FLIES. 33 



there is no doubt, that the former, which we allow is 

 by much the larger stream, contains at all seasons ten 

 times as many fish as the latter ; nay, a single mile of 

 its water is worth the whole length of Carron ; not that 

 it produces in proportion a higher rental, for, from its 

 nature, it cannot be netted with such advantage ; but 

 this we affirm, that it is more plentifully stocked with 

 fish, and offers a succession of pools seemingly far better 

 adapted for angling in, and yet there is no dependence 

 upon it, as upon Carron, where with the rod one is 

 more certain to kill salmon grilses and sea trout in any 

 weather and state of the river. And it may be noted 

 as singular, that the flies used on Carron are particu- 

 larly uninviting to a Conan fish, being too bright for its 

 dark massy waters, although not so for the clear limpid 

 streams of western Ross-shire. We might have con- 

 trasted in the same manner the Shin and Ewe waters 

 but we proceed rather to close our remarks upon sal- 

 mon flies. Among other combinations, yellow wings 

 and hackles, although forming a glaring fly, we have 

 seen used on Clyde with great success. Peacock fea- 

 thers sometimes make excellent wings and tufts for our 

 Scottish stream fishing. Salmon flies are of different 

 sizes, according to the seasons, and are not always re- 

 gulated in this respect, as some aver, by the mood of 

 the water. A large hook ought to be used when the 

 fish first begin to ascend, and especially near the sea. 

 This, however, is no strict rule, but a mere general 

 principle, which circumstances should be allowed to 

 govern. Smaller hooks are most successful high up, 

 and during close time. After the salmon have spawned, 

 they become less shy, and, on their return to the salt 

 water, will leap almost at any sort of insect. 



And now, let us notice how the changes of water 

 and sky influence fish in their choice of flies : and first, 



c 



