128 OUR OPINION OF IMITATION. 



Form : whether the wings are large or small in 

 proportion to the body, whether they lie flat 

 upon the body or stand erect, whether the body 

 is slender or thick. All these peculiarities, which 

 together constitute the character of the insect, can 

 be represented without counting the exact number 

 of legs, or microscoDically examining the fibres of 

 the wings ; on the same principle that, in indivi- 

 dual portraiture, what is alone sought to be at- 

 tained is not minute imitation, but individual 

 character and expression. How does a man 

 recognise his friend at a distance? From that 

 particular individuality which distinguishes every 

 one, and which is made up of peculiarities of gait, 

 contour, and so on. Precisely so is the principle 

 on which artificial flies should be imitated, for it 

 is that, in all probability, on which they prove 

 successful lures to fish. They are not, they cannot 

 be, exact imitations of natural insects ; but their 

 resemblance in general character is sufficient to 

 produce the required deception, and that resem- 

 blance is by no means difficult of accomplishment 

 by an experienced artist. Again, it is not 

 necessary, in the construction of an artificial fly, 

 that every part should be of the same colour as 

 the part of the natural fly particularly represented ; 

 it is sufficient that the general hue be obtained. 



