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UC-NRLF

B 4 5DD 0E2

AUTI^OR OF

GecHKelson

TIPS.

TIPS

By thh Author of

"THE SALMON FLY

Geo. M. Kflson.

Hci-it.ici (L-niincat (Olavi.un.

I'UKLISIIEIl HV THE Al'TIIOR,

25, Victoria Stkkkt, Westminstfr,

AND c/o The Dangerfield Printing Company. Limited,

2j, Hedford Street. Stranh. w c

All R't;lils Reserved.

1901.

THE

Dangerfield Printing Co., Ltd..

Printers.

'2.3. Bedford Street, Strand.

London.

Contents.

CHAPTER

I. IiiK Ron TO Select . - - i

II. Till. Fi.v TO Use- - - - h

III. Methods of Castinc; - - - 49

I\'. Rivi:ksii)E Hints - . - 79

V. Wading ----- 109

VI. Knots - - - - - '26

VII. Modern Impkove.ments - - - 133

\\ii.\t the I'ArEKS s.w aihjut

'•Till': SALMON FLY." 162

K^3

iV!844784

Index.

A Hint lu Gill.cs

Aiiylinj,r, wliy the unenlightened succeed

Bait Can, the best

Casting- a long line, advantages of

Casts, the Overhand ...

the Underhand

the Spey

the Switch
„ the Wind Cast
Cause and Effect, the Study of
Comparison between two nielhods in tin- 0\
Dogs, the mischief of . . .
Downward Curve in tlie top of a rod
Etiquette at the riverside
Experts (so called), pretentions of
Externa] objects, effect on Uie fish
Extra standard flies described ...

PAGE

Ferrules, tlie Lockfast ... ... ... ... 134

Faults in old Spey rods ... ... ... ... 60

Flies, checkinj^r and hastening their transit ... ... 84

choice of, the best policy ... ... ... 13

„ the best policy ... ... ... 14, 3/

„ „ „ effect of natural surroundnigs ... ... 27

" Jock '■ ceases to charm... ... ... . . 15

distinct types, when to use ... ... ... 21

the gut loop of ... ... ... ... i.|5

„ example of special patterns ... ... ... 95

toning down ... ... ... ... ... 33

selection and principles to pursue... ... 34. j". 38

striking example of change of fashion ... ... 18

natural, advantage of, imitation ... ... 35, 43, 44

working a slack ... ... ... ... 95

Redpath's ... ... ... ... ... 155

Fly bo-x, aluminium ... ... ... ... ... 144

Garments ... ... ... ... ... ... 152

Governor cast, where useful ... ... ... ... 28

Gut casts, the best ... ... ... ... ... 149

„ sizes for twisting ... ... ... ... 147

Harling, method of ... ... ... ... ... 2

Hooks, the improved ... ... ... ... ... 136

How to succeed in waler ovcr-thrashcd ... ... ... 87, 88

How to manage fish hooked in the back or body loi, lOJ, 104, 105

India-rubber boots, how to dry ... ... ... 113

Improvement on heron hackles ... ... ... 155

"Kelson" rods and lines
Knotting eyed iiooks
Knotting gut

Lea[)in;4 lisli, maiiagcincnt uf ...
Lines for dilTcrcnt sized rods ...

the best dressing
Logan-stones, definition of
Mending a cast

Miss R "s practice on the Dee

Moonshine, effect of ...
New Century, first day
Observation, advantages of
Origin of " Spey " Improved Rod

„ " The Butcher "
Picture of fine [)ool and how to proceed ...
Reasons for underhand casting
Result of Author's system of angling compared with those

of other anglers
Rods, cane ...

composite, why wrong ...

old style, and why given up

manipulation of, in bright weather and where

what sort docs the angler want ...

[jri/.es wcm with the " Kelson " ...
„ length of

selection of
,, steel ribbed

126,

150
127
129

lOI

5
122

91
82
16
29

Ls;

5<J
Si

133

I. 4

135

Salmon, when they invariably rise
,, education of

" potted," and their habits

sulking, maiiagenient of
Splicing tape, perfected
Standard lines and traces
Stopping a runaway fish
" Shooting " line
Sun, effect of
System of fishing, what happens in conversation
The highest privilege of the professed exponent of
Thermometer, rise and fall
Tinsels, untarnishable
Tying up fish, new method
Two ways of Spey casting
Unknown lay-byes, liow to detect
Usk, basket

river, new patterns for ...
Varnish for fly heads
Waders, new and improved material
Wading, shoes v. boots
White wax, for silk bodies
Winches

PAGE

90
36
93

lOI

157

148

31. 32

156

154

153

156

109

139
130

Illustrations.

" Tlie Silver Scout," Mixnl Wings

" The Silver Jock," limit Wm-s

"The Dunt," Strip \Vinj,^s

" Variegated Sun Fl}," TopiJUii^ W'li

" Black Ranger," Whole Fealher Wi

The Overhand Cast ...

" Shooting" Line

The Underhand Cast

The Spry Cast

The Switch Cast

The Wind Cast (iuid Diagram 7())

Costumes adapted to Wading and 13;i

The Double Cylinder Air Pumii

Knotting Gut Casts ...

Knot for the Metal Eye

Knot fur the (jut Loop (Diagrams i

The " Kelson " Aluminium Winch

Field's Aerating Rait Can

The " Kelson " Hooks

Farlow's Aluminium Fly li(i.\ ...

Usk Basket

Fish Tied for Carrying

23
23
24
53
55
57

63, 64, 65
72, 71
75
114

127
128
129
130
131
137
145
153
154

PREFACi:.

The object of tliis hook is to present tlie writer's system of
Salmon lMshin<,r to tiiose interested iii tlie sjiort, at sucii a price as will
brinj^ it within the reach of all.

In order to secure this object it has been found necessary to
compile the book in its present form.

As tiie Press, in( ludinc; " The Encyclopa:>dia of Sport," has done
me the honour to accredit m\' former book, " The Salmon Fly," with
being the standard work on the subject, 1 should be wantinir in my
simplest duty had not care been taken to brin-,' the information in
this volume thorouglily up-to-date. Perhaps few, if any, fishermen,
have had larger opportunities than have fallen to m\' lot for stud\ing
ever\-tliiiig connected with the numerous problems that bear reference
to the art of catching the king of fish with a fly. Under these
circumstances it is not likely that 1 should have relinquished my efforts
to know all that is worth publishing and puiilish all thai is worth
knowing of the latest schemes and devices incidental to this branch of
the sport. 1 yield to an irresistible impression inspired by former
confidence reposed in me, that this work would be incomplete and not
sufficiently instructive had 1 withheld a number of improvements and
inventions, accompanied with names and addresses, which 1 ]ieisuade
myself will be most acceptable to the angling reader.

G. M. K.

BURBERRYS,

31, Haymarket, London,
and Basingstoke.

IHB "liURBhRRY" SUII.

THE "KELSON" JACKET.

c-il. Tlu> coat oiilv wiiiils to'be known to be universally
:i.lc.iilwl-"-SiKnP(l, GEO. M. KELSON. !.■) 1 01

CHAPTER

THE ROD TO SELECT.

" A good deal depends on <jood ' pla_\'.' "

"Does it! My partner with nine trumps last night tauglit me,
that ' good play ' depends on a ' good deal.' "

"Oh, bother! We are discussing salmon rods, not whist."

At this moment the Gillie, in his usual picturesque Ili^Hiland
garb, entered the room for orders. I'^)llo\ving up the suhject, wc
addressed the old Caledonian of man\- \ears' service: "Just take that
rod there, put it together and tell us what ycju think of it."

