NATURAL FLYFISHING. 291 



Having given a select list of artificial flies, and also 

 enumerated several natural ones, accompanied with 

 observations on their respective qualities and merits, 

 how to cast or throw a fly, &c. j I shall finally take 

 leave of the subject of fly-fishing, by recommending 

 the young Angler, during his noviciate, to feel confi- 

 dent in pursuing the rules which I have laid down for 

 his practice, and in the use of flies I have selected 3 

 and not to be easily put oiF his purpose, by any person 

 who may say that such a fly is unfit for this or that 

 water, as some people are apt to speak hastily, from 

 want of experience, or, perhaps, from local prejudice ; 

 for it wiU frequently happen, that the fly which is the 

 least praised, shall be found the most killing bait: 

 therefore, learn to cast your fly skilfully, and expect 

 sport in every stream you cast a bait in. Aided by 

 hope and patience, and a favourable breeze, you will 

 seldom fail taking a dish of Fish 3 unless, while the 

 may-fly is on, there should be very heavy rains 3 if so, 

 the flies are then beat down into the water, and 

 the Trout glut themselves therewith, and will not 

 take a bait for several days afterwards, notwith- 

 standing 



All arts and shapes, the wily Angler tries, 

 To cloak his fraud, atid tempt the finny prize. 



