TREATISE ON FLY-FISHING. 39 



The choice of flies is the next consideration : 

 as a general rule, when the day is bright, use a 

 dark fly, when gloomy, a bright one. The 

 Devonshire and Cornish fish are particular in their 

 food preferring simple, plain viands ; hence I 

 have often seen sportsmen unsuccessful in their 

 efforts to move our trout they present them with 

 food which instinct tells them is not congenial ; 

 they rise probably, look at the monster, and 

 depart to rise no more. 



Neither do our fish desire much change of diet : 

 the flies enumerated on the annexed leaves are 

 sufficient for all their wants, and if thrown with 

 skill, will surely repay the labour. 



Purchase a Russia leather fishing book for the 

 reception of these gay deceivers. I recommend 

 this material, because the moths will not intrude 

 within its folds. Let the article be no larger than 

 sufficient to carry a small collection of flies, four 

 casting lines, a penknife, and scissors to repair 

 damages, a skein of strong black silk, and forget 



