2 PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 



is generally about the last ten days in March, or the 

 first ten in April ; at which time none should be killed ; 

 but the rapidity with which it at that time feeds, enables 

 it in a very short time to give the angler its full share of 

 sport. 



In angling for Grayling, you may reasonably expect 

 Trout, Smelts, Chub, and Dace ; though the latter fish 

 seem generally to prefer brighter and more gaudy flies. 



The best general flies for Grayling, are small 

 Browns and Bloas;* though they will occasionally feed 

 to excess on Midges or Gnats ; the larger kind of flies 

 and palmers being more generally attractive to Trout 

 and Dace : nevertheless, as good general flies, I strongly 

 recommend the smaller Red Hackles, varied occasionally 

 by brown or black. 



OF THE MATERIALS FOR FLY-MAKING. 



THE materials for Fly-making besides hooks, and gut or 

 hair, are silk, feathers, fur, and herl. 



The feathers shoujd be of fine fibre, and glossy or 

 transparent. 



Fine Bloas may be found in the Waterhen, Swift, 

 Blackbird, Jay, Snipe, Landrail, Starling, Fieldfare, 

 Thrush, Bluecap, Skylark, Teal Duck, Sea Swallow, 

 and Dotteril. Browns in the varied plumage of the 

 Pheasant, Partridge, Pewet,-f- Grouse, Golden Plover, 

 Sand Piper, Mallard, Owl, Sparrow, and Tom Tit. 



* Bloa, or blea, a North-country word, signifying the colour of the 

 clouds. Blea seems generally significant of cold, 

 t The Lapwing. 



