30 FLY-FISHING. 



the further bank if possible, and ending under the 

 near one. In spite of Mr. Stewart's able advocacy, 

 most anglers have now arrived at the conclusion 

 that fly-fishing up stream, always, or even generally, 

 is a mistake in practice. In my general observa- 

 tions on fly-fishing I have pointed out one or two 

 of the reasons which led me to consider it so in 

 theory also. With a strong wind up stream it is 

 sometimes a necessity, though, even then, I cannot 

 but think an unfortunate one. 



WORKING THE DROPPER. 



Some angling authorities recommend the use of 

 three flies, and some even four. 



The objections to this practice are many ; but 

 perhaps the most important are, that it is more 

 difficult, especially in windy weather, to cast three 

 than two flies ; that it is more difficult to work 

 them properly when they have been cast ; and 

 that when fish have been hooked there is more 

 danger of entanglement in weeds, &c. Vexations, 

 in short, are multiplied and efficiency impaired. 

 The fact is that only one dropper can be properly 

 worked, the perfect working of a drop-fly consist- 

 ing in its skipping, or "dribbling" along the 

 surface of the water amongst the ripples, and thus 



