76 FLIES FOR MAY. 



No. 20. BLACK GNAT.* 



This insect skims the brook all the day long in 

 immense crowds, flying at great speed for about 

 ten yards up and down the stream. When 

 night approaches, or on cold wet days, it may be 

 found on the grass at the water side. The sto- 

 machs of Trout have been found nearly gorged 

 with this fly. It is in season from the beginning 

 of May until the end of June. 



IMITATION. 



BODY. Black ostrich herl. 



WINGS. The dark part of a feather from the 



starling. 

 LEGS. A black hackle. 



To make it buzz, a light dun hackle tinged with 

 brown may be wound upon the above body. 



* This is not a Gnat, although commonly called one by fishermen. 



