SALMON AND FLIES. 89 



important factor, both as regards the size and volume of the river and 

 the time of the year. It would be the height of absurdity to use in 

 fine run water in the summer a three inch fly that would be a suitable 

 lure on the brawling Thurso in the spring, and vice versa. The finer 

 the water the smaller the fly — within reason. 



So far, I think, we are all agreed. It is when we attempt to 

 reduce the vast number of flies now in vogue that differences of opinion 

 will begin to assert themselves. 



On the whole, perhaps, there will be less divergence of opinion about 

 that singularly fortunate combination of fur, feather, and tinsel, termed the 

 Jock Scott. It seems, to an extraordinary degree, to be effective on most 

 rivers where the artificial fly is used. The combination of colour is most 

 happy, and the fibres of its mixed wing give it, in the water, a most 

 life-like appearance. Few anglers would care to be without Jock Scotts 

 of sizes. Similarly, in bright water the Silver Doctor is a universal 

 favourite, and justly so. As a direct contrast the Thunder and Lightning 

 is bad to beat, and I should be sorry to be without a Blue Doctor. 



Eagles, grey and yellow, hold their sway on the Dee, and the 

 play of the feathers seems to be alluring in the quick waters of that 

 river. How would such a fly suit the quiet waters of the Avon ? 

 You would imagine that you might as well fish with a mop-head ! 

 The fibres of Eagles require fast, fleet water to make them work, and 

 to use an Eagle as your lure in slow-running rivers would appear to 

 be most inappropriate. The play of the rod point may, however, be 

 substituted for the play of the water, and a tempting opening and closing 

 of fibrous and mixed winged flies can be obtained by a judicious 

 rhythmical raising and lowering of your rod point. Indeed, if you 

 watch an experienced salmon fisherman from a distance, you can tell 

 at once the kind of water his fly is working through. If the stream 

 be sufficiently broken and rapid to work his fly automatically, his rod 

 point will be still. If the water should be sluggish, you will note 

 the work of the rod top. It would, therefore, be folly to dogmatise 

 on such a matter, and I should be sorry to attempt to do so. 



Gordons, Butchers, Wilkinsons, and a host of others have their 

 staunch advocates. 



It is, however, unnecessary to run through the whole gamut ; suffice 



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