We had already given our ojiinion not a particularl}- favinu-al)Ie
one either, for judging by the huge apjicarancc of the butt and the
lean, whippy top, it might have been a replica of a rod used by one
of our bc-wigged and powdered ancestors, whn, from the exalted
position of their gilded frauies in our hall, ga/e down so gravely upon

In due course the worthy Scot returned looking more than
usually serious, and observed : " It's a' vera weel, but it fechles me
just a wee bittie. If ye'r wall be wanting to reech 'em, an' hook 'em,
an' get 'cm aboot here men, }'c'r maun ha' a deil off the hinder end
an' be pooting it fornenst."

Tliis little Highland incident is recorded to illustrate that not
only were old-fashioned rods over-burdened with wood in the wrong
place, but also that, if properly remodelled, they are more reliable
than tliose turned out at the present time. Nor is this difficult to
realise when we remember that rods are now made of wood taken
from the interior of more or less dense forests, whereas they used to
be made from trees growing on the outskirts, the trunks of which had
been exposed for years to the fine seasoning properties of air and sun.

Considered from the standpoint of economy, and this is an appro-
priate platform from which to ventilate our views on purchasing a
rod, the angler must decide for himself whether he wants a rod for
some particular mode of casting, or for salmon fishing generally. If,
for instance, he wants it solely for the Spey, he is referred to our
remarks on the Highland cast in Chapter III. ; for the Dee mediod of
casting, he goes to Garden of Aberdeen, or Blacklaws of Kincardine
O'Neil ; and if he is bent on visiting the Tay, where preference is
given to the poor business of harling, the inference must be that
he should select a rod with plenty of " play " in the butt, so that,
provided the top joint is not too slight, he is enabled to hasten
matters in bringing a fish to the gaff.

In this connection it is desirable to mention that an ordinary
Spey rod is fit for little more than Spey casting. Also, that in harling
the line is not cast but iiaid niil frnm a boat rowed b^' two men ; the

nnl IS m.l even lichl, l>ul ivsts in a -n. uvr al llic sU-ni, wlnlc tin'
angler simply sits and walchos and wishrs and waits foi' a fish to slmzc
the fly crossing the river as it works to and fro up stream. l''or this
so-called engaging business, perhaps no rod equals a Casllecoiuicll,
which is sjiccially constructed to hold fisli from those awkward rocks
that abound in the Shannon waters.

But for high-class fishing the rod really must be built on different
lines. Sometimes, for instance, we arc called upon to adopt the
Overhand cast, sometimes the Wind or the Spey ; at other limes the
Switch, and so on. Of the superiority of the rod fit for this work,
there can be no doubt ; for not only can the practised hand command
with ease all known Catches, but intervening spots, whicii he sees at
a glance may hold a fish, are never left " maiden," provided there is
room to work the rod.

Ill further reference to this style ol rod, some years ago, at one of
the angling tournaments, the present writer happened to win the
first prize for the longest cast in six different competitions ; but what
is the more important to purchasers, he succeeded in carr\-ing off the
Cup offered by Mr. Nicholay " for the best cast of over forty yards
made with the wind and then against it."

The "Kelson Rod" — for it is known only by that name— has
been beautifully made in greenheart, by Farlow, for over tliirt)' \ears.
Go where one may, one constantly sees it in use, and hears it
applauded to the echo. Hardy, as usual, m.-i.kcs the pattern in built
cane and delights numerous customers.

An episode relating to my tackle in its complete form, though
woven with extravagant fancies, is perhaps worthy of note.

A " t\pical creamy English girl," engaged on a difficult fisher.v

belonging to a grand old sportsman named Gould, modestly requested
to try the tackle, and the chief point is, that with it this lady quickly
achieved a brilliant success. But if the whole truth is to be told,
when fish after fish had been placed in a hut prettily situated, the
following doggerel concerning the proprietor, scrawled inside, met
the eye :

" So you see, my dear Sir, ihoiigh eiglity years old,
A girl of nineteen falls in love witli old Gould."
While some passing sceptic aired his views in this way :
" A girl of nineteen may love Gould, it is true,
But believe me, dear Sir, it is Gold without U."

Permission is given to add, that the fair devotee of our art is,
perhaps, the only feminine expert living who can demonstrate nearly
all the methods of casting a salmon fly.

Now, why is it we never come across our old-time acquaintance,
the " trouty " salmon rod ? It is for two very simple reasons. The
first, because it will not carry the line we should now use ; the second,
because distant fish cannot be covered unless the comparatively light
line suited to it is taken out by the wind in the right direction.

These rods were generally made of hickory, most of them
measured 20-ft. in length — some even more. But latter-day
experience decides that a 1 7-//. properly balanced rod of greenheart,
or cane if not deprived of its action by the addition of any foreign
substance, is sufficient for all practical purposes.

The marked and gladdening reduction made of late in the length
is entirely due to vast improvements in lines and dressings.

It might here be mentioned that notwithstanding the advantages
of cane over greenheart, wherein the economy of physical energy

[H-cdomiiuilcs in ovcrliand casting, purchasers ')f a grccnhcart can use-
it at once, whereas a cane rod ought to remain sc\oral iiKiullis in a
nice even temperature before a single cast is made with it. 15\- this
treatment the cenienled jouits gel hard and ht for e\cr>' sort of
emergency. Without it the particular slraui of some individual cast
causes weakness, making itself visiljle by a contortion of the upper
joint.

A No. 3 line is best suited to either rod. Hut in sunnner, or at
any lime wiien the water runs low, it is advisalile to u-e lighter tackle
altogether. A lO-ft. Hid and a No. 4 line, or in fiur weather even a
No. 5, is sufficient for almost every case, the exception being at limes
when the fish run large, and snow water, which is \er)' heavy and
often prohibitive of deep wading, continues to flow.

In choosing a rod there is one point which seems to be of very
considerable importance. Shall we select a composite rod— that is,
one constructed of different materia,ls ; or a homogeneous rod— tiiat
is, one constructed of the same material thruughout?

Upon this point my opinion is distinctly in favour of the latter.
The first reason to be assigned for this preference, is one beyond
which rishcrinen in general will not seek to go : vi/,., that as a matter
of constant experiment under various conditions of weather, the
composite rod has never been found to answer anything like as well
as the other. In casting a short line overhead, the .average angler
finds but little difference between the two styles ; but when it cmius
to covering distant fish, so certainly does the rod begin to labour and
become inanimate, that any doubt lurking in the mind of the older
hand is instantly dispelled.

To examine the matter from a theoretical point of view, let us

consider the arguments for and against the composite rod.

One form of it is constructed of two different kinds of wood.
For instance, a rod made partly of ash and partly of lance is still used
on the Spey. Surely it may be taken as an axiom that no two kinds
of wood are similar in grain, or would behave in the same way as far
as pliability or weather-resisting qualities are concerned. The closer
the grain, the less chance of injury from wet weather. Ash is an
open grained wood ; lance, on the contrary, is close grained. The rod
that approaches perfection for general fishing is such a delicately
balanced whole, and does its work so evenly and regularly, that to
have one part working with a spring initially different, or liable to
sudden changes differing from those which take place in other parts,
cannot be advantageous.

As to this class of Spey rod it appears that, even for Spey
casting, any possible advantage gained by the top of lance wood is
utterly lost in the thrash-down, because of the inflexibility of the ash
butt, which too slowly responds to the action of the more lively lance.
The fact is that unless the wave of force set up by the quicker action
of the top joint is maintained down to the winch fittings, the line in
ordinary hands refuses to go beyond a limited distance.

Another, and curiously enough, a fashionable form of composite
rod, is that composed of cane with a steel centre. Now, the steel
centre is hardly thicker than a good-sized pin, and in one style of cane
rod continues all the way down the three separate joints. When one
tried to realise the purpose of this steel core at the dinner table the
other day, he said it called to mind the irate father shouting in Les
Fourberies de Scapin, " Que diable allait-il faire dans cette galere."

" Oh ! Oh ! " (exclaimed another).

