THE ALDER-FLIES 43 



have put the wings in this position, a 

 position into which they could not get 

 in the natural fly without the intervention 

 of external violence. 



I have, in observing this fly when it 

 has fallen on the water, seen its wings 

 in the position of rest as often as not. 

 In fact the only other condition in which 

 I have seen it, is when it has been buzzing 

 violently, apparently with the object of 

 raising itself from the surface. Of course 

 the easiest, and in fact the only pos- 

 sible position in which the wings can be 

 accurately imitated, is the position of 

 rest. 



Another mistake in the imitations usually 

 sold, is in the materials used in the dress- 

 ing. The body is made very fat, with 

 peacock herle ; while in the natural fly it 

 is decidedly thin, and of a dark brown 

 colour. The wings are made of brown 

 speckled hen's quill feathers or bustard, 

 which are of a very much richer brown 

 than the wing of the natural fly, and lastly 

 the hackle is much too profuse and goes 

 all over the fly. The following dressing 

 of the Alder I have found, to be most sue- 



