THE DRY-FLY SEASON 227 



more usual haunts. For dry-fly work on these 

 lochs, probably the best pattern is the Rough 

 Olive, as it may pass for various species. 



In spite of any attempts we may make to per- 

 suade ourselves to the contrary, the fact remains 

 that August yields the poorest sport of the season. 

 It is not without its redeeming features, but it 

 arouses little enthusiasm. Still if the angler be- 

 takes himself to the water-side on every available 

 opportunity, he will sometimes find a rise in pro- 

 gress, and find his floating fly well received. 



September 



September is the evening of the year. It is 

 to the season what eventide is to the long summer 

 day, and just as the angler waits, with whatever 

 patience he may possess, throughout the breath- 

 less hours of June and July, for the coming of 

 the gloaming, when the trout awake to cruise 

 about in eager search for spinner and sedge, so he 

 longs for the passing of August. 



Long have the trout remained rather indifferent 

 to his efforts, persistently they have defied his 

 skill ; but at last they come boldly forth once 

 more. They now realise that the time is fast 

 approaching when the supplies will be scanty, 

 and that they must be in the height of condition 

 if they are to withstand the exhaustion of spawn- 

 ing as well as the rigours of winter. They do not 

 ignore the showers of autumn duns ; they feed 

 boldly and at every opportunity ; no fly that 

 ventures on the water can escape their keen eyes. 

 Their appetites are insatiable, and so sport becomes 

 reminiscent of happy spring. 