" Well, if \uu object, siiyhLly paraphrase it and say, ' Wlial the
devil il's doiny here ' — Goodness only knows."

Al all events, it cannot be doing the impossible.

In a gymnasium one can easily understand the bar (cni whu h the
gymnast circles) being furnished, as it often is, with a steel core,
possibly one third of an inch in diameter, but there is no comjiarison
in this. The bar has to stand infinitely rougher work ; it has to
sustain great weight and very severe strain, and hardly bends either
\va\- more than an inch or so out of its normal position. Strength,
then, is the object sought for and undoubtedly attained by this mode
of arrangement.

But is this the end sought for in a rod? I low can its supporters
maintain such a contention ? They assert that the flexibility or
li\ eliness, as well as the strength of the rod, is thereb}' increased. We
should like to ask them to explain in what way the bending of the
outer case is affected by the infinitely greater flexibility of the inner
core. In casting, of course, the strain affects the bend of the cane ;
but the strain is primarily u]ion the outer surface, and subsecjuently
upon the inner particles only so far as they are part and parcel of the
whole. By no manner of means can a man make the steel cen I red
rod benil sufficiently for the wire to lend the least possible aid.

The core in the gymnastic bar resists the bend, but increases the
spring, and this is eminently satisfactory for the purpose to which the
bar is put.

But how can one imagine thai tin's thin piece of wire, six feet in
length, can assist in the action of the cane? Supposing it were fixed
at each end of a joint, the action of the cane would be considerably
curtailed ; and if not fixed, it would have free play inside the cane, in

TIPS.

which case all comment would be superfluous, nay ridiculous.

Whether the injurious influence of the steel core in a small rod
can be detected while making a moderate cast, is a question upon
which expert opinion is uncertain. The subject is, however, of such
far-readiing importance, that all those who want to realise the
mischievous effect of a steel centre should consider this : Bend a cane
rod and it will fly back, while a length of this wire would unquestion-
ably fall the other way. Should not this fact of itself go far to help
all who are in doubt? In short, no better proof of the deadening
qualities of this core could be given than the fact that a much longer
line can be cast with the full-sized rods in the absence of it.

No body of responsible manufacturers, whose services are of any
value, will be likely to contest these statements. And yet in spite of
their discriminating judgment, they are compelled to supply customers
upon demand with this undesirable and messy mixture.

With reference to the remark on making a long cast, whatever
arguments may be held for and against the practice, there is but one
solution. A man who can cast forty yards can fish thirty-six.
Therefore, another getting out only thirty yards loses ten yards of
water — and his sovereign, if he backs himself to kill as many salmon
as his companion.

No, there are places, many places, where a long line is most
essential ; and no greater mistake is made than to fancy that the fly
under control thirty-five yards away misses more fish than the one
roving within twenty yards of the rod. What we have a low opinion
of is the practice of using more line than is really required. The
angler should not attempt to use a longer line or a longer rod than
he can master, since it is prejudicial to the interests of others as well

as to his own.

Tliere is ii certain section of anglers who openly contend tli.it,
not only is one rod as good as another, but that one man is no belter
than another in using it. Were this so, nothing but the element of
luck lies at the root of tiial superior success frequently manifested at
times when tiie fish arc in a sulky mood and rest in a lifeless manner.
How thoroughly mistaken are these innocent people ! How
absolutely useless the keen competition for supremacy in the trade to
turn out the sort of rod wanted for this or that cast, in order that e\ery
Catch under the sun may not be passed over by us !

However, it is to be hoped that the few hints thrown out may be
of service to intending purchasers, who for their own sake should bear
in mind, that all the known methods of propelling the line can be
accomplished with the so-called " Kelson " rod, which, though
sufFicicntl}' powerful to catch the heaviest salmon, is not unduly hard
upon the tender mouth of a grilse.

BURBERRYS,

31, HaymarKet, London,
and Basingstoke.

WEATHERPROOFS FOR SPORTSMEN.

THE BURBERRY CAPE

Is fitted with a iloublc front, providiiii;
warmth when the wings aie thrown back to
allow freedom of arm for fishing. The wings
can be formed (by buttoning at the wrist)
into sleeves.

THE BURBERRY SUIT.

See pn<i

///:'.; 1\ it turns ra
the ventilation

PROG
in a marvellous
natural.

WARM i.ilhoHt WEIGH l\ and in
textures suitable lur .dl leiiipcralures.

CHAPTER II

THE FLY TO USE.

It is an impressive ajjliorism that, " to err is human " ; but while
the (\y iiroMem, that onre seemed inscrutable, is being satisfactorily
sdlveil by the li-ht lif modem experience, should we accept these
words of warning with lamb-like serenit}' and indifference, or
endeavour to mininuse by constant effort the necessary amount of
human error? .... Another proposition to be laid down is
suggested b)- a letter from a source which generall}' ]irovides an object
lesson to beginners. In descanting upon the general practice of
fishing, an accomplished writer asks: "Are there not main' upon
whom the belief has been forced, that if one thing more than amtlicr
is responsible for the constant errors we commit of our own free will
and accord, it is tlic ensnaring meshes of trathtmn '■'"

If called in to e\])ress an opinion, the fisherman who writes
these pages would not hesitate to .mnounce, (hat tradition is a

TIPS.

veritable prodigy of vital force well nigh impossible to evade : that it
is the power of powers, and has irresistible charms for us : that we all
bow down to it ; and what is much more significant to tlie purpose,
that we are all made fools by it.

It will be seen directly how far this view can be supported.
Ingenious explanations have been advanced. Somebody suggests
that fishermen are conservative by nature, but is this solution very
satisfactory? In certain instances, perhaps, we are notoriously
indisposed to raise our art above subservience to ancestral custom.
If, for example, we take the haphazard policy of picking the first fly
that comes— a policy that has been pursued by too many from
generation to generation — we encounter one of the most formidable
obstacles that lie in wait for all. This wretched practice, without a
vestige of doubt, has formed a fearful barrier to all progress, and
made it impossible for one to attempt much more than can be
achieved by a novice with the crudest ideas.

In recent conversation with friends and acquaintances touching
on the question of flies, an old " Rod " — than whom one could scarcely
ask for a better authority — having previously scanned a few notes set
aside for this chapter, quaintly described salmon fishermen as " a
patient and over-credulous race, singularly disposed to fall into such
errors as tradition entails upon its votaries."

" Let us have a clear understanding about that," exclaimed a
listener ; " give us one or two examples, will you ? "

" Witli pleasure, for the statement can easily be verified. A man
succeeds in catching salmon, not in pursuit of some scientific method,
but because he happens to liglit by accident upon the sort of fly that
suits tlie conditions which prevail at the time he uses it. ..."

" Is lliat so?"

" \>s. Next day a score of men rush at the pattern wliich lie
favoured, regardless of the fact that conditions are altogether changed.
.... Again, a man takes one fly in preference to another, solely on
account of its superiority in point of beauty. The fly attracts tlie
notice of, and becomes a ' ]iet ' with, a large class of men who laud
it til the skies and speak of it with deliricuH delight. The result is,
that the unintelligent student regards the little pet, decorated in her
Sunday licst, as a kind of fetish which he may bring out at all times

when other flies fail What do you think now nf the tyranny

of tradition ? "

"We are much indebted to you, but can you think of a worse.

" I anticipate your question. The worst policy to pursue, at
least 1 think so, is that which — on the analogy of Wordsworth's
undiscerning clown, to whom ' a ]5rimrose on the river's brim a yellow-
primrose was to him anrl nothing more ' — lightly assumes that a ll\-
is a fly, and that one ])attrrn is as gor d as an;ither on all occasions
.... Are \ou aware that the majority of angling students pretend
to know all there is to know of tlie busiiu-s in a week ^ We iiave
evidence of this every day, if only by their unsolicited attentions.
With an air of the most rasping pedantry they will criticise the fly —
but stop, we must not dwell on the dismal side of the picture suffice
it to s.iy that, after getting a fish or two, the youth of this country
list(-ns with eagerness to all he's told at the riverside, and then-
though the fact is hardly worth the <lignity of argument thinks
himself f|ualified to lay down the law in some inferior company a>
well as in the Press."

