THE VALE OF GALA. 49 



Insert one into the body and the upper one 

 through the neck ; and, as old Isaak says, of the 

 frog, do this as if you loved it, so as the hooks 



may be undermost and the wings keep flutter- 

 ing on the top of the water. And whoever says 

 that you may fish with it sunk or under the 

 water, I can only say from long experience, and 

 from that of other noted May fly fishers, that I 

 will eat all he catches, before dinner, and not 

 ask a dram after them. Some use it most 

 effectually, fishing only with an ordinary fly- 

 hook, and with the wings cut off ; but you must 

 strike quickly on the rise of the trout ; endeavour 

 to get the wind on your back, and fish up the 

 stream in all cases, as it will only do in clear 

 water and sunshine, at least, that is its best 

 time. Rather jerk it forward, and do not fish with 

 a line longer than your rod ; and if you have a 

 light stiff rod of eleven or twelve feet, use it in pre- 

 ference to any other ; throw diagonally up and 

 let the fly come down opposite to you, then cast 

 again. Miss any ripple or swirl near a stone, if 

 you do not want to" engage a big f ellow, as there 



i) 



