FROM " GAME FISH OF THE NORTH" 185 



like to risk taking cold by exposing themselves to a 

 sudden draught. 



There is a very absurd impression that trout will 

 not take the fly early in the season ; this is entirely un- 

 founded. As soon as the ice disappears they will be 

 found gambolling in the salt-water streams, and leap- 

 ing readily at the fly. At such times, on lucky days, 

 immense numbers are taken. In March they have run 

 up the sluice-ways and are in the lower ponds, lying 

 sullenly in the deepest water ; then is the Cowdung, 

 politely called the Dark Cinnamon, the most attractive 

 fly. In April, May and June they are scattered, and 

 entrapped by the Hackles, Professor, Ibis, and all the 

 medium-sized flies. In July and August they have 

 sought the head -waters of navigation, the cool spring 

 brooks, and hide around the weeds and water-cresses, 

 whence the midges alone can tempt them. 



Any flies will catch fish, cast in any manner, if the 



fish are plenty and in humor to be caught. A few 



feathers torn from the nearest and least suspicious 



chicken, and tied on an ordinary hook with a piece of 



thread, will constitute a fly in the imagination of a 



trout, provided he follows, as he sometimes appears to 



do, the advice of young folks — shuts his eyes and 



oj)ens his mouth. I cannot recommend such tackle, 



being convinced the most skilfully made is the best ; 



but I do advise simplicity of color. 



****** 



Good luck, that synonym for all the virtues, does 



