xxvi THE PRACTICAL ANGLER 



reality. Besides, the science ofjish-cidture is new and 

 quickly progressive. Aquatic insects as well as trout 

 are being systematically studied. Wherever the May- 

 flies once fluttered we may see them again ere long. If 

 the eggs do not survive in the main streams, perhaps 

 they may thrive near the mouths of the tributaries. If 

 so, they may spread when given a chance anew. It is 

 not inconceivable that the May-fly might adapt itself 

 to the unstable conditions of the streams. Perhaps, 

 indeed, these were not the main causes of its dis- 

 appearance here and there. It is possible that the main 

 cause was pollution from town-drainage, distilleries, 

 and such factories as starch-mills. Slime on the bed 

 of a river would prevent the eggs of the insects from 

 coming to life. Since " The Practical Angler " was 

 flrst published, Parliament has passed measures 

 against pollution, and nearly everywhere there is a 

 growing public opinion in favour of enforcing the 

 Acts. 



Mr. Stewards discourse on Rods is not now to be 

 taken literally. First-class rods to-day are other and 

 better than those with which Mr. Stewart Jilled his 

 capacious creel. The art of building with split-cane 

 has produced a new weapon. It has itself resulted in 

 a rod of excellent type, originally American ; and it 

 has led to successful refinement in rods of greenheart 

 or other wood. Mr. Stewards favourite rod, the parts 

 of which were put together by splicing', seems to have 

 weighed fourteen ounces ; with brass joints, he says, it 

 would have weighed il about a pound and a half, 

 nearly double the weight, which tells fearfully upon 



