An Avon Monster
It is the kind fashion of the day to save salmon from excessive labour ; but they are not always as grateful as they should be. In the West Highlands, for example, not only have attractive staircases of not too sharp a pitch been built, but elaborate waiting-rooms provided between the flights ; but there the salmon, it was thought by many, were slow to avail themselves of the new facilities, though perhaps the exigencies of water-power were more responsible. They preferred their old bolder leaps. On the other hand a very attractive ladder, built not long ago on the Hampshire Avon, has been accepted with gratitude, in lieu of the old leap, often not undertaken till the pool below was stiff with fins. The other day, by way of proof, a 17 lb. salmon was caught just above the leap. That is a good fish ; but cannot compare with a monster of another sort also caught just abovetip fall, a pike of 29 lb. The beast was hooked one day, but broke The tackle just as a sure landing seemed likely. With undeterred zeal the fisherman returned the next day, and again the great fish took the lure, not this time to escape. This very lovely river looks as if it should be full of trout. That it is not is doubtless chiefly due to the size and number of the pike. If a trout of three pounds can swallow another of 1 lb., what fish could not and would not a 29 lb. pike make away with ? However, coarse fishing is by far the most popular form of this sport and where such giants are in question its excitement is great.
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