46 TROUT FISHING 



it is hoped, prevent disappointments, enrich the 

 mind of the novice with serviceable precepts, and 

 teach him to make use of every favourable cir- 

 cumstance with best advantage to himself; and a 

 right knowledge of the principles will ensure the 

 exercise of his reason and ingenuity, and, if we 

 add but a little personal familiarity with the Art 

 itself, we can confidently promise certain and 

 speedy success to his labours. 



Whichever of the various modes of fishing we 

 select for especial discourse, we must direct atten- 

 tion to the bait itself, our mode of using it, and 

 the rivers on which it is to be employed. As of 

 all styles of fishing, artificial fly-fishing is the 

 most general favourite and most universally 

 applicable to rapid streams, I prefer choosing this 

 for our present subject; but, before proceeding fur- 

 ther, I must again remind the reader, that we are 

 about to treat of fly-fishing on small and rapid, or 

 rapid and much divided streams; and I trust that 

 what may be said will not be too hastily judged, 

 or condemned without careful trial, lest such views 

 as will be brought forward be deemed incorrect, 

 because standing in some points at variance, in 

 others in direct contrast, with what is ordinarily 

 written concerning artificial fly-fishing; but with 

 the assurance that nothing either of principle or 

 practice shall be advanced, but what I have per- 

 sonally practised, and that nothing shall be dwelt 

 on, respecting this practice, but what is deemed to 

 be absolutely necessary to be attended to, study- 

 ing to avoid all theoretical expositions, and en- 



