254 THE SALMON FLY. 



Salmon's habit of feeding, all of which happen to be within my own 

 knowledge, for there is really nothing so much talked of in our pastime, 

 and so little understood, as either the artificial or the natural Salmon-fly. 



The natural fly which a Salmon will take has received, as yet, far less 

 than its due meed of consideration, and so a little scepticism, if not a 

 great deal, is pardonable. The modest silence in which local Anglers 

 continue their investigations and experiments has most probably caused 

 the matter to be kept from the knowledge of all, except those immedi- 

 ately concerned. I, for one, however, have long since known from actual 

 observation that the natural Salmon-fly varies with a vengeance in size, 

 in character, and in general appearance. That it confines itself to its own 

 particular river, etc., etc., as we shall see a little later on. 



For the present, I content myself with treating of the artificial 

 specimen, and shall bring to light some of the scientific (and unscientific) 

 explanations which have been hazarded about it. 



I wish to treat the questions at issue, not from an aggressive stand- 

 point, and yet, whilst exposing what, to my thinking, are the erroneous 

 ideas of others, to state fairly my own, and give ample proof of the benefit 

 to be derived from them. 



I would first remark that, in these utilitarian days and practical 

 results, all classes occasionally unite to express their opinion on these 

 questions in the columns of contemporary journals. In order to obtain 

 new ideas, the best of all possible reasons, Editorial encouragement is 

 frequently held out by such invitations as, " perhaps some of our cor- 

 respondents can enlighten us," so that any novice may write, as if 

 invested with the fullest authority. The results of this practice are 

 peculiar, but, as an old hand, what odds, I would ask, is it whether the 

 truth is brought out by hook or by crook or by book? They occasionally 

 answer some purpose in fishing. But when these Editorial measures, 

 though full of purpose, happen to be concerned with a question so 

 pregnant as " What is a Salmon-fly ? " Fishermen naturally think twice 

 before trusting to haphazard opinion. " What is a Salmon-fly ? " is the 

 very point for us to consider just now, and though the solution may 

 appear difficult, it certainly is not impossible; yet truth lies at the bottom, 

 of a well. 



