230 DRY-FLY FISHING 



are to be spent on all rivers. Blanks are infre- 

 quent, victory is the rule and not the exception, 

 so it is easy to forget that we are all actually bid- 

 ding farewell to the trout. 



On the loch a similar experience awaits, unless, 

 as is not unlikely, a dead calm prevails. If, how- 

 ever, flies are numerous enough to bring the trout 

 up to investigate and make them cease their pur- 

 suit of elusive shrimps and late-developing nymphs, 

 interesting and exciting sport can be enjoyed 

 stalking the rising trout and laying a fly neatly 

 in the centre of the spreading rings. 



Then must the angler above all things beware 

 of the too forceful strike, which results in the 

 loss of fly, time, and trout. It is easy to err, for 

 the rise is expected, the line tight, and the fish 

 heavy. If he can restrain himself, and be con- 

 tent with but a gentle tightening on the fish, all 

 well-intentioned offers should be accepted, and 

 each be followed by a long, plucky fight, culmina- 

 ting in merited victory. 



If weeds do not prevent, it is really better to 

 conduct the campaign from the bank than from a 

 boat. The shy trout, which anglers have been 

 educating throughout the entire season, are more 

 easily and quickly approached, provided that they 

 do not lie beyond reach ; they readily take alarm 

 at the oncoming boat, propelled, as it probably 

 is, by splashing oars. At any rate, we prefer to 

 be afoot. 



We can wander at will down the bank, shelter 

 from sun or shower under the still leafy trees, 

 with no one to consult about choice of ground 

 and annoy with our laziness or untiring energy ; 



