314 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



Of course, as the season advances and the quantity 

 of water diminishes, and the noonday sun hecomes 

 more powerful, the size of your flies must be propor- 

 tionately less. Even the hours of the day have to be 

 consulted for choice of size ; for instance, from break 

 of day till sunrise, and from sunset till dark, very large 

 flies frequently will kill fish, while the smaller would be 

 totally neglected. 



An Irish gentleman who had for many years been 

 considered one of the most successful and expert per- 

 formers on the river Corib, while on a fishing tour in 

 America, had the kindness to show me the treasures 

 contained in his valuable fly-book. Among a remark- 

 ably choice collection of all sizes, shades, and con- 

 struction, I observed many so large that they excited 

 my curiosity and inquiry. These were several inches 

 long in the body, and were commonly used in Galway 

 for early morning or late evening fishing. 



Those projecting an excursion to the distant wilds 

 of Labrador should pay particular attention to arriving 

 there at the correct season. As to specifying a day or 

 a week, that is perfectly impossible, for as long as the 

 water is impregnated with snow not a fish will be 

 taken ; and, of course, the lateness or earliness of 

 spring, which frequently varies one or two weeks, must 

 receive consideration and guide your steps. The first 

 few days after the salmon commence to run, large flies 

 are more successful, but as the season advances their 

 size must be reduced. 



The next morning, bright and early, found us again 

 upon the river. The number of seals which I had 

 seen the previous evening induced me to take my rifle, 

 with the intention of having a little practice during 



