62 MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS 



of the water, or the curve of the surface, in pool, 

 rapid, or eddy ; but no description is of avail in 

 giving an idea of this, as the skill can only be ac- 

 quired by experience. 



Since Irish flies were first tried in the Tweed, that 

 is within thirty years back,* they have been, if not 

 gaining in favour, at least keeping a distinguished 

 place on " the face of the waters,'' and have got a 

 standing amongst the fly fashions of the age. This 

 certainly shows that they are somehow cognate to 

 our old legitimate Tweed flies. Yet that the success 

 has been greater with them upon the whole, than in 

 a corresponding length of time previously with the 

 old flies alone, may be disputed. That more fish 

 were caught in the thirty years before they were 

 introduced is no argument against them, all other 

 casualties duly considered. We are, therefore, obliged 

 to hesitate in a decision for or against preference of 

 either. On a broad view, my own conception of the 

 matter is this, that Irish flies may be found prefer- 

 able in muddy, dark waters, being constructed of 

 bright colours golden pheasant, yellows, oranges, 

 &c. and that newly come fish see them more quickly, 

 while the water is yet a little discoloured from the 

 soil in a flooded river, and from this cause take them 



Now fifty years. [Er>R.] 



