400 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 



employed by the anglers familiar with the district. Mr. 

 Stoddart is of opinion that, for the trout, the red, 

 brown, and black hackles, with or without wings, and the 

 hare-lug, are sufficient for all ordinary purposes. This 

 is perhaps carrying simplicity to an extreme length ; but 

 there can be no doubt that the young angler is often over- 

 whelmed with useless flies, as well as other complicated 

 forms of fishing-tackle, in order to suit the trading pro- 

 pensities of the tackle-makers. No doubt in Mr. Stod- 

 dart's case the above flies would be more ' successful than 

 others attached to the line of a beginner ; but even the 

 above celebrated piscator does not maintain that no others 

 will be more successful at times than the three he has 

 selected, but that there is no absolute necessity for them. 

 This certainly is in accordance with my own experience, 

 as I have known a very successful angler, who never pos- 

 sessed any fly but the red and black palmer and the black 

 gnat. Still I have no doubt that at least as great a 

 variety as I have enumerated will at certain times be use- 

 ful, though some of them will only suit particular months. 

 The following list will perhaps be some little aid to the 

 young angler who is anxious to try a greater variety. 



THE WREN'S TAIL. Body of sable-fur and gold- 

 colored mohair mixed. No wings ; legs of a wren's tail- 

 feather, used as a hackle. Hook No. 8. 



THE GROUSE-HACKLE. Body of gold-colored mohair 

 mixed with the dark fur from the hare's ear. No wings ; 

 legs made with a reddish-brown grouse feather, used as a 

 hackle. Hook No. 7. 



THE DARK CLARET. Body of claret mohair, fine 



