DRY FLY FISHING 65 



runs over. Such may be one's last thoughts in 

 the quiet of approaching night after sounds have 

 ceased, and in the perfect enjoyment of "that 

 still spirit shed from evening air." 



As June draws to a close, and during the 

 whole of July, the rise during the day becomes 

 more uncertain and feeble. There are many 

 days in July when the dry fly angler spends 

 more time in watching and waiting than in 

 active fishing. His best chance before the even- 

 ing will be between ten and one o'clock, and 

 though he must be prepared for very light 

 baskets, yet there are mornings in July when 

 trout are to be found feeding slowly and quietly 

 here and there, and when they will take a red 

 quill gnat if it is put to them attractively. I 

 have known days in July, when the result of a 

 morning's fishing has been unexpectedly good, 

 equal in total weight to that of the very best 

 days in other months, and equal also in regard 

 to the size and condition of the individual 

 fish. 



In August I have only once had a morning's 

 fishing which could fairly be compared, as re- 

 gards the total weight of trout landed, with the 



