40 RULES FOR TROUT-FISHING. 



windy weather, and low water, the game is found 

 chiefly at the slow end of streams, or on the long 

 flats of moderately deep water : you may then allow 

 the fly to sink just below the surface, where it will 

 be often taken, unperceived by you, as the rough- 

 ness of the stream conceals the spring of the fish. 

 On such days, remember to strike before you at- 

 tempt to withdraw your fly for another cast, or you 

 will often tear the hook out of a fish's mouth, or break 

 your tackle by the weight of one so hooked. On 

 bright, calm days, they rise in, or by the side of 

 rough currents. 



At the clearing of a flood, trouts are found in the 

 shallow sides, or at the end of streams, and also on 

 the fords, should any wind be stirring : 



" Now, when the first foul torrent of the brooks, 

 Swelled with the vernal rains, is ebbed away, 

 And, whit' riing down the mossy tinctured stream, 

 Descends the billowy foam. ; now is the time, 

 While yet the dark brown water aids the guile, 

 To tempt the trout. The well-dissembled fly, 

 The rod, fine tapering, with elastic spring, 

 Snatch'd from the hoary steed, the floating line, 

 And all thy slender watery store prepare." 



THOMPSON. 



But if you remark the sort of place where the first 

 two or three good fish are taken, you will not only 

 find others there at a future time, but have more or 

 less success in similar situations for that day, pro- 

 vided the weather and water remain unchanged. 

 Always throw near the spot where froth, drift 



