MY FIRST SALMON 233 



of the small ones. Could netting be stopped, there 

 is no possible doubt that the fishing would at once 

 improve. In years gone by netting was allowed in 

 the rivers themselves ; and even to-day, though it is 

 contrary to the game laws, and though efforts are 

 made to patrol the accessible rivers, it is done to 

 some slight extent, the railway section hands being 

 probably the chief offenders. We, ourselves, found 

 signs of nets near several pools. 



But taking all the conditions into consideration, 

 it is only fair to say that the rivers are very fairly 

 well protected for the angler, and we should be 

 thankful to the country which holds its waters in 

 trust for all who care to avail themselves of the 

 splendid fishing equally free to all — to the rich and 

 to the poor. Would that other countries regarded 

 their fishing rights in the same broad-minded way. 



