CREEPER AND STONE-FLY FISHING 83 



get in this way, and more numerous in one place. 

 But unless for purposes of observation, I never 

 attempt this slow method of securing them. When 

 a supply is required I wade into a suitable, rough 

 stream, holding my net firmly on the bottom, 

 immediately below my right forward foot, and 

 scratch the heel of my brogue across and above it 

 to dislodge the stones. In this way the creepers are 

 momentarily carried off their otherwise wonderfully 

 safe legs, and washed rather against the meshes of 

 the net than into it. To these meshes they cling 

 desperately, and can easily be picked off and 

 canistered. 



I have found there is nothing better than a large 

 chip match-box for holding stone-flies. It can be 

 pushed in and out so easily with the finger, both in 

 loading and unloading. If, however, the fishing 

 day is a wet one a more substantial wooden box, 

 made with a similar push-drawer, is better. If a 

 box of this kind is decided upon it should be long 

 and narrow say about four inches long, two inches 

 wide, and one inch deep. In either loading or 

 unloading these flies you are apt to let out more 

 than you put in, or more than the single one you 

 want to take out, so quick are they. The stone- 

 flies must be kept scrupulously dry, and the box 

 ventilated with small holes, if of wood; though a 



