8RC02TD DAT.] FLIES. 21 



is no great variety on this river. AVe have had lately 

 some warm days, and though it is but the 18th of 

 May, yet I know the May-fly has been out for three 

 or four days, and this is the best period of this destruc- 

 tive season for the fisherman. There are, I observe, 

 many male flies on the high trees, and some females 

 on the alders. 



PHYS. — But I see flies already on the water, which 

 seem of various colours, — brown and gray, and some 

 very pale, — and the trout appear to rise at them 

 eagerly. 



HAL. — The fly you see is called by fishermen the 

 alder fly, and appears generally in large quantities 

 before the May-fly. Imitations of this fly, and of 

 the green and the gray drake, of different shades, are 

 the onlv ones vou will need this mornimr, though I 

 doubt if the last can be much used, as the gray drake 

 is not yet on the water in any coiantity. 



PHYS. — Pray can you give us any account of these 

 curious little animals ? 



HAL. — We ought to draw upon your stores of 

 science for information on these subjects. 



PHYS. — I really know nothing of Entomology, but 

 I am desirous of accuiiring knowledge. 



HAL. — I have made few observations on flies as a 

 philosophical naturalist. What I know I will state 

 at another time. But see, the green drake is descending 