" But where should we be without tlie Press ? "

" In a worse phght still The ' Field ' published a capital

article a few weeks ago. The contributor remarked that ' in districts
thrashed continuously by a large number of rods, the fish got
absolutely sick of the same old flies played over them from morning

till night ' Tiie pattern of fly to attract salmon when tliey

have settled down in the recognised Catches, especially when the
oiiiniinit gatlicruiit are taking tJuir turn at them, must be one with

some original freshness in it For you to say, ' the fish take

kindly to the old designs on reaching the upper waters ' is all very
well and very true. But if we direct our attention to the facts
presented to us, we shall first see that the flies used at the top of
rivers are only half the size, and mind you, size is a very important
factor. Then again, are not the fish invigorated by the rise and
freshness of the water which encouraged them to go ahead } "

These recollections must suffer from unavoidable abbreviations.
However, just at that moment, while excitement seemed growing to
a high pitch, we were pleasantly interrupted by the ladies, of whom
one specially interested in the conversation made her presence felt.

After awhile the old " Rod," possessing a well -stored memory,
cited a remark made no less than two thousand years ago. " A great
orator (said he, cheeringly) declares that ' time obliterates the fictions
of opinions and confirms the decisions of nature,' and yet (looking
round with a smile) the sentiment of John Keats, in his immortal line,
' a thing of beauty is a joy for ever ' is, when applied to the choice of
a fly for its beauty alone, about to be repudiated by a large section of
the angling fraternity. Change, not permanence, is what we require."

" The only change I want (it was the lady now speaking), is a

Tbe . . ,
SaliDOQ

Fly;' . .

How to Dress it

and

How to Use it.

GEO. n. K^LSon.

(See Press Opinions, p. 162).

To be irad at . . .

Fahlow's, 191, Strand, and direct from the
Author, 25, Victoria Street, Westminster.

OMLY A FEW COPICS LCFT.

change of instruction. I want a gillie with a better power of
imparting knowledge than n>ine, one who can make me do the Spey
cast. (The old ' Rod ' began to eat his moustaclie). It's so horrid to

try, tr}-, tr)-, in iiresence of a lot of "

"Ten thousand pardons (interposed the old gentleman), but it
would be so sweet of you to let us thresh out the present subject
first. Do you mind ? I'm sorry you dropped in so late, or you might

have got a wrinkle or two ; I 1 mean a hint or two on using flies

dressed absolutely up to date."

"What! I give up dear old 'Jf)ck'? Oh! Inconceivable!
Think of the sacrifice. Remember it has taken eleven fish out of mv
fifteen ; and didn't you say that ' Jock's ' particular combination of
colours made clear the fact that originality of design and independ-
ence of thought were the inventor's end in view ? Rut still, I won't
interrupt you for all the world. Pray continue. Tra, la, la ; it sha'n't
occur again."

(Fifteen fish, it might have been fifty, or even more.)
" That's all very nice, but since then we ha\e made wonderful
discoveries. We have discovered, for instance, that the methods of
the fly-fisher are no longer irrational, and amongst other things, that
the life of a fashionable fly is now of limited duration. Fashions
change in e\cr\- walk of life, and those of our kindred who refuse to
make an effort to keep pace with the changes, are sure to taste the
full bitterness of defeat. Delays are dangerous. And why should
you, of all others, associate yourself with men who are sure to find
it too late to-morrow I'erau'-c the)- regard to-day as loo soon ! "
" Tell me why ' Jock Scott ' has ceased to charm the fish ? "
"Because it has exhausted their 'patience' by constantly

being brought into operation. Like yourself, people tinctured with
enthusiasm won't use anything else. Thousands sustain the frenzy
of such enthusiasm — a frenzy that animated their fathers and mothers
^but that only shows the influence exerted by all who acknowledge
the authority of tradition "

" Then I pity the man who vows that ' enthusiasm ' is the genius
of sincerity, and truth accomplishes no victories without it.' You are,
nevertheless, a capital teacher, interesting because always interested.
.... I wish you would tell me where the change you speak of is
most needed .'' "

" Where ? Everywhere, especially on hard fished waters

Take the case of Miss R , consider that. I knew her ; took her

out ; taught her fishing. Last year, you remember, in May and June,
she fished the Dee. Do you think for a moment that ' Lizzies ' and
' Logics ' occupied an atom of space in her book— pooh ! rather not ;
they are absolutely out of it now ; she took a set of modern summer
patterns, and caught twenty-seven fish. In my opinion that is twenty
more than would have fallen to her lot without instructions. ' What
was the most successful fly?' Well, you had better put the name
down. It was the ' Silk Bodied Benchill,' a first-class pattern, and
killed sixteen all told "

" Oh, that satisfies me ; I've made a note of it, and "

" Stop a minute, stop a minute ; the summer this year may be
very different. Still, if the conditions of water, weather, and stock
of salmon are at all sinnlnr, there would be a very slight difference in
the numlier caught."

" Well, I've tried the Dee ; how about the ' Blue Charm ' up there,
eh ? "

" The ' Blue Charm " is by far llie best of the old lot in siiinnicr,
but isn't in it with the best of the new, I mean of that particular type.
In fact, it's gone home to roost this three or f(nir years, and i)assed
into the limbo of worn out Hies only to be forked out by the
unenlightened."

" Tell us the names of the others? "

y\nd then, while a single individual hailing from the Usk wanted
a " tip " for his river, which he got later on, the veteran continued :

" The other three that complete tlie set, are known as ' Louise,'
the ' Silver Gre\-,' and ' Little Inky-boy.' I will tell you when they
all come into fa\-our. Although we are talking of the months of
May and June, none of these flies— all varying in size from one inch
(dress) down to half an-inch — see da\-hglit till the waters fall to
summer height. In sunny weather, when we hrst want them, the
largest silver-bodied specimen is 'real jam' from ten in the morning
till three in the afternoon ; but mind you, it is very useful late in the
evenings of intense heat in June. ' Louise ' is reserved for cloudy
davs ; the ' Little Inky-bov ' for daily use in the lowest water — when,
1))- the bye, plenty of fme gut is absolutely necessary."

" Are these flies good for the Usk? "

"When small ones come in, certainh'. I'ut to my mind the
' Penpergwm Pet,' considerably reduced in body ;uid wing, is a better
fly there for general use."

" ' G^^neral use,' what's really meant by that? "

" It is an expression adopted in making reference to flies which
we know (urn out well on those dav's of quiet prosperity — da\'s when
the lion lies down with the lamb, and even the 'unco' guid ' are as
luck)- as most other people. Those interesting 'goody-goodies'

always take for gospel the fairy fishing tales flying about in the daily
round of life, and seem to derive quite enough pleasure from a tug
just now, and a solitary fish just then. Mind, they have no relations
to blush for them, and so far as appearances are concerned have not
the slightest intention of departing from the old beaten track."

" Well, people can't be happy unless they are good."

" That may be, but good people miss all the fun. The fun
commences when their reverses begin, when the red-letter days are
over. It IS then a veritable transformation scene for all those who
act in the ' stage play ' at the riverside — a scene effecting a change
from old-fashioned flies to clever ' variations ' and then to our latest
special patterns. However, soon after the ' Penpergwm Pet ' came
upon the scene at Usk, it accounted for no fewer than eleven salmon
in one day, all taken in the vicinity of Penpergwm bridge. But note
this, the body composed then of close coils of seals' fur carried as
much wing material as a man could safely put on. So there you are ;
you see how fashion changes ! We really must go with the times,
and not with the spirit of the age. And the sooner the folly of our
loyalty and devotion to tradition is conclusively demonstrated, and
a system to reap the full fruits of victory is introduced into use, the
sooner will salmon fishing attain to a higher level, and the greater
hold it will exercise over one and all alike."

