216 THE SCIENTIFIC ANGLEK. 



to be learned, therefore, when the water is fine and low, 

 as then observations may be taken as to the lay of the 

 river's bed, etc. 



SEPTEMBER. 



Grayling are now rapidly coming into condition. Sea- 

 sonable weather prevailing, good sport is afforded by 

 these fish wherever prevalent. Trout and grayling take 

 the fly in an entirely different way; the former, as a rule, 

 comes up boldly to meet the fly as it floats down-stream, 

 whilst the grayling seldom rises at a fly until it has 

 passed over or close by him. This is owing to the singu- 

 lar formation of the mouth of this fish, the upper part of 

 which, projecting over the bottom lip, incapacitates it 

 from closing upon the fly when before it, as is habitual 

 with the trout. -The grayling being gregarious, it is of 

 the utmost importance that each fish should be landed 

 quietly and carefully, with the least possible disturbance 

 of the water. In order to accomplish this satisfactorily, 

 the hooked fish should be headed down-stream, whenever 

 practicable, to the nearest available spot for landing. 

 The angler who has been accustomed to whip for trout 

 upon the waters of a small lake or pool will know per- 

 fectly well how to accomplish this. To be a successful 

 grayling fisher, it is essential to have thorough command 

 of the rod, to have a sensitive touch, a quick eye, and a 

 gentle hand. The secret of success in fact, as in other 

 branches of the art, lies in the acquirement of certain 

 details, which together constitute proficiency. First, 

 the art of throwing should be thoroughly understood and 

 acquired. This rule is imperative, as the least awkward 

 movement will " knock the fish off the feed." It should 

 ever be remembered that the eye of the grayling is even 

 quicker and keener than that of the trout, though his 

 cupidity is greater. 



Next in importance ranks "striking." This requires 



