18 ON FLY-MAKING. 



a short time make you a good and skilfull fly-maker. In 

 the next chapter I will give you a description of the diffe- 

 rent flies with which I am acquainted, and the best method 

 ot dubbing them ; together with^the different seasons for 

 using them from the beginning of March to the end of 

 October. I shall begin with March, though it will not be 

 so pleasant, nor your sport so general, as in April, for 

 then 



COLD WINTER'S PAST. 



Cold winter's past, the spring is here, 



The brooks are frozen now no more ; 

 We hail the season with a cheer, 



As our fathers were wont of yore. 

 The angler's heart with joy doth fill, 



To see the streams with freedom flow ; 

 Likewise the natives of the rill 



Wantonly sporting to and fro. 



The joys we feel no tongue can tell, 



For 'tis beyond expression far : 

 We wander through the flowery dell, 



From every noisy town afar ; 

 Our hearts are light and full of glee 



We gaily throw the feathered hook 

 Beneath some overhanging tree, 



To tempt the monarch of the the brook. 



Aloft in air the insects glide, 



And various flies in crowds appear; 

 Whilst thousands line the river side, 



And throng the boughs that's waving there. 

 The pleasant meads with verdure crown'd, 



Such beauty strikes the wand'ring view, 

 That bounteous nature there is found, 



In every sport we may pursue. 



We angle by the river's side, 



The finny tribe but to ensnare 

 Feathers and hair we do provide, 

 Selected with the nicest car* 



