40 SPRING-TIDE. 



I have been equally successful with the 

 May-fly's " counterfeit presentment " in 

 streams where that insect is never 

 seen. The fact is, that when the trout 

 is really inclined to feed, there are few 

 things thrown lightly on the surface, or 

 slowly drawn through the water, which 

 he will not take. 



/. I have often observed fish rise and 

 take the leaves which on a windy day are 

 blown into the river. This seems to favour 

 your opinion. 



S. True, but you will find the trouts 

 repeatedly reject them. I do not think 

 them so obtuse as to seize everything as 

 food which may fall near them ; but doubt- 

 less, experience, or perhaps instinct, prompts 

 them to examine everything that comes in 

 their way. Thus the hairy caterpillar, when 

 feeding on a leaf, may, like the clown saw- 

 ing the sign-board on which he is perched, 

 eat away until he is precipitated into the 