" Ladies included ? "

" Yes, certainly ; even including the prawn and minnow
denomination whom we politely call Fishermen, because that's not
their name."

" Oh, fancy the mistakes we all make ! "

" Well, it is not so very surprising after all, for you know ' error

is an abyss of passion into which each successive generation phinges,
without the shghtest regard to the fatal effects which such conduct
has produced upon their predecessors.' You should take courage,
for the old saw, like every other rule, has its limitations."

" Well, I suppose I must think more about altering "

" 1 have gi\cn )ou my advice about altering your tactics. If
you reflect a little, jou must realise that the mighty pendulum of
change swings with impassive and impersonal regularity, apart from
all controversies, from all imaginings — swings subject to the cosmic
laws of gravitation, by which, at all events, the thoughts of scientific
fishermen of to-day are carried on to ends and purposes of which our
grandfathers did not dream."

" The idea is enough to "

" The idea may be a little difficult for us to grasp at first,
especially as we live in the midst of its evolution, part and parcel
ourselves of the changing order. Take my word for it, Science is
searching out the weak points and can override all opposition. She
can wholly sweep away all barriers, and bring down to her own

universal line of equalisation the most stubborn impediments

But my tune is now up, though 1 have yet something to say which
you may all like to hear. \'uu may congratulate yourselves upon the
following facts, namely, that certain methods established from age
to age, on no evidence whatever, have already seen their day ; that
the pretensions of our so-called experts, who know nothing of the
conditions which control our destinies, and have made tradition one
of life's little worries, are gradually exploding; that the happy-go-
lucky period of freedom in the chuck-and-chance-it school has passed
and gone for ever, for the master key to the fly problem has been

discovered at last " As he left the room he observed : " Here

is something else that precludes all argument. The gentle influence
of time has proved that the knowledge of what fly to use is no longer
the distant goal of a vague idea, but an actual, achieved reality,
brought home by that force which comes, not from the mist of
sentiment, but from downright reason and understanding. There!
The system will be explained presently, and this is what will happen :
At first you'll regard it with unconcern, presently with allowance, then
with approval, at last with participation. Goodbye." And the door
closed.

The subject then turned upon a side issue respecting the
determination of some to dispute all systematic methods of fishing,
and culminated in a sliarp attack upon current literature. " Of all
national sports (continued the speaker), salmon fishing is the least fit
to be judged by an outsider. Only last Saturday a newspaper
contained a pointed criticism of one of the revelations m " The
Salmon Fly,"* and "

"Oh! that is unimportant; go on please," remarked the author.

" Well, it stands to reason that newer ideas have gained hold
upon those who have studied fishing as closely as our friend over
there. According to the critic's own remarks, even the average
angler will not grasp certain points of detail, the proper appreciation
of which throws an entirely different light on the art, and raises it
to a much higher level. The fact is that our angling literature is so
full of inaccurate observations, hasty generalisations, and crude
hypotheses, as to entail a great waste of time on the student of
authentic books of reference."

* N.B. See " Side Issues " (page 39).

But let us turn, or r;illier return to more " Tips."

Sour- time n'^o tiie comijilcr of tlicsc pages wrote for a
publication that ceased to exist at very sliort notice, a review of our
flics from those far-off days of boyhood when one Joiin Jewhurst, of
Tunbridge, created a sensation by the intmduclion of a (ly destined
to be re christened " Tiie I3utcher." So superior in outhnc, in
constituent materials, in st)-le and character was this happy creation,
that thenceforward his built wings made a regular commotion in the
angling world, besides a reputation for themselves which can never
die out. The fly was soon admired by all, including most of the
trade. We saw it in all windows, dressed in all sizes. Customers
had it universally recommended, and what is more, the discovery was
the means of bringing in other men, who, in due course, thought out
and devised a number of fresh patterns, which to this day occujjy a
prominent place in the list of Standards. Wright, of Sprouston,
" Jock " Scott, also of Tweed notoriety — a celebrated gillie whose
name will endure for ever by reason of that paragon of his, called
after him— Bernard of London, and, besides the author of " The
Salmon Fly " himself, one or two others ma>' all la>' claim to the credit
of designing specimens, which in themselves are more or less
remarkable for superior excellence and freshness of conception.

These observations bring to mind the assignment of the different
t)-pcs of flies to waters for which they are suited ; and as the subject
was not renewed after the old " Rod " had retired from the meeting,
this part of the work of classification is here introtluced.

Of the distinct types, five presented themselves for localisation.

Mixed Wings, of single fibres — example " Silver Scout.

Note : These vvmgs are often substituted for those of any fly.

Built Wings, of married strips — " The Silver Jock.

3- Strip Wings, of two single strips — " Ilic Dunt'

4. Topping Wings, of golden plieasant toi)pings— " Variegated
Sun Fly."

5- Whole Feather Wings, of feathers, not pieces of tliem-
Black Ranger."

" Dr. Donaldson," amongst other patterns, whose under wings
are hkewise composed of the feathers of macaw, and even tiie
" Butcher," when the water is not too rough, are gencraUy inckidcd in
the Ranger set.

Mixed wings (No. i) — the most mobile of the set — were booked
for cahii, unruffled catches, and so on in comparative rotation up to
whole feather wings (No. 5), wliich, being constructed to battle with
waters dashing along in violent commotion, were naturally assigned
to falls and rajjids.

It may be necessary to note that nothing has occurred to lessen
in the slightest degree the favourable impressions created by this
manner of arrangement. But let us proceed with the still more
interesting question of choice.

To a very simple circumstance, that must have been noticed
thousands of times, we owe the discovery of our system generally of
deciding the sort of fly lo use when fishing is practicable.

As all know, the bright sun brings out the brightest butterfly,
and from this constant act of Nature the system has partly been
evolved.

As a matter of course, observation is the basis of all scientific
knowledge. From what other agency could inspiration be drawn ?
Observation seems to be the keynote of every solution in every field
of enquiry ; and in fishing, to disregard such things as, for instance,
the effect of light and shade, leads to reverses the most unexpected.
Hardly any of us form the slightest idea of Uie extent to which the
faculty of observation can be utilised. Take, as an example, a brief
illustration of this.

The writer was oul mi a river in Aberdeenshire, and had hardly
put up his rod when a gillie, from the fishery below, handed in a letter
to the following effect :

" We have a match on to-day — you to coach a friend of mine.
Will \(iu come ?"

He was referred to one of the places where he received the
rudinients of his early education! Ife knew the pools of old, and the
various methods of attack were all equally familiar. However, it
soon became clear that his companion felt himself quite unable to
grapple with the problem before him, since he had not heard of
mounting a bright fly when the sun shines, or of one, after the living
insect itself, which, from time to time, is deemed expedient. But
later in the day, when it came to the corresponding principle of using
a dull, sombre pattern, because the sky had become cloudy, he

submitted in tame silence, and sank into an imiplicit confidence.

We were now making for the Catches which had been previously
allotted, our " opponents " having moved in another direction.

Keen to a degree, the young fisherman, who had been at it long
enough to catch the usual spirit of enthusiasm, seemed bent on trying
one particular spot, and hurrying along, enquired about the fly to put
on first.

The reply was, " first let me understand the exact spot you mean,
for should it be at the hut in front of us, your only chance of success
would be by shooting a net."

To paraphrase the proverb about true words spoken in jest, the
idea of shooting a net, though spoken lightly, proved later on to be
true.

