THE TROUT. 81 



amply repay Mm, by the size and quality of the game, the 

 largest, oldest, most wary of the tribe, being often taken by 

 this process. Hofland gives the following instructions : 



" The Angler mast be provided with a 14 feet rod, with a 

 stiff top, and strong running tackle ; he will seldom have to 

 use more than a yard of line, the bottom of which should be 

 of strong silk worm gut. I recommend strong tackle, because 

 in confined situations, overhung with wood, you will not have 

 room to play your fish, but must hold him tight and depend 

 on the strength of your tackle. 



" The size of your hook must depend upon the size of the 

 fly, from No. 7 to 9 for small flies and grubs, and for beetles 

 No. 4 or 5. For bush-fishing, you should be provided with 

 well scoured brandlings and red worms, cad-baits,* clock- 

 baits, earth-grubs, beetles, grasshoppers, and a horn of flies ; 

 or at least as many of the above as you can procure. 



" Great caution is necessary in using your rod and line, for 

 if there are few bushes or brambles to conceal you, the 

 water must be approached warily, as the large trout often lie 

 near the surface, and if you are once seen they will fly from 

 you. If the water should be deep, dark, and overhung with 

 thick foliage, so that you can scarcely find an open space for 

 your bait, your line must be shortened to half a yard, and 

 sometimes less. 



" If your flies are small, use two of them at once, as they 

 frequently fall in the water in couples. When daping with the 

 fly, if you see your fish, drop the fly gently on the water 

 about a foot before him, and if you are not seen, he will 

 eagerly take it. When your fish is struck, do not allow him 

 to get his head down, for fear of roote and weeds, but keep 

 him to the top of the water, when his fins and strength will 



* Cad-baits and clock-baits are Dot known amongst Anglers in tbk 

 country ; the others will be found useful if they can be procured. 





