40 FISHERMEN 



second fish had two half - swallowed 

 worms in its gullet when it took the fly. 

 While, from the point of view of mere 

 sport, there is much needless worry- 

 ing over this side of the subject, on the 

 other hand there is a deal that might be 

 said in favour of a fly-book that is well 

 furnished without being vulgarly so. 

 Tackle-makers may seduce us if they 

 will. They do so at least once every year, 

 and we submit because we rather like it. 

 To turn over the familiar parchment, 

 whether we are by the riverside withthe 

 scent of spring in the air or dreaming of 

 days past and to come by the wintry fire- 

 side,is to inspire one's imagination anew. 

 Flies are pretty, attractive things,andwe 

 owe not a little gratitude to those -who 

 have created them. Ifweweretoweedout 

 all these beauties (perish the thought !) 

 and leave only that practical half-dozen, 

 so plain and dowdy, much of the old fla- 

 vour of fishing would go with them. 



