THE TWEED AT DRYBURGH. 285 
been an occupant of the pool for three or four weeks ; 
and the hazard, be it noted, is always greater when 
the river is at its minimum size than when it is full 
and discoloured. In the former case, the fish may be 
supposed to-have acquired an acquaintance with the 
strong and secure points round about its temporary 
residence, and be in a condition to avail itself of 
them accordingly ; whereas, when there is an extra 
pressure of water upon the hold, and the medium 
through which the salmon’s powers of vision haye to 
be exerted happens to be altered from transparency 
to semi-opaqueness, the effect of these changes upon 
a hooked fish, after the first burst, is to bewilder and 
dishearten it, or at any rate to render improbable its 
bringing to bear any resources, save its natural 
strength and activity, against the skill of the well- 
appointed angler. 
Immediately above the Hare Crag, we come upon 
a piece of shifty water enclosing an islet, or rather an 
accumulation of gravel, studded here and there with 
stunted willows, which occupies space to the extent 
of two or three acres. There the principal force of 
the river is directed towards the south bank ; but the 
branch in question is of too rapid a character to 
admit of being fished successfully before the end of 
May. It is not salmon water, nor is it fished as 
such ; but no doubt, in the lower part of it,a mi- 
gratory fish is occasionally taken by means of trout- 
