SHADE FISHING. 



be stuck upon a hook will answer the purpose. For the 

 smaller flies it is customary to use a smaller hook, and to 

 put two flies upon it ; but with such flies it is more cus- 

 tomary to use a longish rod, and to dib in over bushes or 

 from behind some sheltering tree, or any other cover where 

 the angler can conceal himself. Here, haply, where over- 

 hanging branches cast a shadow on the water in the hottest 

 weather, the big fellows [lie close in to the bank under 

 which 



. . * . beneath the tangled roots 



Of pendent trees, the monarch of the brook 



has his abiding- place : you see him, as it were, standing at 

 his front dopr in the receipt of custom, and rising gently 

 at every fly, grub, or insect-security that may pass him. 

 It is your business, oh angler ! to take in this greedy dis- 

 counter of insect acceptances. . v 



Behoves you then to ply your finest art. 



Prospect the place, look for an open space through the 

 boughs and foliage, just over some good fish. You must 

 approach the spot with great caution, poking your rod 

 with the line wound round it before you ; now you are 

 opposite to the spot, and concealed from the fish by an 

 intervening bush. Upon a No. 8 hook of fine wire stick 

 your two flies ; if you have not flies, why a couple of gentles, 

 a grasshopper, a bumblebee, or a beetle, perhaps, or any 

 other insect, will haply serve you. A couple of yards will 

 be as much line as you require ; wind it loosely round your 

 rod-point, the baited hook hanging down close to the rod ; 

 now, cautiously and gradually, and with as little motion or 

 disturbance as possible, poke the point of the rod through 

 the hole in the foliage, and begin turning the rod round 

 to let the line unwind ; presently it is all out, and the bait 

 hangs free outside of the bushes ; being sure that you are 

 over the right spot, gently drop the bait on the surface ; 



