208 DRY-FLY FISHING 



expeditions which reward expended energy with 

 forgetfulness of the world below. 



Occupying a position intermediate to spring 

 and summer, May exhibits their characteristic 

 qualities in a modified degree, so that we enjoy 

 the most attractive features of both and suffer 

 not their extremes. Seldom is it so hot that the 

 trout lie dormant in the deepest pools and ignore 

 our most painstaking efforts ; only very infre- 

 quently indeed does the temperature drop so low 

 as to forbid the flies of the water-side to venture 

 out. The river is still flowing fresh and sweet ; 

 the fish are not confined to the quiet flats or the 

 most gentle glides ; they are spread throughout 

 the stream even to the rushing necks ; we may 

 have difficulty in reaching a favourite corner which 

 in the height of summer seldom, if ever, fails to 

 yield a victim, but there are many fruitful places 

 which later will be barren. 



While we await the rise or as we take a well- 

 earned rest, we find much to look upon ; Nature 

 has fully awakened from her winter sleep ; prim- 

 roses deck the woodland glades ; the old brown 

 beech-leaves make room for the young ; birds 

 are busy, too busy to sing ; the scent of the haw- 

 thorn hangs heavy over the loaning. 



Disappointments now come less frequently, for 

 there is a wealth of insect life which ensures sport 

 for some time at least, if not throughout the day. 

 Trout have ceased to crowd their feasting into 

 an hour at high noon, and if, perchance, some 

 cold snap should retard the insect hatch, still the 

 fish will not persistently look upon our counter- 

 feits with disdain, because they have awhile been 



