WET AND DRY FLY FISHING 71 



dry lures, and make comparison of their 

 killing powers. Should the beginner, how- 

 ever, live near any of the well-known chalk- 

 streams and have access to them, he will 

 probably begin his angling career with the 

 dry fly, and may eventually become a member 

 of the " purist " fraternity. If he does, he 

 is sure to have some good sport, for the trout 

 of the chalk- streams run heavy, and his 

 basket at the end of the day will contain 

 quality rather than quantity. 



After each cast with the dry fly, the line 

 and fly should be whisked through the air 

 some half-dozen times to dry. If a trout 

 ignores the fly and lets it float past him, 

 always pick the line carefully off the water 

 with as little disturbance as possible, and do 

 not be in too great a hurry to do so, because 

 on occasion the fish will turn round and 

 pursue the lure, seizing it with gusto. If 

 you feel a bit uncertain about placing the 

 fly exactly on the right spot, do not allow 

 it to alight badly ; rather, make an extra 

 false cast or two, until hand and eye become 

 exactly attuned. Should the cast or line be 

 partially drawn beneath the surface, or not 

 fall quite straight, never mind so long as the 

 fly is floating in the desired direction. It is 

 better to let the whole thing float quietly past 



