MAY-FLT FISHiya. 149 



case such as above mentioned, a few minutes' rest is 

 sufficient to restore confidence. 



On these rivers the drake makes its appearance 

 towards the end of the first week in June, but the date 

 varies a few days in accordance with the character of 

 the season. The rise may be said to last about ten 

 days, what is called the gi'eat rise taking place after 

 the middle of this period ; so it will be seen that the 

 angler cannot afford to be many days late. 



Even at this season, on the rivers under discussion, 

 the angler must not expect under ordinary circum- 

 stances a very large bag; but by fishing carefully and 

 well, keeping low down on the bank nigh out of the 

 fishes' line of sight, a nice bag should be obtained of 

 really good-size trout, and at all events he will be 

 satisfied that his success has been well deserved. We 

 should call seven or eight brace of fish a good bag ; and 

 at this season they should average f lb., perhaps rather 

 more. 



The drake forms food for trout during at least three 

 stages of its latter existence — firstly, as he ascends with 

 closed wings from the bed of the river to the water's 

 surface; secondly, when as the '^ pseudo-imago " he 

 shakes out his wings and flutters aloug, resting now 

 and again upon the surface ; and, lastly, when as the 

 " imago,'' or perfect insect, he has cast off his overcoat, 

 assumes a stronger flight, and is able to propagate bis 

 species. 



Artificial flies are dressed to imitate the insect in 



