THE NATURAL FLY. 31 



to distinguish the natural from the artificial 

 fly. 



Hal. — This, I think, always happens after 

 a fish has been hooked with an artificial fly. 

 He becomes cautious, and is seldom caught 

 that year, at least with the same means in 

 the same pool : but I dare say that fish 

 might be taken with a natural fly; or, what 

 is better, two upon the hook. 



Poiet. — Pray try him. 



Hal. — I am no great artist at this kind of 

 angling, but I will for once try my fortune, 

 though it is hardly fair play ; and it is rather 

 to endeavour to recover your tackle, than 

 for the sake of the fish ; for this method I 

 seldom practise, and never encourage. 



Poiet. — Pray make no apologies for the 

 trial. Such a fish — certainly a monster, for 

 this river — should be caught, by fair means, 

 if possible, but caught, by any means. 



Hal. — You lost that fish, and you over- 

 rate his size, as you will see, if I have good 

 fortune. I put my live flies on the hook 

 with some regret and some disgust. I will 

 not employ another person to be my minister 



