OX RAPID STREAMS. 135 



I prefer the large hook and two beetles, because 

 one has less bother in constantly putting on fresh 

 beetles ; for one may, when one has two on, in 

 killing a trout, perhaps lose the body of one beetle; 

 in this case I work away with one complete one, 

 and the head only of another ; indeed, these heads 

 go on increasing, and I have often counted no less 

 than six on my hook at one time. A good big 

 bunch seems rather the more attractive; again, 

 the big hook gives one much advantage in hooking 

 one's fish. I will push this no further ; make trial 

 for yourself; but, reader, beware of being led away 

 by any primitive ideas about the Splash and coarse- 

 ness, the frightening the trout, and the old dap- 

 ping story. Take my word for it, 'tis all humbug. 

 I told you that in dapping with the natural fly, 

 you were restricted to one principle only, and that 

 deception. The principal restriction to the fern 

 web and beetle is the peculiar uncertainty of the 

 trout taking them. I have failed to account to 

 myself for this ; but sure is it, that the trout will 

 do one "of two things with regard to the taking 

 the fern web and beetle either gorge them 

 greedily ; splash, dash, throw it in as you will, or 

 when you will, and they are at it, and before you 

 can even strike have swallowed it deeply : or they 

 will not have them at any price ; do what you will, 

 be as artful as you can, 'tis no go, Master Trout- 

 will not look at them ; and you will sadly waste 

 time if you persist in working with them under 

 such circumstances. I have so often convinced 

 myself of the capricious nature of the trout with 



