292 



SALMON AND TROUT. 



from April to September in various rivers ; more so, however, 

 in the midland and northern than in the southern counties. 

 There is a small ephemera closely resembling it in colour, for 

 which no doubt it is often taken. It kills best when tied with 

 a body yellower than the landrail wings. 



5. The Black Gnat. — This is generally considered a sum- 

 mer and autumn fly, and it is certainly most deadly just when 

 the May fly has gone off. But if it be dressed, as I would 

 have it, either with a dark wing or simply with black hackle 



BLACK GNAT 



YELLOW DUN 



MARLOW BUZ2 



PARTRIDGE HACKLE 



and ostrich herl, it will take well in spring— passing doubtless 

 for Walton's ' black hawtliorn fly.' 



6. The Partridge Jlackle.—Thi?, fly is rarely noticed by 

 writers, but I have found it most useful throughout the season ; 

 especially as a drop fly. 1 tie it with a soft-stemmed, dark- 

 mottled feather and an orange silk body ; but I can hardly call 

 it an imitation. It most resembles a large grey-winged gnat, 

 like a miniature daddy-long-legs, which is often to be seen on 

 waterside herbage ; but it is certain that good trout take it 

 freely in all weathers, whatever they take it for ! 



