FLY-FISHING. 283 



is to be found in most small stony rivers or Trout 

 streams in April, lying under hollow stones. In 

 those waters where this cricket is found, it will prove 

 an excellent bait the latter end of April : put two or 

 three on a No. 9 hook, and use it as a tripping bait, in 

 the middle of the stream. I have heard that the cricket 

 is a good bait to dap with, about noon in the said 

 month ; and, also, to sink and draw with. 



In this mode of fishing, it is absolutely necessary 

 that you kneel down or stand behind a tree, bush, 

 high weeds, or something to hide your person, or 

 the Fish will not rise at your fly or bait. When such 

 a cover can be met with on a stream, this is a killing: 

 way of angling, particularly late in the evening. 

 You must draw out as much line as will just let your 

 baited hook reach the surface of the water ) then. 

 with the top of your rod a little raised, keep the bait 

 in motion just over and upon the surface of the 

 vvater, by gently raising and lowering the top part of 

 the rod, and drawing to and fro ; and if you see 

 several Fish, cautiously guide your bait to the largest ; 

 play it a little, an inch or two above the water, by 

 gently shaking the rod ; then let it drop just before 

 the Fish. When a Fish takes your bait, after a 

 moment, strike smartly, and, if not too large to 

 endanger breaking, lift him out immediately \ for, 

 by playing them while dapping, you are very like 

 to scare away the others by exposing yourself to 

 their sight j but if the wind be brisk, and you stand 

 sufficiently high on a bank or bridge, then you should 



