68 Dry.ffly Fishing. 



consistent with the opinion I hold that to fish alone 

 is the great desideratum for sport and study by the 

 riverside, it is my rule not to accompany a rod, 

 unless he be a tyro, and urges me to become his 

 mentor for the nonce. In that case I usually offer 

 to land his fish also. 



Fish by yourself as much as possible, and with- 

 out a keeper following you about ; if you offer him 

 what he naturally expects and you are naturally 

 ready to bestow, give it at your first interview, and 

 hint to him that, if all goes well, you will from 

 time to time repeat the douceur ; he will then under- 

 stand, or in need you may plainly tell him that you 

 prefer to fish alone. But, of course, he has his 

 master's interests to look after, and must interview 

 you occasionally. It is a prudent plan to voluntarily 

 show the contents of your creel, and ask him to 

 check the weight of your choicest captures. He 

 will perhaps tell you where he has just seen a rise 

 of fly and fish. Take no boy with you to carry 

 your net, &c., for he cannot long be quiet, and is 

 mostly troublesome. Land your own fish ; the 

 excitement of doing so will very much enhance the 

 pleasure of your sport, and you will save your land- 

 ing-net from rough usage in a bungler's hands. 



Weigh your fish, with a witness, on your return 

 home at night, or before you present them to friends,, 

 and at once make an entry in your diary of sport. 



