26 DRY-FLY FISHING 



axiomatic truth which is sometimes overlooked. 

 If, however, the fly is supplied, even though it be an 

 artificial fly, a trout will accept it, provided always 

 that the fish is in a humour to feed, and is satisfied 

 in all respects with the object placed before it. 



In summer the trout are certainly not always on 

 the look-out for food ; they can afford to do without 

 for a short time, if necessary ; they do not meet 

 the flies half-way, unless a hatch is on ; they examine 

 and either reject or accept according to their conclu- 

 sions from the inspection. Under these conditions, 

 and whenever surface food is being taken, not only 

 in summer but at all times, not only in the most 

 severely fished rivers but now in almost all waters, 

 the angler's fly must behave in all respects like the 

 natural fly it is intended to represent. 



