THE 



PRACTICAL FLY-FISHER. 



OUR residence on the River Yore, which is decidedly a 

 Grayling stream, long since drew my attention more 

 especially to that dainty fish ; and I have marked with 

 the greatest satisfaction, the rising reputation of that 

 inhabitant of our silvery flood during the last few years. 



We are told that the " Monks of old," renowned 

 as well for good cheer, as charitable deeds, and noble 

 works, introduced the Grayling to the streams near 

 their principal residences ; which appears probable, as it 

 is in perfection when the Trout is out of season. I 

 admire their taste, and respect their memory for the 

 legacy they left. 



The fact of the Grayling being in season for some 

 months when the Trout is scarcely fit for table, and the 

 readiness with which it rises at the fly, renders it, in my 

 opinion, particularly worthy of the Fly-fisher's notice ; 

 and although not so gamesome as the Trout, yet in the 

 Summer and Autumn, its weight and strength, with 

 the tenderness of its mouth, render it, perhaps, a more 

 difficult fish to take, than even its more resolute brother, 

 the Trout. 



The Grayling is certainly a very moderate dish for 

 " Un Grand Gourmand" at the time of spawning, which 



