S6 ANGLING 



orange mohair with gold twist; tip, turkey's wing; 

 legs, red hackle ; wings, the black-and-white tail feather 

 of the turkey. 



In English rivers where salmon-fishing prevails, the 

 general run of flies employed is seldom so large as those 

 employed in Scotland, but are used of a great variety 

 of colours. The best method, perhaps, is to get flies 

 dressed on such sized hooks, and in such colours, and 

 of such makes, as will answer generally for salmon, 

 sea-trout, com m on trout, etc., at all seasons of the 

 year. 



As a general principle, it may safely be stated that 

 a certain degree of gaudiness is indispensable in all 

 salmon-flies ; and the angler will find from experience 

 that the light-coloured and showy bodies, and grey- 

 coloured wings, are never-failing instruments of success, 

 where fish abound and are on the feed. This principle, 

 it is true, may be modified in various ways and degrees, 

 but it can never be entirely departed from without 

 mortification or disappointment. 



Thus much for the fly-baits. Though we have spoken 

 disparagingly of bait-fishing for the salmon, we still 

 think the matter is worthy of a passing notice. The 

 following has been of late years recommended by fishers 

 of experience in this line. A raw cockle, or mussel, 

 taken out of the shell; prawns, minnows, and worms 

 have likewise been used with occasional success. The 

 mode of angling with these is to cast the line, which 

 must be without shot, Lato some shallow at the edge of 

 a hole, permitting the bait to be carried in by the 

 current. When the fish has taken the bait, give it 

 full time to swallow it properly and securely ; after this, 

 fix the hook firmly by a gentle twitch. On the first 

 sensation of pain, the captive will probably plunge or 

 spring in the air; but by keeping the rod firmly, he 

 will be captured without the same degree of trouble or 

 risk that there is in pure fly-fishing. Salmon prefer 

 little fish and worms best on their first arrival in the 

 fresh water. 



When the salmon takes a fly, the angler must im- 



