36 TREATISE ON FLY-FISHING. 



especially in hot weather, when the latter will be 

 found to heat the head considerably more than the 

 former. Worsted socks are less apt to chafe the 

 feet than cotton, and a small portion of yellow soap 

 rubbed on the instep and heel will keep the feet in 

 good order during the longest day's fag. 



The next question is, what is the fitting time 

 for adopting this costume ? Fishing may be pur- 

 sued from the first week in March until the last 

 week in October. During the months of March, 

 April, September, and October, from ten to three 

 or four, will be found the most profitable hours ; 

 during the intervening months it is necessary, to 

 ensure sport, to be early on the banks from six 

 to eleven, and from three till dusk, are generally 

 the best hours. Before starting, be careful that 

 your tackle is complete and in good order. The 

 rod, the fly-book, the reel, the basket, must be 

 examined, that nothing be left behind. It is justly 

 considered one of the greatest miseries of life to 

 find oneself, after a long ride or walk, minus 



