and the 

 water low, the field of operation being generally the 

 upper pools, or, in preference, the larger " burn " or 

 mountain stream whence the river took its source. 



The implements, a spear, or rather iron trident of 

 three prongs, barbed like a fish-hook, the prongs 

 being about two inches apart, with a shaft some ten 

 feet in length ; two or three long poles, whose uses 

 will be seen presently, and either a "gaff" or a 

 landing-net. The essentials, a hawk-like keenness 

 of eye sharpened by long practice, a goat-like agility 

 amongst rocks and stones, and a philosophical in- 

 difference to all such minor discomforts as a com- 

 plete wetting and a frequent fall or bruise. The 

 night-work differed in the change of locality, the 

 favourite spot being the long shallow "reach" at the 

 river's mouth, and in the substitution of fir- torches 

 for the poles of the day's programme. Thus much 

 for the nature of the sport ; for a description of it 

 let the reader lend a kindly ear while we suppose 

 the scene by the banks of the river Arkail, in the 

 Northern Highlands of Scotland (a name which, by 

 the way, he will in vain try to establish in the best 

 of educational atlases or tourists' guides). 



" What a baking day ! No use taking out the 



