132 ON TROUTING WITH THE FLY. 



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 bas- 

 ket 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 of skill to cap- 

 ture 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 con- 

 sidered themselves, and were considered, good 



