298 THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE* 



It is better on these occasions to give 

 them a little respite, by taking a nap on 

 the bank. In an hour try them 

 again, and change your fly until you have 

 hit their fancy. If they continue in the 

 fastidious mood, and you see them rising 

 at the natural fly, catch one of these and 

 tie one as like it as possible on the spot. 

 I mention this, as no true fisherman 

 should be without his book, dubbing, and 

 apparatus at the river side. 



Dubbing, or what is sold as such, is to be 

 had in abundance in London, but it lacketh 

 the lustre which is so essential to the ex- 

 pert angler. The stuff sold at the generality 

 of the shops is a compound of coloured 

 worsteds and wool, which, independently 

 of the want of sparkling brilliancy when 

 held to the light, soak up the water, and 

 consequently have not that buoyancy on 

 the ripple of the stream which with me 

 is a sine qua non. 



