SALMON-SPEARING 181 



fellow, and I can answer for his weight already. I 

 shouldn't care about carrying him to the lodge, I 

 know ; but I suppose we had better take him back 

 to the others, so we may tie him up, if you have a 

 bit of string with you. Thanks, — that will do 

 capitally." 



Beacler, I hope we have not failed by this time 

 to give you an insight into the mysteries of a sport 

 which, though now defended by stringent penalties, 

 was no unworthy one in its time, requiring, as it 

 did, the utmost dexterity, training, and endurance : 

 three objects which in themselves are sufficient to 

 elevate any pursuit which can promote them, and 

 which many seek to acquire amongst the mountains 

 of Switzerland or the hills of Scotland. In a lesser 

 way, after the fatigues of the London season, the 

 gentler sex strive to attain the same end by walk- 

 ing, riding, sailing, or otherwise recruiting with 

 fresh country air. 



