INTRODUCTORY NOTE 



ing the general classification of insects would prove 

 wearisome and perplexing and would destroy the 

 purpose intended. This book endeavors, merely, 

 to simplify the branch relating only to insects of in- 

 terest to anglers. 



The insects pictured are carefully selected from 

 the many captured in the past three years, while 

 wading and fishing in the river Beaverkill, situated 

 in the Catskill region of New York. They have 

 been most carefully copied, in every instance, from 

 the living insects, which, like fish, rapidly change 

 their lovely color soon after death. They rep- 

 resent what I consider are the most valuable in- 

 sects to imitate that will most induce trout to take 

 them. 



I have tied the various artificials as I think they 

 will best imitate the natural insects, without any 

 reference whatever to the artificial flies made and 

 sold by American and English fly-makers, although 

 I have made a careful study of all the works on 

 trout flies. I have no hesitation in pinning my 

 faith on the angler who uses these new patterns, if 

 used as directed in the accompanying charts, as 

 against the expert who angles with the popular na- 

 tive "fancy" flies or even the imported English dry 

 flies. 



Of this I am sure : for every insect a trout takes 

 alive at the surface, a thousand are consumed 

 drowned under water or near the surface; and to 



