108 THE TROUT. 



fall a prey to the voracious trout, and imitate nature's handi 

 work on the spot. 



Gay, the celebrated poet, who was a great proficient in 

 fly-fishing, in his " Rural Sports,'' gives the following beauti- 

 ful description of fly-making: 



" He shakes the boughs that on the margin grow, 

 Which o'er the stream a waving forest throw, 

 When, if an insect fall, (his certain guide,) 

 He gently takes him from the whirling tide, 

 Examines well his form with curious eyes, 

 His gaudy vest, his wings, his horns, his size ; 

 Then round the hook the chosen fur he winds, 

 And on the back a speckled feather binds ; 

 So just the colors shine in every part. 

 That nature seems to live again in art." 



And also 



" To frame the little animal provide 



All the gay hues that wait on female pride : 



Let nature guide thee ; sometimes golden wire 



The shining bellies of the fly require ; 



The peacock's plumes thy tackle must not fail, 



Nor the dear purchase of the sable's tail ; 



Each gaudy bird some slender tribute brings, 



And lends the glowing insect proper wings ; 



Silks of all colors must their aid impart, 



And every fur promote the fisher's art : 



So the gay lady, with expensive care, 



Borrows the pride of land, of sea, of air; 



Furs, pearls, and plumes, the glittering thing displays, 



Dazzles our eyes, and easy hearts betrays." 



The following different directions, by various authors, 

 will enable the reader to select a method suited to his own 

 taste, by which with a little practice and perseverance, he can 



