58 THE SAND, GRAVEL, OR SPIDER FLY. 



feather for the wings, and water rat's fur, with 

 purple silk, for the body. 



THE SAND, GRAVEL, OR SPIDER FLY. 



SEASON. From towards the end of April till past the middle 

 of May. 



Natural. They have more the appearance of a 

 long-legged spider than a fly. Their two small 

 brown wings, the colour of a new oak table, lie flat 

 on the back; their bodies are thin, and of a lead 

 colour; they have six legs, which are very long, 

 and rather black. In bright days, with an easterly 

 wind, at the end of April, and till near the middle 

 of May, if the weather continues bright and the 

 water low, you will see them in great numbers on 

 the sand, near the river side, where they are 

 generally struggling three or four together, and 

 are blown thus along the surface of the water ; at 

 these moments the fish rise strongly at them, and 

 then is the time to throw your artificial fly, which, 

 if made neatly, and cast lightly, will succeed. 



Artificial. The weather and water being both 

 bright, use a long rod and a light line, the bottom 

 being of the smallest round gut you can procure, 

 with the finest wire, taking care to have the wind 

 in your favour. Wind a wren's tail feather twice 

 or thrice, at most, round the top of the shank of 

 the hook, and make a small body below it of mole's 

 fur and lead-coloured silk. We have usually had 

 most sport from about ten till two o'clock, and find 



