78 
WILD NORWAY. 
CHAPTER VI. 
MEMOIRS OF MONSTERS. 
One result of former experience in Scandinavian salmon- 
fishing had been to instil a belief that the largest old 
male fish ran early—earlier, that is, than we had 
previously arrived in the country. With the object of 
trying conclusions with these in May, we came out this 
season ten days before the usual date. That the 
premises were correct, the sequel proved. Whether 
the latter was entirely satisfactory we leave others to 
judge. 
Samkomme pool is formed by the junction of the 
Stir river with the main stream. It is easily com¬ 
manded by wading the Sur; but when the latter is too 
deep and strong to wade, the pool presents some slight 
difficulty, owing to the opposite bank being inaccessible 
and the main current running in at an angle of 45° 
towards the angler. Hence, in the temptation to cover 
the whole water, he is apt to lose control of his fly, 
which then drifts drowned and useless. 
I had fished it down carefully with as long a line 
as I can manage, leaving untried the dangerous bit 
at the top, and proceeded to the pool below, while W. 
tried Samkomme again with a change-fly. He, wisely 
