167 



CHAPTER XII. 



FLY FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 



ATTRACTIONS OF SURFACE FISHING; THE ROD, 

 LINE, AND WINCH ; CASTING, STRIKING, 

 PLAYING, AND LANDING ; THE WET AND DRY 

 FLY SYSTEMS ; BROOK FISHING ; METEOROLO- 

 GICAL EFFECTS ON SPORT; NIGHT FISHING; 

 THE DOVE. 



THE superiority of the art of Fly-fishing over all 

 other systems of angling is universally acknow- 

 ledged. The ever-exciting nature of surface fishing 

 adds a zest to the sport, unknown to the other 

 branches of the art piscatorial. The high pitch of 

 expectation experienced as the rising fish daintily 

 " plop " off the insects around, extends a highly 

 exhilarating influence over both mind and body. 

 The whole of the faculties are thus concentrated in 

 one focus, ever stimulating to still greater earnestness 

 and efficiency. It is owing to these characteristics, 

 this scope for science and skill, that this sport is and 

 has been the chosen recreation of men of the greatest 

 celebrity and the highest attainments of modern 

 times. Since the time of Walton the angler's skill has 

 advanced wondrously, whilst keenness of perception 



