A Dry -Fly Purist's Advice to a Bet/inner. 51 



years carried waterproofs ; if the weather be doubt- 

 ful I simply tie a straight-handled silk umbrella, 

 weighing only 12oz., to my landing-net handle, and 

 it rides easily with it at my side. In use it is a 

 sufficient shelter from moderate rain, and may be 

 left behind with the creel if the sky clears. To 

 those dry-fly fishers who court fatigue by carrying 

 heavy burdens, the foregoing is commended (with 

 becoming deference) to show how they may be 

 made light. 



As to what is best to carry for luncheon, it has 

 often been discussed in angling literature ; but no 

 conclusion can possibly be arrived at, as the habits 

 and appetites of men are so different, and what will 

 suit one may not suit another. Personally I prefer 

 for an alfresco tiffin in the trout, and even in the 

 later grayling, season a good supply of fruit, cake, 

 (home-made, of nutritious ingredients), biscuits, &c., 

 to anything else, supplemented, if the day be long, 

 by a meat patty or sandwiches. I have such 

 refreshment put up in paper bags, and if I take 

 anything to drink, which is very rarely, a glass or 

 two of old brown sherry in a medicine -bottle, which 

 when empty can be left behind ; but glass should 

 never be thown into a river. I do not carry a flask, 

 because it is heavy and, when drained, useless ; also 

 for another reason, because dram- drinking, an old 



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