Chapter XIX. 



LIST OF FLIES AND WHEN THEY APPEAR. 



Enquiries as to when certain flies appear on the water 

 are so frequent that we are prompted to give a list showing 

 the recorded dates on which we have taken specimens 

 of the various species, in an uncertain climate like ours 

 such dates can only be an approximate guide, and again 

 flies are certain to be earlier in their appearance in the 

 South of England than say on the North East coast, 

 the temperature of the water has a great influence 

 on the development of species inhabiting it as it not 

 only regulates their development directly but also 

 indirectly by retarding or encouraging the growth of 

 the food of insects ; a few degrees rise of temperature 

 accelerating the growth of aquatic plants and the minute 

 forms of life both animal and vegetable on which the 

 aquatic larvae of insects feed. Experience teaches that 

 it is most dangerous to recommend the use of any 

 particular fly or even to record a good catch with any 

 given pattern. In case of failure the fly maker is blamed, 

 in case of success— well, of course, it is superior fishing ! 

 A friend returned from a fishing trip, hailed me one day : 

 Asked, " what sport ? " He replied, " rather mixed as the 

 weather broke badly," then, after a moment's thought, 

 added » By the way, that ' Iridescent Fly ' of yours was a 



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