186 



A SCOTTISH FLY-FISHER 



number, but by the quick movements of the objects of 

 their pursuit ? 



In a calm, the trout appear to rise in quite another 

 fashion. They break the water with a swirl, but dis- 

 play no portion of their bodies above the surface. It 

 has been suggested that they are then feeding on sub- 

 merged flies, but, since the swirling rise occurs when 

 the fish are visibly taking insects on the surface, the 

 suggestion does not afford a satisfactory explanation of 

 the facts. 



When the trout, on rising, occasion but the merest 

 dimpling of the water, it is probable that they are lying 

 just beneath the surface, and, having quietly secured a 

 fly, as quietly permit themselves to sink. They do not 

 turn about in their descent. 



Now and then the trout, 

 in rising to the lure, leaps 

 quite out of the water. The 

 generally accepted explana- 

 tion of his action is uncon- 

 vincing. His intention, it is 

 said, is to submerge and 

 drown the fly. How does 

 the observer know ? Why, 

 the uninstructed are disposed 



