156 ROD AND RIVER 



The metamorphosis is too delicate to be success- 

 fully imitated. 



Hook i (grayling). 



It will be found most suitable for wet-fly 

 work dressed buzz. 



SPINNERS. 



As has been observed, the spinner is an insect 

 in its perfect state i.e., the fly after it has cast 

 off its first covering, what may be described as its 

 4 great-coat.' 



It was, as has been shown, when in the creeper 

 stage, a hideous, repulsive little creature. On 

 its quitting the ooze and slime of the river-bed 

 for its aerial existence, it rises from the water a 

 being of exquisite beauty and colour, which latter 

 are increased tenfold when it has divested itself 

 of its enveloping mantle. 



As was explained when reference was made to 

 the mayfly, it is in the spinner stage that the 

 ephemerals breed. This duty having been com- 

 pleted, they fall helpless and dying into the 

 element which gave them birth. 



The change of skin can very easily be wit- 

 nessed. Let any one of the Ephemera be placed 

 under a wineglass, care being taken to insert a 

 piece of paper under the edge of the latter to 

 prevent the little creature being stifled to death. 

 In a short time the operation will take place, and 

 the slough will be apparent. It will then be 



