THE DEVERON 121 



average take fifty to sixty fish from the seven pools, of which the 

 Boghead and Bogbraes are the two best. 



The Mountblairey water of Colonel Morison is also a fine stretch, 

 and extends for between four and five miles on the left bank, and 

 for some six hundred yards on the right. June and July are best 

 for grilse, and the latter part of the season for salmon. Wading 

 trousers are necessary, and nothing but the fly is used. There are 

 thirteen good pools. Wood of Shaws, Scatterby, and Thieves' Pot 

 being the chief ones. 



In 1902 the nets took 1500 salmon and grilse, and the rods got 

 950, headed by a fish of 34 lb. 



In 1903 the nets had 582 salmon and 1423 grilse ; the rods got 

 1235, 35 lb. the heaviest. Then from 1905 to 1908 the takes fell 

 off owing to the silting up of the river mouth and the severe netting. 



In 1909 over 1000 fish were got by the rods. 



Below are the catches of some of the anglings. 



The Mountblairey water is on the west or left bank for about 

 three and a half miles, and for about half a mile it is on both banks. 



From 1st August to end of October the rod took — 



Salmon 



There were also some sea trout, but no records have been kept. 

 The Laithers water of seven good pools, four of which are on 

 both banks, give returns as follows : — 



Salmon 

 Sea Trout . 

 Brown Trout 



The Ardmiddle water extends over about one and a half miles 

 of the right bank. 



In 1902, 17 fish caught ; in 1903, 27 ; in 1904, only 8 ; 1907, 

 23. There is room for two rods. 



On the Rothiemay Castle water, of about three and a quarter 

 miles, the average is from forty to fifty salmon and grilse in every 

 ordinary season. 



On the Beldorney Castle water, of three and a half miles, situate 

 some miles above Huntly, the highest record is fifty salmon and 

 grilse. 



In 1900, 20 fish ; in 1091, 5 ; in 1902, 18 ; in 1903, 16 ; in 1904, 

 only 2 — the worst season ever known ; in 1905, 7. The fronting 

 here is quite first class. 



