FLY-FISHING. 113 



from the leading fly; the second dropper about 

 eighteen inches above the first, and the third, if 

 required, about a foot from the second. It may be 

 observed, that flies of an orange or yellow colour 

 may be used with success at the clearing of rivers 

 after they have been disturbed by heavy rain ; such 

 as the Cowdung, Fern My, Cadis, &c. 



" Now when the first foul torrent of the brooks, 

 S well'd with the vernal rains, is ebb'd away ; 

 And, whit'ning, down their mossy tinctured stream 

 Descends the billowy foam : now is the time, 

 While yet the dark brown water aids the guile, 

 To tempt the Trout. The well dissembled fly, 

 The rod fine tapering with elastic spring, 

 Snatch'd from the hoary steed the floating line, 

 And all thy slender wat'ry stores prepare." 



Thomson. 



" After giving ample instructions for the pre- 

 paration of the tackle requisite for fly-fishing, the 

 first point that presents itself for the consideration 

 of the angler, as to his movements, is, which bank 

 of the river he is to go down ; and this often proves 

 of more moment than may at first sight be apparent. 

 He generally arrives on the banks of the river where 

 there is a bridge, and has then a choice in his power. 

 If he be on known ground, of course he has no 

 difficulty in deciding. If a stranger to the river, the 

 case is different ; and as his day's sport, or, at any 

 rate, a large portion of his time depends on his 

 decision, he should ponder well. In the absence of 



