360 THE ANGLER-NATURALIST. 



at the fly from about twelve o' clock until two, if there is 

 any sun ; but at this time of the year the artificial grass- 

 hopper with gentles is by far the most deadly bait. 



For instructions in regard to the making and using 

 of these and all other Grayling baits, flies, &c., I would 

 recommend Mr. H. Wheatley's treatise of the 'Rod and 

 Line/ in which will be found not only much valuable, but 

 also a good deal of original information*, adding only 

 a hint which I believe that gentleman does not give that 

 when the fish refuse the fly at the surface, they will fre- 

 quently take it if allowed to sink towards the bottom. 



Principal Characteristics of the Grayling (as found in a specimen 

 10 inches long). Head small and pointed, flattened at the top ; in 

 length compared to length of body alone, excluding tail-fin, as 1 to 4 ; 

 body deepest at commencement of back-fin ; depth rather more than 

 equal to length of head. Distance between point of nose and com- 

 mencement of first back-fin equal to one-third entire length, tail-fin 

 rays excluded. Back-fin very long at the base, nearly equal to twice 

 the length of its longest ray ; pectoral fins small, narrow, and pointed ; 

 ventral fins commencing directly under centre of back-fin ; anal fin 

 commencing halfway between origin of ventral fins and end of fleshy 

 part of tail. Opening of mouth when viewed in front squarish ; teeth 

 small, numerous, and curved; none on tongue, and only a few on 

 end of vomer, or central bone in roof of mouth, and on the adjoining 

 ends of the bones of the palate, situated in single rows on the jaws. 

 Profile of back slightly convex, that of belly nearly straight. Scales 

 large, 7 in an oblique row above the lateral line. Colour: sides 



* The ' Rod and Line ' (Longman and Co., Paternoster Row, 1849), 

 by H. Wheatley. Mr. Wheatley deserves well of the angling world if 

 only as the first who duly appreciated the importance of flying triangles 

 in minnow spinning-tackle. One of his maxims also is invaluable : 

 "Never throw a fly, or put a bait into the water, without expecting a 



