PRELIMINARY NOTES 31 



theories as to the simplicity of beguiling trout 

 with worms, and, I think, have; a fascination for 

 the performer which will only end when he ceases 

 to use his rod. It must be taken into account 

 that comparatively few parts of a pastoral brook 

 are open to the artificial fly. Overhanging trees, 

 growths of bush, high weeds, brambles arching 

 into the stream, etc., constantly interfere with the 

 fly-man's craft, and, were he restricted to its use 

 alone, he must inevitably pass over many of the 

 most likely spots and surest haunts for good fish. 

 This does not obtain, in any marked degree, on 

 moorland streams, which, by contrast, are quite 

 open, but even here the worm will often score 

 when fly-fishing yields but poor results. A third 

 and extremely remunerative method of fishing 

 during the hot months is dapping with live insects, 

 and the fourth and last bait necessary for me to 

 deal with is the natural and the artificial minnow. 

 I should not recommend the brook-angler to start 

 intent on trying one lure alone. There are days 

 when the shrewdest presentment of the worm 

 would be only waste of time and energy, and the 

 same applies to fly-fishing. But the resourceful 

 fisherman will not admit of defeat. Beaten in 

 one direction, there are other avenues open, and 

 even on non-taking days one or other of the 



