TROUT-FLIES. 45 



exceptions to this rule as to most others but 

 in the absence of local knowledge or guidance, 

 which on this point is often useful, the fisherman 

 acting upon it will find himself right In nineteen 

 cases out of twenty. 



In most Trout streams, properly so called, in 

 either portion of the United Kingdom, the best 

 sizes of hooks are Nos. 2, 3, or 4 on the annexed 

 plate, a larger or smaller size being used as the 

 day is more or less dark or windy, or the water 

 high or low. In the Derbyshire streams, No. I 

 or 2 will generally be found the best sizes. 

 Smaller hooks are sold in the tackle shops, but I 

 have not included them in my patterns because 

 I regard them as practically useless, No. I 

 being small enough for every purpose usually 

 required. 



COLOUR. 



In small rivers and streams, where it is necessary 

 to employ very small flies, I recommend the use 

 of the " green," as the tail-fly, or stretcher ; and 

 the "brown," as the bob-fly, or dropper to begin 

 with, both of course dressed to suit the size of the 

 water : if either fly does not appear to kill, sub- 

 stitute the yellow as the dropper, and the best of 



