^60 THE ANGLER S GUIDE. 





Before the young artist tries his skill at dressing or 

 making a fly, (suppose a green-drake,) he should 

 carefully take an artificial one to pieces, and observe 

 how it is formed. 



Thus, having learnt how to apply his materials to 

 the hook, the knowledge how to make the may- flies 

 is first requisite to be understood 3 for these flies are 

 of so much value to the Angler, that every one who 

 wishes to excel in Fly-fishing, should learn how to 

 make them as soon as possible. There are several 

 persons in London who manufacture artificial flies" 

 for sale ; and among those professed fly-makers, some, 

 for a gratuity, will instruct the Angler in the whole 

 art and mystery of fly-making. The manufacture of I 

 the green-drake, grey-drake, and stone-fly, in par-, 

 ticular, should be well understood, as it is sometimes i 

 difficult to procure, or preserve the natural ones ; and, , 

 moreover, a proficiency in the art of making these i 

 will enable any person to make a fly to any pattern; , 

 an art highly necessary, for it will often happen that 1 

 Trout will refuse every fly you may have with you^ 

 and the only resource then is, to sit down and make s' 

 one resembling, as much as possible, those which 51 

 you may find flying about the spot. 



When artful flies the Angler would prepare, 

 This task of all deserves his utmost care : 

 Nor verse nor prose can ever teach him well 

 What masters only know, and practice tell ; 

 Yet thus at large I venture to support, 

 Natui'e best followed best secures the sport ; 



