ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING 19 



and very successfully does that same spirit 

 involve the angler in various trying contre^ 

 temps. Sometimes fish after fish is lost 

 the last moment, sometimes the cast will 

 tie itself up, particularly if you are fishing 

 in the neighbourhood of trees or bushes. 

 When these things happen, there is nothing 

 for it but a good hearty swear, unless you 

 follow the Scotchman's plan : 



" The flask frae my pocket 



I poured into the socket, 

 For I was provokit unto the last degree ; 



And to my way o' thinkin', 



There's naething for't but drinkin', 

 When a trout he lies winkin' and lauchin' at me." 



While trout take a minnow with great dash, 

 affording an exciting moment, as the sudden 

 tremor is imparted via the rod to the angler's 

 arm, the thrill is greater still when a good 

 fish rises at the fly. He comes quickly, and 

 with confidence, especially in fast water, 

 where he has to take it or leave it, there 

 being no time for hesitation. As his mouth 

 closes over the fly, there ensues a tightening 

 of the line, and the tiny barbed hook is sent 

 well home. Then and then only does the 

 trout realize that he has made a mistake and 

 got hold of one of the peculiar species of 

 insects which possess " hot feet," 



