Page:Landon in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book 1836.pdf/63

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"So numerous are the fish frequenting this river, that the average amount is estimated at £1,000 per annum; and on one, occasion 1,500 salmon were taken at a single drag of the net."—I, however, have only celebrated the exploits of a single fisher.

I remember a curious exploit of a gentleman, who went out in the morning to shoot, and shot a salmon; in the afternoon to fish, and caught a hare. The fact was, there had been a flood, which had dashed a salmon on the banks, where a gun was the readiest means of despatching it. The same flood had swept away a hare, and the line furnished the means of its capture. dreaming that I went Through the ocean element, Like a conqueror on my way, Shark and sword-fish were the prey; With a spear I smote the waves Down amid the coral caves. I have wakened,—let me go Where the mountain torrents flow.

I will realize my dream In the dashing of the stream; Pouring mid the summer woods All the gathered winter floods; When the ice and when the snow Melt into a sunny flow: Mid the bright waves leaping forth Comes the salmon from the north.

Let the meaner angler seek, In the willow-hidden creek, For the trout whose spotted side Crimsons like a star the tide; Let him mid dark waters search For the carp and for the perch; While the silver graylings shiver Like bright arrows in a quiver.

Mine a nobler prey shall be, Guest from yonder sounding sea, Comes the salmon proud and strong, Darting like a ray along. For his lure, the artful fly Does the peacock’s plume supply; Royal bird, whose radiant wing Suiteth with the river king.

See, he bears the line away, Round him flies the snowy spray. I have given him length and line, One last struggle, he is mine. Fling the green arbutus bough On the glowing ashes now; Let the cup with red wine foam,— I have brought the salmon home.