CIRCUMSTANCES RELATING TO THE CHOICE OF FLIES. 231 



the proper pattern for each particular occasion, can realise how absurd is 

 the remark that " one fly is as good as any other at any time." Yet, even 

 men of " light and leading" sometimes fall into the trap, and mount a 

 favourite pattern, regardless whether it is, or is not, suited to the sur- 

 rounding conditions. When difficulty arises, out comes the fly book, and 

 " Hang those doctrines that tell of miracles worked in this or that light, 

 so on goes the one that has rarely failed me, Hamish." Knowing the 

 exact lie of the fish, the spot to an inch where to stand and how to cast 

 half the battle, all this they occasionally succeed with it, because the 

 very conditions that called for the use of the particular fly happened to 

 exist. Not unfrequently they would experience dismal failure ; but the 

 keen observer is never slow in detecting the true reason. 



A most important point to be considered in choosing a fly is the 

 nature and condition of the pool in which it is to be used. Each pool has 

 its own distinguishing features. Some are shallow, others deep ; some 

 are in the shade, others in the full sunshine; some have a pebbly bottom, 

 affording little shelter to the fish, others abound with rocks and boulders. 

 In some the current runs smooth and straight, in others the waters boil 

 and twist themselves into eddies all being more or less affected by the 

 rise or fall of the river. It hardly requires to be stated that one identical 

 fly cannot be equally attractive in all pools, or in every condition of the 

 same pool ; and that it is of the utmost importance to pay attention to 

 the size of the hook, which the existing local conditions may demand. 

 Almost any pattern of suitable size in straight running waters early in 

 the season, would, at least, show that it was made of the right stuff, pro- 

 vided always that it be one of those specimens warranted never to 

 " skirt " or " wobble." But the Spring of the year is soon over, and as 

 the mild weather sets in, fish take to streams, and get more or less 

 difficult to please as the water gets low and the days hot. Then is the 

 time for observation and reflection ; and for the use of " The Little Inky- 

 boy" (p. 214). My Father used to say, "To fish without reflecting is like 

 eating without digesting." I followed this aphorism of his, and with 

 what advantages ! But alas ! reflect how I may, it is not within my 

 power to bear in memory all the actual details of past adventures in 

 such a manner that they can be brought vividly before the mind of 



