94 MINOR TACTICS OF THE CHALK STREAM 



the fibre of its wings with his fingers before using 

 it. This he does for the excellent reason that it 

 pays. His theory is that it lets the hght through ; 

 but form is entirely sacrificed. 



It is a curious fact that, though the Test and 

 Itchenare " by or dinar' " clear, yet double-dressed 

 floaters can be successfully used on them, which 

 would do little or nothing on other streams, of 

 which the Wandle occurs to me as an example. 

 If I had a day on the Wandle, I should take care 

 to provide myself with single-winged patterns. 

 Can it be that the clearness of the Test and 

 Itchen is such that the fly looks distinct enough 

 by reflected light, while transmitted light is 

 necessary to render the fly noticeable on such 

 streams as the Wandle ? In any case, when 

 visiting a strange river, the angler should see if the 

 fish will or will not stand double-dressed floaters, 

 if he has a fancy for that build of fly. 



