84 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 



WORKING THE DROPPER. 



Some angling authorities recommend the use of three 

 flies, and some even four. 



The objections to this practice are many ; but perhaps 

 the most important are, that it is more difficult, especially 

 in windy weather, to cast three than two flies ; that it 

 is more difficult to work them properly when they have 

 been cast ; and that when fish have been hooked 

 there is more danger of entanglement in weeds, 8ic. 

 Vexations, in short, are multiplied and efficiency im- 

 paired. The fact is that only one dropper ca7i be properly 

 Avorked, the perfect working of a drop-fly consisting in its 

 skipping, or " dribbling " along the surface of the water 

 amongst the ripples, and thus offering a sort of imperfect 

 representation of a half-drowned insect endeavouring to 

 rise from the water. Cross lines and others are more 

 killing than any other form of fly-fishing, only because 

 all their flies work in this manner. The point, however, 

 is more important in lakes than in streams. 



A description of an improved method of attaching 

 the dropper, new knot, &c,, is given at pp. 57-8. 



STRIKING AND PLAYING. 



After striking, ivhicJi cannot be done too rapidly, the 

 point of the rod should be kept well up, and a steady 

 though yielding pressure brought to bear on the fish, 

 until he is killed. With a proper check reel, such as 



