230 THE SALMON FLY. 



chance altogether by infringing the rule best calculated to bring him 

 success i.e., not to persevere too long with the " very fly that really 

 ought to kill." This is a fatal practice. But apart from all such trans- 

 gression the fact still remains that, the best fly in one season falls into 

 desuetude in another, the perfect pattern in the morning sometimes fails 

 at noon, and destroys all chance of success in the evening. 



In this relation, I have more than once known the right man " lower 

 his waders " ; walk home to dress a certain set of patterns for a special 

 purpose ; and use but one variation after all. And why ? Because the 

 surroundings at the Catch remained as they were. 



Another matter not devoid of interest which I would deal with here 

 alludes to the prevailing partiality shewn for certain standards. " Jock 

 Scott " furnishes a grand example for consideration. 



It is commonly said that fish see this fly oftener than others, that it 

 reigns supreme because Anglers persist in using it wherever they go. 

 But to ascribe the reputation of any fly to this bald fact is just one of 

 those cock-and-bull stories which derive their origin partly from imagina- 

 tion and partly from hearsay. A man has no ghost of a chance if he is 

 constantly led away by such a statement. No ; the key to " Jock's " 

 repute may be traced to the dexterous hand of the inventor. His con- 

 struction is of a " decided " nature. He is exact in the observance of 

 laws relating to harmony of colour, proportion, and symmetry ; the 

 possession of which qualities must, in the long run, secure for any pattern 

 a vastly superior chance over its rivals. It may be taken for granted 

 that the persistent employment of any one fly is absolutely certain to 

 bring it into bad repute temporarily, as the fish are sure to get sick at the 

 very sight of it. In " Jock Scott," perhaps, we find the nearest excep- 

 tion. It is the acknowledged King of built-wing flies, fit to reign over 

 his own large circle of admirers. It is not an ordinary fly. Analyse this 

 Scotch pattern under any reasonable test, and the fly is usually found to 

 possess a singular excellence, though, on the authority of " Silver Grey " 

 (Sept. 16th, 1893), Land and Water says : 



" I know one stream in Ireland and another in Scotland, in which, 

 though often tried, ' Jock Scott ' has never done the trick yet." 



Only those who rise superior to prejudice, and who pin their faith on 



