174 THE FINE ART OF FISHING 



possible, to go and do likewise otherwise of what use 

 are authorities? Sometimes, however, this is a matter 

 of no little difficulty, for these gentlemen of great ex- 

 perience along similar lines quite frequently arrive at 

 exactly contrary conclusions. 



Here is an example. William C. Harris held the 

 opinion that the use of a spoon in connection with a 

 minnow rendered the minnow much more effective. 

 Dr. James A. Henshall has stated that, in his opinion, 

 this use of a spoon is not only of no advantage but that 

 "moreover, it savors of pot-fishing." And there you 

 are. In view of this, it would seem that others are 

 entitled to a very firm opinion one way or the other. 

 The consensus of opinion is probably that a small spoon 

 so rigged as to lead the minnow is an advantage. The 

 flash of the revolving metal, easily seen at a greater 

 distance than the natural sheen of the minnow, attracts 

 the fish from a wider area than would the minnow 

 alone, with the result that they eventually strike the 

 bait. 



The Way of a Trout With a Fly 



Of all forms of angling fly-fishing is the most intrin- 

 sically interesting and the most productive of varied and 

 sometimes remarkable experiences. The stream fly- 

 fisherman of many seasons is perforce learned in the 

 ways of the brook trout. In fair weather and foul, at 

 times successfully and at other times with ill success, 

 he has cast his flies over many waters and been in at the 

 death of many good fish. But, withal, the way of a 

 trout with a fly is still to him much of a mystery. There 



