390 THE SALMON FLY. 



of the fact until after making an exhaustive analysis. From that time 

 I have never missed an opportunity of trying further experiments, and 

 have met with quite sufficient evidence to convince me that this was no 

 mere chance occurrence. 



My own theory is that, from the dripping of pine, or juniper, or 

 something else not precisely known to us, an effect of some kind is quickly 

 produced on the fish, and puts them down. We may rest assured that 

 any impure matter which a fall of rain disperses in a river is more harmful 

 than the composition of rain itself. How far a fair artificial sprinkling of 

 chloride of sodium would induce Salmon to rise and take our flies I am 

 not concerned to inquire into ; but when Nature herself supplies sea salt 

 by means of rain from the westward ocean, our success in certain neigh- 

 bourhoods is invariably increased. I say " certain neighbourhoods " from 

 the fact that organic matter exists in the air and rain. In the same way 

 and measure impurities due to budding, as well as to decaying, foliage 

 may do much to cripple or destroy our sport for the time being. 



The chief difficulty which I have hitherto met with is my inability to 

 form a fairly approximate idea as to how long it may be before any im- 

 purity becomes neutralised. This doubtless could be discovered by 

 chemical auxiliaries, just as it has been ascertained that more sulphates 

 are found inland than by the sea, and that ammoniacal salts are detected 

 in the samples of rain water collected, for instance, in closely inhabited 

 coal districts. In fact, it has been conclusively proved in the North that 

 vegetation ceases when about four grains of acid are found in one gallon 

 of rain water ; and, therefore, it is as well for Fishermen not always to 

 pin their faith on a good down-fall. 



There is much less variation needed in selecting proper flies just after 

 rain than before it. 



Fishermen of experience are well aware that we often encounter a 

 rise of water when least expected. One " fresh," sunny day in the North 

 (especially in the months of April and May), and down comes a foot of 

 water, upsetting all one's overnight deliberations and plans. The river 

 has been affected by the melting of snow. 



Doctors differ considerably as to the effect of a good dose of snow 

 broth. On one occasion I was requested to arbitrate in the matter, and 



