THE STONE-FLY 



119 



THE STONE-FLY (?ERLA). 



This fly is more frequently to be met with in 

 the Northern counties than elsewhere. To any- 

 one unacquainted with the peculiarities of both 

 flies, it is at first sight not unlike the mayfly ; 

 and, indeed, in some parts of Yorkshire it is so 

 miscalled. As, however, the mayfly and the 

 stone-fly do not make their appearance at the 

 same time, the latter being on the water in May, 

 the former rarely before June, it would be unlikely 

 for anyone who is well acquainted with the may- 

 fly to make the mistake. 



When the stone-fly is well on the water, the 

 fish take it as greedily as they do the mayfly in 

 the stream where the latter abounds. I do not 

 think that it is otherwise than rare to find both 

 mayfly and stone-fly inhabiting the same river. I 

 do not desire to positively assert that such is 

 never the case ; but, judging from my own ex- 

 periences, I think that I am not wrong in 

 expressing such an opinion. 



The artificial representation of the stone-fly 

 does not appear to find much favour amongst 

 fishermen, the latter, as a rule, preferring the use 

 of the natural fly, wading up stream and casting 

 with it into every likely spot. By pursuing this 

 method, and using fine tackle, a great number of 

 fish may be taken. It is, however, with the creeper 



