FLY-FISHING AND FLY-MAKING. 



Dr. Hen shall, "Book of Black Bass," 

 page 184. 



"I have frequently observed 

 that fish exhibit symptoms of great 

 fright or alarm at the report of 

 fire-arms, or other loud noises, and 

 be scared and dart away at the 

 sound of the human voice or the 

 barking of a dog, when the fish 

 could not see the originators of 

 the noises." 



Alfred Ronald, " Fly - Fished s Ento- 

 mology," page 1. 



"In order that we might be en- 

 abled to ascertain the truth of the 

 common assertion (viz.:) that fish 

 can hear voices in conversation on 

 the banks of a stream, my friend, 

 the Keverend Mr. Brown, of Grat- 

 wich, and myself selected for close 

 observation a trout poised about 

 six inches deep in the writer, whilst 

 a third gentleman, who was situ- 

 ated behind the fishing house i. <?., 

 diametrically opposite to the side 

 where the fish was, fired off a gun. 

 The possibility of the flash being 

 seen by the fish was thus wholly 

 prevented and the report produced 

 not the slightest effect upon him. 



'* The second barrel was then 

 fired ; still he remained immovable, 

 evincing not the slightest symptom 

 of having heard the report. This 

 experiment was often repeated, 

 and precisely similar results ob- 

 tained. Neither could 1, or other 

 persons, ever awaken symptoms of 

 alarm in fishes near the boat by 

 shouting to them in our loudest 

 tones, although our distance from 

 them sometimes did not exceed six 

 feet. * * * It is sufficient to 

 know that the above trout had no 

 ears to hear either the voices or the 

 gun, and I firmly believe that the 

 zest which friendly chat often im- 

 parts to the exercise of our capti- 

 vating art need never be marred by 

 an apprehension that sport will be 

 impaired thereby." 



Who shall decide when doctors disagree ? 



Speaking of firing off a gun to test the hearing of trout 

 reminds me of the only incident I can call to mind which 

 apparently contradicts the conclusions reached by Eonald. 



