'FLIES FOR MAY. 121 



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largest and best trout are almost invariably caught 

 on the deep side, and very close to the edge. 



The flies used in May should be smaller than 

 those used in April ; if the waters are clear, No. 1 1 

 or 12 will answer very well, but if the rivers are 

 coloured, a size larger may be used; a good-sized 

 fly will frequently catch the best trout in heavy 

 water. 



Towards the end of this month the stone-fly, 

 or May-fly of Tweedside, makes its appearance 

 the green drake to which the name of May-fly is 

 usually applied not appearing for a fortnight later. 

 These flies give the first great blow to artificial fly- 

 fishing ; they are so large, and the trout get them 

 in such abundance, that before they have been many 

 days on the water, the trout become quite satiated 

 with surface food. They are now in prime condi- 

 tion strong and vigorous affording excellent play 

 when hooked. They also forsake the deeper portions 

 of the pools, moving up into the strong water at the 

 head, and into broken water and streams, where 

 they choose convenient feeding stations, such as 

 eddies behind stones, below banks, and submersed 

 tufts of grass, and, in short, every place where they 

 can remain unseen, and watch for their prey as it 

 comes down stream towards them; and the angler 

 should neglect no place where he thinks there is a 

 trout. 



About this time they begin to act the epicure, 

 becoming exceedingly nice in their tastes, and pay- 



