84 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER, 
WORKING THE DROPPER. 
Some angling authorities recommend the use of three 
flies, and some even four. 
The objections to this practice are many ; but perhaps 
the most important are, that it is more difficult, especially 
in windy weather, to cast three than two flies ; that it 
is more difficult to work them properly when they have 
been cast; and that when fish have been hooked 
there is more danger of entanglement in weeds, &c. 
Vexations, in short, are multiplied and efficiency im- 
paired. The fact is that only one dropper caz be properly 
worked, the perfect working of a drop-fly consisting in its . 
skipping, or “dribbling” along the surface of the water 
amongst the ripples, and thus offering a sort of imperfect 
representation of a half-drowned insect endeavouring to 
rise from the water. Cross lines and others are more 
killing than any other form of fly-fishing, only because 
all their flies work in this manner. The point, however, 
is more important in lakes than in streams. 
A description of an improved method of attaching 
the dropper, new knot, &c., is given at pp. 57-8. 
STRIKING AND PLAYING, 
After striking, which cannot be done too rapidly, the 
point of the rod should be kept well up, and a steady 
though yielding pressure brought to bear on the fish, 
until he is killed. With a proper check reel, such as 