" No, we must go round the turn. The sun shines straight down
the water here and that's fatal. Higher up the river you will find it
shining across the water, in which case it won't do the least Harm."

Taking a short cut through the wood close by, a peep at the
pool from the glade on the hill was obtained, and a spacious wet patch
of gravel beside the bottom part of it came into view. This led to
very close investigation on arrival. The grass-blades were freshly
trodden down, the sharp edges of the footprints still well defined.
And there, true enough, in amongst the stones at the water's edge,
lay numerous scales of salmon, which to all appearance had recently
been dragged ashore by the net of the poacher.

" Disappointment No. 2 ; one might just as well cast on the
grass as try there. The only chance, for at least an hour, will be at
the bend."

Thus we have only one instance of the numerous advantages

easily ohtaincti from ])crsis1cnt oliscrvalion. The unmistakahk- truth
is this : All objects whirh can he seen by the eye should be carcfullv-
considered and their meaning reisoned out.

However, though the following description of the waters at the
bend is slightly and ]3urposely misrepresented, it affords a. capital
opportunity of giving one or two striking examples of the enlightened
method of selecting flies.

Here we are, then, say in the month of February, beside a deep
stretch of water one thousand yards in length, all of which holds fish
on the far side, though thirty yards away from our wading track.
Except at the tail end, which is fully exposed, the water is sheltered
from the sun's rays by a steep bank studded with high Scotch firs
almost from the edge of the river. The one peculiarity, which affords
an element of fresh interest, occurs at a place haJf way down the
reach. The little attractive ruffles there, plainly visible in the
distance, are caused by a certain number of peaks which derive their
origin from a mass of rock embedded in the bowels of the earth. But
we will proceed from the beginning and deal with these deceptive
little curls in their turn.

What we have first to decide is the size of our fly.

In considering this, it should be borne in mind that the river Dec,
on which the picture is drawn, carries the largest of all Spring flies
up to the middle of March, and even up to the end of the month if
the water is high and the weather unusually cold.

(As the fact has been discredited in print, it may not be out of
place here to mention that the writer had the best sport at C'arlogie
when casting a fly exactly six inches from the bend of the liook to
the head. It ma\' also be said that the most minute flies are wajited

28 TIPS.

there in summer, and tliat no part of the river is more enjoyable,
though it calls for far more intelligence and skill from practice than
all the other districts have occasion for.)

However, the fish, be it remembered, are sheltered from the rays
of the sun, which nevertheless brightens up the situation. This being
the case, instead of the fly being full size, it should measure no more
than four inches in length. Next must be decided the sort, the
colour, and the character of the fly.

A black and yellow body toned down with long, dark hackles,
is the best combination for shady places in the North. Consequently
our " pupil " was given the fly almost universally known as the
" Akroyd." Unfortunately he had never tried anything so large.
Cast it, he could not. But still no blame attaches to him for failing
to achieve the impossible.

Now, in such a dilemma, what is the only alternative? The
answer is, to fall back upon the Governor Cast, if practicable, by
which means a fly of any size can be propelled a distance of fifty
yards and more in ten minutes' practice.

It is not necessary to dilate upon this method ; suffice it to sa\',
that the cast is made by hooking the fly on to an elastic band fixed
to a staple at the top of a five foot prop, which is to be inserted into
the ground at the rear of the fisherman. (The apparatus can be had
at Farlow's.) Having thus looped his fly into position — the hook
does not penetrate the elastic itself — the angler walks towards the
spot he wishes to cast from, lets out line as he goes, and then has
only to make the ordinary thrash-down in the direction required.

Visible to the eye of observation, these ancient peaks, spoken of,
stand fast, like sentinels, guarding their own self-made lay-byes.

Apparently rising from the tranquil regions below, they <irc made
semi-colinnnar, to adopt a botanical expression, by the action (jf the
torrent, which in course of time will reduce and spoil tliem for
sheltering the weary travellers that now seek their protection. Like
ghosts, these so-called " hedgehogs " must be spoken to a little before
the_\- will c\])Iain themselves ; for it is just here that the we.ikness
of the convcnliun-ridden is manifest, and the art of the scientist
supreme.

In whatever else we differ, we are all united in this : llial close
behind these peaks will salmon lie. The inference is plain.

We have to depart from the ordinary princi]ile of presentation :
we have to put our fly, not four or five yards in front of, but actually
over the spot which holds the fish, or it will not be seen at all. In
ordinary catches, salmon invariably refuse a fly thus presented.
What on earth, then, would produce an effect, and satisfy their tasle
in the twinkling of an e}e at such complicated places as these! An
ordinal-}' fly of any size, of any colour or combination of colours, an
uncommon method of ]3la_\-ing it over them, in fact, dodges and
schemes of all sorts had but the one effect, \i/., that produced b\- the
aiijiearance of the full moon in the sk)-. The fish iiuariabl)- "go
down " when the moon is up.

In the original belief that there remained an opening at these
catches for not unreasf)nable hope, it was iiislinc!i\e!)' found on actual
inspection that the ke\' to the m\stcry la\- hidden in the pursuit of
some special feature in fly work as yet untried. This finding proved
to be correct, for in due course a one-inch variel}- of " Iconise '" came
boastingly to the rescue.

" Louise " herself belongs to the tribe " Impennates," i.e., small

patterns with short wings. For these occasions, however, we made
her ship-shape, but — and here is the point — with " sides " and
"cheeks" of jungle and chatterer, extremely showy, and altogether
out of proportion larger than little flies carry, in fact, the largest to be
had.

The success attained with this unique object, though not very
regular, bore eloquent testimony to the propriety of our neat
discrimination. Once on the riglit track, imagination led to further
practice. We knew what the fish wanted, and what they disliked.
One did not walk therefore like a dazed man in a twilight of nebulous
resolves, but continually practised in sombre patience. At last it was
discovered that " Elsie " produced the effect desired, and knocked
" Louise " into smithereens.

With this championess — the fact had better be mentioned — the
greatest success resulted in 1886, at one particular spot half a mile or
so above the bridge at Crieff. " Elsie " has maintained her reputation
on the Earn and elsewhere on subsequent occasions, and came off
with flying colours at the ruffles, for she won the viateh for my
protege.

Let us reflect for a few moments on these accomplishments
generally. Is our method clear? What does it all mean? It means
simply this : Instead of going to a river and putting on the fly that
first comes to hand, the study given to Cause and Effect enables us
to progress by a system that works wonders, because it is founded
on a perfectly natural, and therefore impregnable, basis. It is very
simple. All other methods pale into insignificance. What 've do is
to concentrate attention at the riverside, and deduce inferences from
matters of fact. There is nothing very violent in tlie practice ; it is

TIPS. 3'

quite consistent ; all forms of philosophy must begin from some
standpoint. And when we began to increase our l.ikes by repeated
additions — when, in other words, we noticed the regularity of
successes brought about by adapting certain flies to meet certain
cases, dependent, say, upon the variations of light, shade, temperature,
and what not^-we said good-bye to the "tri])pcr" element haunting
subscription waters, and left all (.thers hopelessly behind in the
angling records of the year.

One move led to another. \\'e tackled those contingencies, for
instance, that formerly induced every one of us to strike work right
away. Picture the universal custom tliat prevailed. Fancy a whole
army of the best of sportsmen in the very thick of excitement, reeling
up and beating an ignominious retreat, simply on the supposition that
some effect of the sun upon the fish compelled them to do so! Well,
that happened. Now what was the result '

When the truth dawned upon my feeble understanding that " the
lord of light," unless shining full in the fare of Hie fish, did not reall\-
impede our daily march along tlie river's side, the change over the
situation came with the iinst astounding surprise. Things are now
totally different. No longer are we driven from the waters in
despair ; no longer are we disturbed or discr,uraged ; no longer is
Strength made the temporar\- slave of Weakness by the pardonable
inability to interpret and deal with the sun's particular influence.
Quite the contrary. For whether fiercely blazing or sleeping in
undisturbed repose, the " monarch of the climes " alone is the ver\-
centre and sou! of our system — a system which holds equally good
even when he casts his last smile o'er hill and dale, and hastens " to
seek the couch of timid twflight."

