PREFACE. XI. 



almost a century ago. I also tender my cordial thanks 

 to Mr. F. Francis and Mr. R. B. Marston, who have 

 both of them been most kind in rendering me valuable 

 assistance whenever I chose to apply for it, the first- 

 named gentleman especially took great trouble in dis- 

 covering the identity of several patterns, with which I 

 was completely puzzled, owing to the ambiguity of some 

 of the author's expressions. 



The patterns of both Theakston and Jackson have 

 long been considered as standard flies for the Yorkshire 

 rivers, especially on the Yore and Wharfe. Jackson 

 resided at Tanfield Mill, on the banks of the former 

 river, about the year 1850, and here may still be found 

 his old fishing hut, a la Walton and Cotton, and a 

 square stone slab with the inscription " Amicitise et 

 piscatoribus sacrum." I have however tested most of 

 their patterns upon other streams in Derbyshire, Staf- 

 fordshire, and North Wales, and have invariably found 

 them quite as seductive as the local flies. Owing to the 

 streamy nature of the majority of the Yorkshire rivers, 

 spider flies sparsely dressed generally answer the best, 

 although there are certain conditions of water and 

 weather when it will be found more profitable to employ 

 a winged pattern at the end of a fine-drawn gut cast 

 and floated dry, as in the Hampshire style. 



I consider myself that no higher compliment could 

 have been paid to the former editions of this book than 

 the opinion expressed by Mr. Francis in his " Book on 

 Angling," in which he characterizes it as " Theakston's 

 capital little work on the streams about Kipon." The 



