Salmon Fishing. 249 



flies, when the water was high and coloured ; 

 but, I must confess, without much success ; and 

 as they are by no means so pleasant to throw, 

 I have long since discarded them for flies of 

 more moderate dimensions. 



To have a hook with a large grasp, is certainly 

 an advantage ; and to prevent the iron from 

 being too conspicuous, I usually make the body 

 low down, and a little below the bend of the 

 hook, and the wings not too full. When a small 

 hook is used, I cannot see the use of putting 

 on long wings, or a tail that projects two 

 far, inasmuch as you thereby combine a large- 

 looking object, in the eyes of the fish, with 

 the disadvantage to yourself of a hook, with a 

 disproportionate grasp. 



By not adhering precisely to the same patterns 

 of famous fishermen, long since removed from 

 their pleasant river-haunts, I am well aware, I 

 expose myself to the charge of presumption. 

 But ever since I commenced salmon-fishing, I 

 have taken leave to think and act for myself, 



