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Chapter II. 



FLY FISHING. 



QO much has already been written on fly fishing 

 *^ by men of wide and varied experience, that it 

 is with no little diffidence the writers approach the 

 subject. Yet the more thoroughly the whole art of 

 trout fishing is explored, the more engrossing does it 

 become, and, as experience is gained, the more evident 

 it appears that little is really known and that a vast 

 field still remains open for investigation. 



It is not intended to try in this chapter to teach 

 the art of fly fishing, as more can be learned by observa- 

 tion, perseverance and practice on the river, than by 

 reading all that was ever written on the subject ; but 

 it is desired, by emphasizing a few essential points, to 

 help the novice through his initial difficulties. 



Some anglers who are only able to devote a few 

 weeks during the season to their pastime are content 

 to go to the local tackle dealer or the professional 

 fisherman and to rely entirely on his advice. While 

 it is always well to consult the " local men" — quaint 



