IlS ON TROUTING WITH THE FLY. 



objection, but we rather think most anglers prefer 

 spiritual consolation of a very different sort, 

 coupled with sandwiches ; there is a time for all 

 things, and at noon we must admit having a pre- 

 ference for the latter method. It has moreover 

 this advantage, that you will be the more able to 

 fish properly when the trout begin to take again. 



We have as yet said nothing about the adapta- 

 tion of flies in point of size to the season of the 

 year and the state of the water, because this 

 subject is so intimately connected with the habits 

 of the trout during the different fly-fishing months, 

 that it is impossible to separate them, and we 

 shall therefore discuss them together ; but before 

 commencing, we may remark, that a knowledge of 

 the habits of the trout is the most necessary of all 

 information to the angler. He may have the best 

 tackle and the best flies, and be skilled in the art 

 of throwing them lightly; but unless he knows 

 where feeding trout are to be found, he will never 

 achieve great success. 



The two great causes which should regulat 6 

 the angler in selecting the size of fly to be used are 

 the colour and size of the water, and the wariness 

 of the trout ; the fly, in fact, must be large enough 

 to ensure its being seen, but not so large as to enable 

 the trout to detect its artificial character. When a 

 river is large and dark-coloured, flies may be used 

 a size or two larger than when it is clear ; as in 

 such circumstances it requires larger flies in order 



