MOTIONS OF NATURAL FLIES. 103 



But the motions communicated to the flies ought always to 

 correspond with those of the insects represented. Thus, 

 if it is a dun, green, or gray drake, it will flutter for a 

 short distance close along the surface before alighting, 

 then, after sailing quietly down with the current for a few 

 yards, again take wing, flutter a few yards farther, and 

 alight a second time. The duns generally sail quietly 

 down with the stream, but the yellows and red spinners 

 keep for the most part dancing on the wing, backwards 

 and forwards, and from side to side, just upon the sur- 

 face ; hence the motions of the former will be best imi- 

 tated by allowing them to be quietly swept round by the 

 current, care being taken only to prevent them from 

 sinking too deep ;. while the motions of the latter may 

 be best counterfeited by dangling the droppers about from 

 side to side, as they barely touch the surface of the water. 

 The intelligent sportsman will no doubt find it a highly 

 interesting task to study the peculiar habits and mo- 

 tions of the different aquatic flies, and the imitating of 

 their movements a pleasing opportunity for the exercise 

 of his ingenuity. 



If there are any grass-butts or large stones in the 

 middle of the stream, or overhanging banks on the op- 

 posite side, likely to harbour large trout, the tail fly may 

 be dexterously thrown on to them, so that a gentle shake 

 of the line may cause it to roll off and fall into the 

 water in the most natural manner. This is a deadly cast. 

 Some adepts even do not hesitate, under favourable cir- 

 cumstances, to pitch their flies upon the boughs of a tree 

 or bush on the opposite side of the river, and then shake 



