40 THE SCOTTISH ANGLER. 



be fished with in pairs, and well separated. In throw- 

 ing the cast, the lowermost, or trail fly, should be made 

 to alight foremost ; its fall ought to be almost impercep- 

 tible ; it should come down on the water like a gossa- 

 mer, followed by the droppers. The moment a fly 

 touches the surface, it is ten times more apt to raise a 

 fish, than during the act of drawing it along. At no 

 time are we stanch advocates for the system of leading 

 our hooks, either against or across the stream; our 

 method is rather to shake them over it for a moment, 

 and then repeat the throw. A trout will discover 

 your fly at the distance of several yards, if feeding, and 

 will dart at it like lightning. Always, if you can, fish 

 with the wind, and do not concern yourself, as some 

 do, from what quarter it comes. In spring, no doubt, 

 a south-west breeze is preferable to all others ; yet we 

 have seen even easterly winds not the worst, on many 

 waters, especially during summer months, when the 

 natural fly is apt to become over-plenty. 



Trout will sometimes take in the most unlikely 

 weathers, so that the angler should not despair at any 

 time. Hunger causes them to feed at least once in 

 the twenty-four hours, and generally much oftener. If 

 the wind blows down the river, commence at the pool 

 head, and fish every inch of good water ; you may pass 

 over the very rough and very shallow parts, also those 

 which are absolutely dead, calm, and clear, unless you 

 see fish rising in them, when, should your tackle be 

 light, there is no harm in taking a throw or two. Dead 

 water, however, when rippled or discoloured, may be 

 angled in with great success. When you raise a good 

 trout, strike slowly, or hardly at all, only continue 

 the motion of your hand without slacking it ; the fish, 

 if large, will hook itself. Small trout and par may be 

 whipped in with rapidity : 'tis folly to play or use cere- 



