2 THE SCIENCE OF DRY FLY FISHING. 



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 of piscatorial 

 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, look out for rising 

 trout, and hammer away till one is at length hooked 

 and landed, after very many have been scared." 



One can hardly take this advice as being seriously 

 meant. The author might just as well advise an absolute 

 novice at cricket to don some pads, borrow a bat, face 

 the bowling and fielding of an Australian Eleven, and 



