2 DELIGHTS OF SUCCESS 



The most delightful of all successes is that which 

 can be directly traced or even attributed to our own 

 mental or physical efforts, and the ability to cast an 

 accurate and delicate trout fly is a pleasure which 

 is in itself a sufficient reward on a day which may be 

 barren as regards the take of fish. 



As regards the construction of the sporting weapons 

 and appliances used in the various fields of sport, 

 but very few can approach in science and delicacy 

 the modern split-cane fly rod, the tapered lines and 

 casts, the patent reels, and the artificial flies, etc., 

 which are now used. 



What sporting knowledge can possibly exceed that 

 required by a disciple of Izaak Walton, if he would 

 obtain even an average skill in dry fly fishing ? while 

 few pleasures are greater than that felt by a fly 

 fisherman who, after an all too short day spent by some 

 lovely trout stream, can produce a dish of speckled 

 beauties as the result of his knowledge and the skilful 

 use of his most treasured rod and delicate tackle. 



This book, however, is not written to extol " the 

 gentle art," but with the serious object of assisting 

 those who may be anxious to learn the science of fly 

 fishing, or to become expert fishermen. 



A well-known and most charming writer on pisca- 

 torial matters, says : " For my part, indeed, I am 

 inclined to believe that the best way to become an 

 accomplished dry fly fisherman is, in these particular 

 matters, to steer clear of teachers and preachers, either 

 in the book or in the^flesh, get down to the water, 



