30 BEST'S ART OF ANGLING. 



erects on the approach of the former. This may 

 be true in respect to large fish ; but I know that 

 small ones are the most tempting bait that can 

 be laid for the pike : the other fishes are the 

 best for trolling. 



CHAP. IV. 



Of Natural Fly-Fishing, with a Description of 

 Flies generally used ; and a choice Collection of 

 Rules and Hints to be observed in the Art of 

 Angling. 



NATURAL fly-fahing, which comes under the 

 heads of Dibbling, Vaperhtg, and Dabbing, is a 

 method with which the largest fish are taken, 

 and requires a deal of nicety and circumspec- 

 tion. The general rule in this way of angling 

 is, to fish with a line about half the length of 

 your rod; but if there is wind stirring, with as 

 much as it will carry out ; but you need hardly 

 ever fish with more than the first length, as 

 dibbling must be performed as near as possible 

 to the bank that you stand on; therefore a long 

 rod and a short line is the best, which you will 

 command with ease, and be able tg shelter your- 

 self from the sight of the fishes, behind bushes, 

 stumps of trees, &c. The line you dib with 

 should be very strong : for when j'ou have 

 struck a good fish } r ou will have a hard bout 

 vyith him before you kill him, for want of a 

 greater length of line: therefore, whenever I dib 

 1 always use a ringed rod, with a winch for my 



