56 ' ARTIFICIAL FLY-FISHING. 



all the methods of capturing trout. The angler who 

 practises it is saved the trouble of working with 

 worms, of catching, keeping alive, and salting 

 minnows, or searching the river's banks for the 

 natural insect. Armed with a light single-handed 

 rod and a few flies -he may wander from county to 

 county, and kill trout wherever they are to be found. 



One advantage fly-fishing possesses above any 

 other mode is, that it is equally applicable to all 

 waters, be they silent lakes, slow-running rivers, or 

 roaring streams, rendering it the most valuable of all 

 lures to the angler. In the first chapter of this 

 volume it was mentioned that at least twelve pounds 

 weight of trout might be captured almost any day 

 during the angling season, and for three months it 

 is by fly alone that this must be accomplished. 

 There are few anglers aware of the service the arti- 

 ficial fly is capable of rendering if properly used. 

 James Baillie, whom we have already introduced to 

 the reader, but whose hazel rod and string tied to 

 the top of it are familiar to all those in the habit of 

 frequenting Leader or Gala, maintains himself and 

 family from March to November by fly-fishing ex- 

 clusively. We believe this notable person kills on 

 an average from twelve to fourteen pounds at each 

 excursion, and, being in delicate health, he only 

 fishes for four or five hours a-day. If our amateur 

 friends had to make their living by fly-fishing, there 

 are few of them we would care for dining with often. 



Besides being the most attractive and valuable, 



