THE PRACTICAL ANGLER 



suitable for southern streams. In Highland rivers, 

 where the trout are not so numerous or wary, flies 

 considerably larger than those we have mentioned 

 will frequently secure the best trout. 



Fly-fishing in streams inhabited by cunning, 

 cautious trout, when the water is low and clear, is 

 undoubtedly the kind of fishing which requires most 

 science. And for our own part we would rather 

 capture ten pounds weight of trout in some much- 

 fished southern stream open to the public, than twice 

 that quantity in some preserved water, or remote 

 Highland stream, where the trout seldom see an 

 artificial fly, and are ready to seize anything that 

 presents itself in the shape of food. Fishing in 

 preserved water loses a great part of its pleasure. 

 We like to be free to seek trout where we like, and 

 take them where we can ; and as there is more merit, 

 there is more pleasure, in filling a basket where all 

 anglers, high and low, rich and poor, are free to do 

 the same, than in a river fished only by a favoured 

 few. All beginners in the art, if they wish to excel, 

 should commence in streams where the trout are 

 remarkably shy, and they will the sooner become 

 skilful. If they commence in Highland streams, 

 where the trout are half-starved, and where it requires 

 little exercise or skill to capture them, they will get 

 into a careless style of fishing, which they may find 

 it difficult to alter. We have known anglers from 

 the north, who considered themselves, and were 

 considered, good fishers, and who in their own 

 streams could kill seven or eight dozen trout in 