The desire to deal fortliwith with these two different situations
is imperative, and therefore it had better be gratified.

Tiie writer can never forget the set expression of a friend when
gazing at a number of trays, replete with furs and feathers, and
speculating wildly on the proposed variation of flywork, in order to
meet the possible changes of the great luminary of the day. Times
out of number, prior to this occasion, he had stood and watched the
surroundings with strained eyes to get them to divulge their secret,
and he worked just as often for the purpose of discovering the fly of
incidental need.

It was, however, from the Spey, that were brought away the most
agreeable memories of victory. The pattern ultimately devised and
christened then and there " The Variegated Sun Fly," simply
enraptured his friend by his own immediate experience with it. His
success, followed by still further fortune at a second pool, brought the
conviction that a new era had unmistakably been opened up.
Personally, the writer has seen enough, and done enough — eleven
fish taken with this fly at the stream opposite Aberlour on the Spey
in four consecutive July days — to destroy effectively and permanently
the last shred of contention tliat, to fish successfully under the
brightest suns of Midsummer is a fallacy.

With regard to size and method of presentation, a very brief
explanation will suffice.

The Sun Fly is always made comparatively small, a No. !'<
hook is the largest ever required. In streams, deep and rough — the
best of all places for it — the wing carries as many as half a dozen
golden toppings. T'.ie quicker the fly is played- -that is, conformably
to reason — the better one's chance of success ; but in most of these

TIPS. 33

Catches it is necessnn- to mend the east, in the absence of which
manitnivre tiie hsh are more inrhned to follow the fly than to jump at
it.

Four toppings over a " dress " of not more than six-eighths of
an inch seem to do most damage in average places. But in low
water — oven then the fl)- is played quickly across it — the smallest
hooks are used.

To approach the second situation, namely, when the sun's
magnetic beam is seen no more, it would seem almost superfluous,
after what has already been said of our system, to urge the necessity
of mounting quiet looking patterns — that is to say, those not
decorated with bright, showy feathers.

On the Dee, for instance, we constantly hear it said, " the Gordon*
time is coming," and this implies that the day is drawing to a close.
But we must not overlook the fact that, in the evening, when the
waters cease to sparkle, first there comes a flood of rosy light.
Accordingly, the Cordon, disfigured by the substitution of a dark blue
hackle at the throat for the light one, which the Dee fish so dearly
love, is reserved for duty later in the evening. And is there any fly
that kills in those waters so well at night time as the dark blue
Gordon ? In my experience, none.

The principle of this toning down holds good on most rivers, in
fact on all where the bright fly system is generally practised on bright
days.

Referring again to the deep stretch shaded by Scotch firs, it must
not be taken for granted that a four-inch fly would be dt- rigiieur
elsewhere, far from it. The example is merely given to illustrate
the practice under such circumstances and conditions. On other

rivers, tlierefore, judgment must be exercised. Supposing a two-inch
fly is the full size used, we should mount one of about an inch and
a half in length.

When the angler's ingenuity, however, is so over-taxed in his
efforts to cover distant fisli with large flies, that by splashing the
water he alarms the aquatic camp, the onerous duty of changing
front becomes imperative. To begin with, an interval of ten minutes
before the renewal of hostilities is a sine qua iioii ; he has then to
make up his mind to get nearer the fish ; of course he will fare worse
if he gets farther away from them. For this reason his fly must differ
both in size and character. The size is reduced, because the fly will
inevitably travel across the water at less speed. And, to carry the
mind back a few pages, the fish, having seen a dusky pattern partly
composed of feathers impervious to the light, should now be offered
a gaudy specimen, even as radiant as " Beaconsfield " itself.

Thus we have a common illustration of what we are pleased to
call " contrast."

Our subject now takes a more definite turn.

We have done with the sun, we have done with the shade, and
partly with geological formation, and will now consider the principles
to pursue at the riverside generally.

As the variety poet says, " it takes a bit of doing," in the absence
of local advice, to decide off-hand the size of fly to put on ; but still,
the behaviour of the fish will soon give one the cue.

If, for instance, a salmon only follows a fly, one smaller and
brighter must be used. Should, however, a swirl be seen, and no tug
or rise follows, the fish should be rested for about eight minutes.

If a salmon comes sharply in rough water and misses the fly, tliree

minutes shinild bo allowed, and a smaller s])ecinien of the pattern in
use i)ut on ; hut aKva\ s renieuiher that a fresh fish will take a larger
n\- than a kelt.

If in smooth water the rise is not of a determined nature, allow
ten nunutes' interval and mount a very small, showy tly.

If a straiiLjcr to the nci;^hbourhood is able to learn the size (;thcrs
are fishing with, he should use a ily a trifle smaller ; but in the very
early season, when the weather is very cold and the water high, he
wmU increase his measure of success by putting on the largest pattern
the river carries.

I'ishermen, as some know, acquire knowledge of tiiesc matters,
and mail)- others too, in the dear school of extensive experience. Vvr
experience teaches us what fl}' to select for the time being, and what
method to adopt to coumiand this or that po'A. which formerl)- we
passed b>- in utter ignorance and left undisturbed. Do wc not often
fmd in cramped situations — places in which the Overhand cast is
impracticable — that we have to resort to one of the more modern
methods to command them ? And is not this the very time to
iliscover that if we haven't got the tackle we love, we arc either
compelled to love what we have or calm ourselves by watching the
progress of others more wisely appointed? The well known fact
remains that we are always wanting something, no matter what we
possess, and few can say with the late Mr. Brotherton, " my riches
consist, not in the extent of my possessions, but in the fewness of m_\'
wants."

Tfi return to our subject. Let it be distinctly tmderstood that
when the n.itural fly is " uji," we have a sterent\'ped routine that
almost invariably acconmiodates itself to the prevailing plan of using

36 TIPS.

flies in bright weather embellished with gaudy feathers. Take the
case of the March-brown on the Dee, and you have the principal
exception. On this occasion our fly materials must very closely
resemble nature. In our composition we are tied down to the element
of size, i.e., to making our pattern only one size larger than the living
insect, and we can only slightly enrich our make-believe with any
extra show of colour. These restrictions, one and all, are of less
moment in every other case, even including our imitation of the
monster stone fly for use on the Spey. But as these matters will be
dealt with presently, suffice it to say that salmon, side by side, rise to
March-browns as well as to many other natural flies.

On some rivers we creep up in size to enormous patterns for
ordinary use, as on the Dee ; on other rivers we come gradually down
in size, as on the Lochy and Ness, and on all rivers the fish get
accustomed to the change and prefer it.

We also gradually increase the decoration of flies for the same
sane reasons. The result is equally good, and as years roll on we
find the fish appreciate the most luxurious patterns, such as would
have frightened them to death had they been suddenly introduced.
If this is not educating the fish^an expression often ridiculed — what
is it ? Fancy the commotion a six-inch " Jock " would have created
fifty years ago! Surely the time has come for none to discredit the
fact that we teacli salmon to take the smartest flies — lures with spicy
wings, bodies unnaturally adorned, legs longer than living flies
possess, tails unconscionable but still tails — and why, in these
enlightened days, some people say these fish are not educated up to
this treatment, and that they mistake our gaudy flies for minnows, or
other live bait, Heaven only knows.

