182 ROD AND RIVER 



2. 



Hackle : A starling's neck-feather, slightly larger 



than for No. i. 

 Body : As for No. i. 



A palish grizzled dun hackle may be used, 

 instead of the dark neck-feather from the starling, 



for the hackle, for variety. 



Hook as before. 



I think I prefer the first of the two patterns. 

 The wings are a difficulty, I admit ; but I know 

 no better substitute. Some people advocate the 

 use of the prepared pike-scales for them, and I 

 believe they are found to answer as well as any- 

 thing. I should think Mr. Richardson's system 

 of using the natural wings should prove equal to 

 the occasion. It is my intention to try them for 

 this fly. I should advise the reader to do like- 

 wise. 



The black gnat is constantly on the water 

 during the entire season, and invariably when 

 its presence is least welcome. It has been rightly 

 styled ' the angler's curse,' for such it indeed is. 



THE RED ANT. 



Although the black ant is of but little use to 

 the fisherman, this fly is one of the most im- 

 portant and useful which he can possess, whether 

 for trout or grayling. Theakstone places it in his 



