The May-Fly. 137 



it in the back. This is a deadly tackle. The two 

 No. 2 hooks keep the flies in position, and prevent 

 the trout from seizing and carrying off with im- 

 punity the bodies of the flies, minus the wings and 

 heads. 



4. An arrangement similar to the last, but 

 single ; one smaller (No. 2) and one larger hook 

 (No. 3), tied with their barbs half an inch apart. 

 This will be found very effective when fishing with 

 one fly. 



In floating the May-fly, use a long light rod with 

 a very light line, carrying two or three yards of gut, 

 the last two of which should be of the finest pos- 

 sible. A reel is essential in this, as in all kinds 

 of fishing with a floating live insect. With a light 

 line of this nature, the wind, as has been said, must 

 determine whether it is to be fished up-stream or 

 down. Raising the rod, the angler must allow the 

 flies to be wafted on to the stream, so that they 

 will in the most gentle, because most natural, man- 

 ner alight upon its surface. On no account must 

 he cast the line, for then the flies will be either 

 injured or whipped off altogether. If the wind 

 cease, the fisher has, without doubt, lost a good 

 friend, but the sport need not stop for all that. 

 Let him keep well out of sight, bring the point of 

 the rod over the stream, skilfully allow his flies to 

 drop in the most dainty fashion on its surface, and 



