292 



SALMON AND TROUT. 



from April to September in various rivers ; more so, however, 

 in the midland and northern than in the southern counties. 

 There is a small ephemera closely resembling it in colour, for 

 which no doubt it is often taken. It kills best when tied with 

 a body yellower than the landrail wings. 



5. The Black Gnat. This is generally considered a sum - 

 iner and autumn fly, and it is certainly most deadly just when 

 the May fly has gone off. But if it be dressed, as I would 

 have it, either with a dark wing or simply with black hackle 



BLACK GNAT 



YELLOW DUN 



HARES EAR 



SAND FLY 



MARLOW BUZZ 



PARTRIDGE HACKLE 



and ostrich herl, it will take well in spring passing doubtless 

 for Walton's * black hawthorn fly.' 



6. The Partridge Hackle. This fly is rarely noticed by 

 writers, but I have found it most useful throughout the season : 

 especially as a drop fly. I tie it with a soft-stemmed, dark- 

 mottled feather and an orange silk body ; but I can hardly call 

 it an imitation. It most resembles a large grey-winged gnat, 

 like a miniature daddy-long-legs, which is often to be seen on 

 waterside herbage ; but it is certain that good trout take it 

 freely in all weathers, whatever they take it for ! 



