14 THE SALMON FLY. 



full value to this great collection of fly patterns. But what I advocate 

 most earnestly, is the logical step forward from all such data, if only 

 from the simple fact that so many of the feathers we employ now are far 

 more suited to the object in view. The Angler who takes this step will 

 soon train and use his own powers of observation and judgment. 

 Practice and experiment on his part wjll then breed confidence, and 

 confidence will bring for him marked improvement in capacity and 

 all round proficiency. 



Now it is manifest that in all collections of patterns yet offered in 

 print and Mr. Francis's is, perhaps, the most complete of any we 

 have little else than the bare patterns to guide us. There is not 

 sufficient induction from them ; no comparison, analysis, classification, 

 made of them, either in themselves, or with direct regard to the natural 

 characters of the rivers to which groups of flies are severally assigned. 

 Whilst the features of many of the flies described as used on certain 

 rivers in times gone by are strongly marked enough to base a classification 

 on, and perhaps to enable some advance towards general principles, yet 

 it seems to me, that the local use has so frequently been governed by 

 mere accident, whim, and fashion, and so entirely without attempt at 

 rational process or systematic observation, that I would prefer, and I 

 recommend, original experiment based on general principles, with a 

 deferential side-glance at the traditions of the elders. 



It is evident that any practice relying solely on such lists of flies, 

 however time-honoured, must, as unscientific, sooner or later be found 

 valueless to some extent, and hopelessly so in the face of any such 

 enlightened competition as must be met on the more open fisheries. 



In certain flies, leading conditions common to several localities have 

 been happily filled, and so we have such standard general patterns as 

 " Jock Scott," " Silver Grey," and " Blue Doctor." But it is clear that 

 the demands of the unusual and complicated conditions in hard-fished 

 waters could not be thus uncerimoniously chanced on, and to meet these, 

 we need, not the standard general patterns, but the standard specials, e.g., 

 the "Variegated Sun-fly," "Blue Boyne," "Bed Pirate," "Bo-Peep," 

 " Silver Spectre," &c., &c. 



Complicated conditions, and the discovery of the best means and 



