FLIES, FLY-DRESSING, ETC. 75 



extent a certain colour is more deadly, because it is 

 more readily seen. In clear waters we have rarely 

 found a black fly surpassed by any other, and in 

 such circumstances a black fly is very easily seen. In 

 dark waters a yellow-bodied fly, or one of dingy white 

 colour, takes readily, being easily seen. And on 

 Tweedside, in the month of July, just after sunset, a 

 bright yellow fly is held in great repute, and such is 

 more likely to attract attention than any other. 

 Mere caprice, however, and love of variety, may be 

 the main reasons why the trout prefer one colour to 

 another. 



A rule to be guided by on this point is of little 

 use, as the angler can always regulate the colour of 

 his flies by practice; and in practice it has been 

 proved beyond doubt that a black, brown, red, and 

 dun-coloured fly, used together, and varied in size 

 according to circumstances, will at any time kill as 

 well, and even better, than the most elaborate col- 

 lection arranged for every month in the year. If 

 trout are at all inclined to rise, one or other of the 

 above will be found inviting. It is quite clear that 

 whatever the angler's opinion with regard to flies 

 may be whether he believes that he must have an 

 imitation of some insect on the water at the time, 

 that he must have a fly of the same colour as the 

 majority of those on the water, or with ourselves 

 holds neither of these opinions ; if he has four flies 

 such as those mentioned above, he cannot be very 

 far off the mark, as these comprise all the leading 

 colours of which insects generally are. 



