228 ANGLING 



the main stream. If he fishes it properly from its 

 source to the confines of Glasgow, he will find the range 

 of waters very interesting, and capable of affording him 

 ample sport. 



We must now turn aside in another direction, and 

 place the rod-fisher down on the banks of the Tweed, 

 one of the noblest fishing streams in Europe. 



" Along the silver banks of Tweed, 

 'Tis blythe the mimic fly to lead, 

 When to the hook the salmon springs, 

 And the line whistles through the rings. 

 The boiling eddy sees him try. 

 Then dashing from the current high ; 

 Till watchful eye, and cautious hand, 

 Have led his wasted strength on land." 



- ^ Glasgow, 1826. 



The Tweed has a fishable range of about sixty miles, 

 and is perfectly free for the fly, or bait, from its soiu'ce 

 to its mouth at Berwick. It can be - approached by 

 several routes ; but we should give the preference to 

 any of them that would enable the angler to fish it from 

 its highest waters downwards to the sea. To follow this 

 river with the rod to its full extent is one of the most 

 delightful tours that any sportsman can take. In 

 accordance with this suggestion, we shall shape our 

 descriptions of its waters, under the impression that 

 this tour will be taken in the way and manner we have 

 pointed out. 



The Tweed springs out of the same mountain that 

 gives birth to the Clyde and the river Annan, which 

 flow into the Western Ocean. And it is worthy of 

 passing remark, that should the angler be upon the 

 Clyde at Elvanfoot, or within a few miles of that station, 

 he may find his way to the higher streams of the Tweed, 

 by a walk of from six to ten miles. Many travelling 

 anglers from the south take this route. They fish the 

 higher waters of the Clyde; and when they wish for 

 a change of scene, strike over the mountain passes, and 

 make their way to the Tweed. 



The Tweed becomes fishable at a place called Tweed- 



