GENERAL ADVICES. 211 



to some arrangement with his friend respecting a 

 division of the water before starting, as he who fishes 

 the water first has undoubtedly the best chance. 

 In a large river, and fishing with the fly, it does 

 not make much difference ; and even in a small water 

 the trout will rise freely if allowed to remain undis- 

 turbed for an hour or so. But it is different in fish- 

 ing small clear streams with the worm ; there the 

 second angler has not nearly so good a chance as 

 his predecessor, and with the minnow or the May- 

 fly, the first angler would entirely mar the sport of 

 the one following him. 



Another point equally suitable to all seasons is, 

 if you have got an unlimited stretch of water to fish, 

 to do so very quickly, only taking the best casts. 

 This is peculiarly applicable when the trout are not 

 taking freely. The secret of success lies, to a con- 

 siderable extent, in getting over the ground rapidly, 

 and the angler who stands casting repeatedly in a 

 spot when he is getting nothing need never expect 

 to fill his basket. 



Before trout come into condition there is no induce- 

 ment to fish for them ; and not being in the streams, 

 no reliance can be placed upon their taking; and as 

 they are rarely in condition all over a county till the 

 first of May, we shall begin with that month. Should 

 trout come into condition sooner, the lures suitable 

 for May will be found suitable for April also. 



In the beginning of May it is of little use starting 

 before eight o'clock in the morning, as the weather 

 is generally cold ; if the weather is warm, however, 



