342 APPENDIX 



EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE OF NATURAL FLIES 



IN this plate the examiner will see six representations, taken from 

 life, of insects used in fly-fishing. 



No. 1. The May-fly or Green-drake (ephemera vulgaia) stands at 

 the head of its tribe. The ephemerae are extremely numerous, of 

 various sizes and colours, appearing particularly in the summer and 

 autumn months. Their wings stand upright and they have whisks 

 or tails. Of all flies these are the most useful to the angler. As 

 their name inplies, they are very short-lived, but fresh tribes of 

 them replace those which die in a day. 



No. 2. Is the Stone-fly, and the largest of its tribe (phrygonese). 

 They are considered spring-flies, but they are produced throughout 

 the year. Generally speaking they have flat wings, but that is not a 

 specific characteristic, because the house-fly (mused) and other flies 

 have flat wings also. The flies of this species proceed from water 

 larvae, and in angling importance stand next to the ephemerse. 



No. 3. Is the March-brown, or large dun ephemera. It is nearly 

 as large as the May-fly, or ephemera vulgata, and in March and April 

 is as great a favorite with trout, as the May-fly is in May or June. 

 It is a fly I esteem very highly. 



No. 4. Is a representation of a diptera or two-winged fly. These 

 flies are generally small and have two upright wings. In shape and 

 colour they much resemble the ephemeras, and as baits they are 

 equally captivating. 



No. 5. Is the Ant-fly (formica). It is a late summer and early 

 autumn fly. Its body resembles that of an ant. Hence its name. 

 It is not a water-born fly, but a land-bred one. Its wings are trans- 

 parent and feeble, and the slightest breeze wafts it on to the surface 

 of rivers. Grayling take it eagerly, and so do roach and dace. 



No. 6. Is a dark palmer, or representation of a dark caterpillar, 

 with light ye'Jow circular bands round the body. Walton properly 

 observes, " this is called a pilgrim or palmer-worm, for his very 

 wandering life and various food : not contenting himself, as others 

 do, with any one certain place for his abode, nor any certain kind 

 of herb or flower for his feeding ; but will boldly and disorderly 

 wander up and down, and not endure to be kept to a diet, or fixed 

 to a particular place." As caterpillars are of various sizes and 

 colours, so are their artificial representations. They are good 

 angling baits in the English rivers, but not so good either in Ireland 

 or Scotland. Chub take them with great avidity. Made very large 

 they will catch large Thames trout, and in the rivers of South Wales 

 they are not bad baita for salmon. E. 



