A Dry -Fly Purist's Advice to a Beginner. 37 



Hardy Brothers, who offer to make any kind of 

 winch desired, it might again become the popular 

 one for trout and grayling fishing. To possess a 

 silent winch in action is almost a blessing, for the 

 irritation to one's nervous system by the constant 

 rattle and click ! click ! of most metal ones is thus 

 avoided. The startling scream they sometimes make 

 when a fish rushes out the line has been called 

 " the music of the reel," but I must confess that I 

 have no ear for such music, and, while intent upon 

 sport in an environment of perfect peace, I deprecate 

 noise of any kind that can possibly be avoided. It 

 must be distinctly understood that the above praise 

 is only for a thoroughly well-made article. 



My creel, 17in. wide, is of the ordinary white 

 willow description, and for moderate cost, appear- 

 ance, cleanliness, ventilation, space, lightness, 

 durability, and its easy adjustment to one's back, 

 riding on the left hip, is not yet superseded by any 

 modern invention. The shoulder strap of strong 

 woollen webbing should be at least 2 in. broad, 

 and in some fast shade of colour to assimilate to the 

 angler's dress. The creel, especially at the bottom 

 of it, should be cleansed every time after using it 

 for fish. A small leathern strap and buckle to go 

 round and support it and to lift it by, when heavy 

 and full, is an advantage. No fishing bag is to be 

 compared to it for carrying capacity. 



