SUGGESTIONS. 229 



It is often said, "there is no need of so great a variety 

 of flies." I do not think this is true. Doubtless there 

 are many styles that might well be dispensed with, but 

 one never knows which to discard, and no man can 

 tell him, for the very flies one man would say were 

 worthless, another would consider the best — and prove 

 it, plainly, by the success he had had with that very 

 fly. So it is well to be pr^ided with many kinds and 

 sizes. I have learned of the merits of so many differ- 

 ent kinds of flies that I sometimes think nearly all are 

 good — at some time or under some circumstances. 

 There is much doubt in my mind as to the neces- 

 sity of having the artificial flies like the insects that are 

 near or on the water. One of the best flies that has 

 ever been known— the Coachman— does not in the 

 least resemble any known insect, I believe— and but few 

 of the many patterns made imitate anything in nature. 

 The Cowdung fly, another one of the most " taking " 

 flies— does very much resemble the natural fly of that 

 name— but I never saw or heard of their being on or 

 near the water. 



Early in the season, while the weather is yet cold, 

 the middle of the day is usually quite as good, and I 

 think the best time for fly-fishing. Later, in warm 

 weather, the evening is the best, and often the last two 

 hours of a pleasant day are worth all the rest of it. 



Generally speaking, a gentle southerly breeze is the 

 most favorable wind ; yet I have had splendid sport 

 during a strong north-easterly wind, but not often. 



