Spider-Flies. 61 



when the winged fly is not on the water, they some- 

 times prove a very attractive lure, and even excel 

 their winged competitors. For myself I have always 

 preferred the winged insects, and have no doubt 

 that, in the proper fishing season, they are by far 

 the most effective. Besides, owing to the softness 

 of the materials with which they are dressed, 

 spiders do not last so long as the ordinary flies ; 

 and the angler will often find that after catching 

 a dozen or so of trout, there is very little left of 

 the " spider " to conceal the hook. This, of course, 

 necessitates a change on the cast, with consequent 

 loss of time, and, it may be, of temper. Now we 

 would advise the angler to "taste life's glad mo- 

 ments" ere they pass, and avoid all unnecessary 

 trials of temper and tackle at the very time when 

 the lure is most taking and the sport most keen. 



1. The Slack Spider. Dress with a small feather 

 from the shoulder of the starling or, if this cannot 

 be had, a feather from the shoulder of the rook. 



2. The Red Spider. Use a small feather from the 

 shoulder of the corn-crake or land-rail ; failing this, 

 a light ginger-coloured hackle. * 



3. Golden Plover Spider. This is dressed with a 

 black and yellow mottled feather from the golden 

 plover, and as the season advances, with a small 

 feather from the neck to suit a smaller hook. This 

 spider is a great favourite with many anglers. 



