THE DRY-FLY SEASON 211 



convinced that more sport was thereby obtained 

 than would have been ours had we remained beside 

 the gorging trout. 



The loch is, in point of attractiveness, second 

 only to the river, and many there are who would 

 reverse that order. No matter what loch we visit, 

 the ghillie is nearly certain to inform us that it 

 shows its best form in the month of May ; perhaps 

 the remark is made to enable us to bear with greater 

 composure the burden of a light creel, but the 

 greater probability is that in the majority of cases 

 average results tend to prove the statement true. 

 We are convinced at any rate, and at no period of 

 the season do we step aboard the boat with greater 

 expectations that a pleasant day lies before us. 



The trout are thoroughly alive, and take with a 

 freedom unknown in the height of summer ; nor 

 do we often have to complain of short-rising, but 

 instead rejoice to see the trout coming boldly to 

 the surface, taking the dry-fly well, infinitely 

 superior and more interesting sport than is usually 

 possible earlier in the year, when the flies must be 

 sunk to the depths and the rise, or rather offer, 

 remains unseen. 



The choice of a place for the fray is bewildering, 

 but, if we could, we would make cheerful prepara- 

 tions for a day on Loch Voil or Loch Katrine. We 

 know what these delightful waters can provide 

 in July, but report has it that they are incom- 

 parably superior in May. 



June 



What shall we say of June, the month of leaves 

 and roses and long, long evenings ? Can we cease 