TIPS. 3;

Willi fiirllior reference to our system of " choice," passing over
tlie " Sun I'ly," jierliaps the " fly of specifies " has made the most
convincin;^ headwa)' of any. Cliaracterised h)- a hberal consignment
of leal, gallina, etc., the " Rough Grouse," the father of this set, is
sini[)ly worshipped on drizzly days the whole way along the river
Spey.

Unless engaged upon such a hold river as the Spey, the angler's
next " tij) " is ver)' important. i?efore lie follows another down a pool
or most other Catches, he should allow at least a quarter of an hour
to elapse, and then use a smaller and thmncr fly than the one the fish
have seen and refused.

In deep, steady flowing water, a silver hod)- is wanted, and
whate\er it be, the fly should be fished as deep as possible.

The longer the hackle, the shorter the movement of the rod given
to play the fly, the better.

In fl.iked water, a gaudil)' dressed, silver bodied fly, with a reddish
hackle at the throat, seems to be indispensable.

In dark, porter coloured water, first use a dirty orange body,
having a dyed black hackle along it, and then a black bod)- having a
light blue hackle running along likewise.

In snow water, which when fined down makes the ri\er clearer
than at all other times, transparent hackles, with a goodly supply of
peacock's herl in the wings, are superior to all others. It is immaterial
whether the body is composed of seal's fur, floss silk, or silver tinsel,
a good silver coch-a-bonddu is the identical thing for the occasion.

If the weather is haz\', small chirk flies are jireferable. The
approach of thunder, the presence of a heat-haze, or a white mist
hanging low — all these conditions have hitherto been the signal for

suspension of work ; more so, indeed, than clouds with white tops
floating in mid-air, or even a faUing barometer. But as soon as a
decided change sets in — a thunder-clap for instance, or the clearance
of aqueous vapour in the atmosphere — the favourite fly of the river is
the one to select without loss of time.

On the water beginning to rise after rain, put on " Thunder-and-
Lightning," or a pattern of that description, and slightly increase the
size as compared with your former fly.

For fish lying in deep water behind an upright rock, show them
a bright body with double jungle in the wings, capped with three or
four toppings. In this instance, play the fly by giving the rod short,
sharp, shaky movements, and on detecting the rise strike fairly hard
at once.

In districts where the bed of the river presents a dark appearance,
dark patterns are required, reserving brighter patterns for beds of a
chalky nature.

Where light is reflected, especially from holophotal mirrors which
keep on throwing back the rays in one unbroken mass without
perceptible loss, or even glinting from wet, steep-cut rocks, use fancy
flies, glittering with silver tinsel, and, it may also be said, resembling
the sunrise in the richness of their colour.

When the thermometer falls suddenly use thin, dark patterns,
larger than those previously employed, though the water runs no
higher. When it suddenly rises, announcing the approach of warmer
weather, reduce the size considerably and select gaudy specimens.

As a rule, it is better to use a sombre fly before a showy one.

In trying for a fish which lias already risen, change the fly, but
do not put it more than one yard below his lay-bye. The second fly

should be totall)- (iiffrrcnt in cliaractcr, and a trillc sniallor. Should
the third aUcni])! fail, allow a long interval and then try a Grub, liul
before t^iving ui, present a very large dark fly, afterwards a very large
bright one, and fish both ciuickl}'.

lixaiiiiiic, take note, niid endeavour to remeutber the run of tite
icater in all taking Catehes, and you'll soon learn to '' spot" unknown
lay- byes in flood time.

In these principles lie the greatest potentialities of our art.
Genuine adherence to them will make a fairly skilled workman senu-
independent of the ruling eventuality — disappointment.

Side Issues. — Sterne says, digressions are the sunshine, the life
and soul of reading. Now, although a slight detour is made at tins
point by special request, it is not intended necessarily to depart very
much from the line of argument, but ratlier to endeavour to advance
the immediate subject before us.

A little while ago (October, iqdo), the post brought, from five or
six different sources, a cutting from a paper which occ;isioned the
attack upon current literature made b_\- a \oung fisherman (page 20).
It criticised in a singular manner the definite system of fly-work,
founded on approved and unassailable principles, fully authenticated
by competent judges, and explained at great length in " The Salmon
Fly."

Although devoid of every tr;u:e of keen angling insight, and
every trace of the simple precaution having been taken to investigate
the subject at any time, the critic is entitled to generous sympathy
and consideration by reason of the fact that he wrote in the most
open and honourable manner, and not under the vagueness of any
noni de plume. Nevertheless, his hasty conclusions afford just an

instance of the harm done by enthusiasts who bring only a httle
knowledge to bear upon a subject which cannot be discussed properly
except after a prolonged study of a number of infinitely varied
experiences at the waterside.

The statements in " The Salmon Fly," which for some inscrutable
reason, were despised by the critic — a gentleman who bears a name,
Baden- I^owell, that has won everlasting renown in other (and slightly
drier) fields (a little " f " please, Mr. Printer) — were the outcome of
long and patient observation. It may be stated in the most emphatic
manner possible, that they had never been hinted at, or even
previously presented to the Publie in any shape or form, at least in
the way of calling rivers " Grey," " Red," etc. They referred to the
fixed policy of using certain flies on certain occasions — flies specifically
characterised, as the occasion dictates, by fibres of this or that colour
in the tail, body, and wings. They were based on stubborn facts (a)
that salmon act according to certain predispositions ; (b) that they
take certain natural flies ; (c) that when they are immovable as the
rock of the river bed to-day, and give way to the artless lure of the
raw recruit to-morrow, they are governed almost invariably by some
direct cause, and do not act under the influence of mere caprice. And
the author supported these facts by an overwhelming array of
evidence, well-founded, and calculated to explain j^roblems otherwise
inexplicable.

These statements are stamped by the critic as rubbish.

It is very easy for the writer to exclaim " Rubbish," as easy as it
was for the old lady to believe in the efficacy of that blessed word
" Mesopotamia."

For the sake of the author's chain of reasoning which holds the

TIPS.

system lojjcthcr, no less than fur the satisfaction of the anylers wlio
pursue tlie s)'stem and feel hurt !>}■ the entieisni, " it is necessary (as
the}- put it), to offer an explanation in the new book of yours, at once
lucid, fully substantiated, and of a kind calculated to leave absolute
conviction upon the points affecting the issue."

Indeed, it is only natural for them to decline to allow the lessons
of a lifetime, accepted with their warmest approval and full
concurrence at the riverside, to be exposed to public ridicule I)}' the
airy criticism: of the wielder of a facile pen.

If, however, the explanation seems to savour loo much (jf personal
reference, or even to exhibit traces of vanity, the present writer is
very sorry. But considering the importance of the system and the
interests involved on all sides, what is he to do ?

Altogether apart from the logic of facts, he has Inmself personally
proved the value of the system by constant experiment. The result
has been— since the truth must be told — that during three recent
outings his own catches have so largely exceeded those of the whole
party working on the same waters, that he is driven to the conclusion
that his own methods must be superior to theirs.

What else, he asks with that repugnance which anglers will feel
to be natural, is the meaning of such records as the following?

Thirty-two salmon out of thirty-four, five Rods.

Sixty-three salmon out of seventy-one, seven Rods.

Ninety-one salmon out of ninety-nine, two Gillies and six Rods.

The other fishermen, whose bags appear so small in these quoted
records in comparison with his own, were equally good sportsmen.
They used nothing but a fly, and were equally skilled wielders of the
rod as far as Overhand casting is concerned.

It follows, that the only way the mystery can be explained — the
only logical way — is that none of his companions brought to their
task, as he did, the employment of his system of fishing, verified
scores of tmies, and laid down in his book for one and all alike.

But of course the subject must be approached from other stand-
points.

We now allude, for instance, to that part of the fixed principle,
which so upset the critic, of putting a little bit of this material and a
little bit of that in a fly. The following interesting example is only
one of many that shows how accommodating the system is to all —
even to those with no previous experience of it, and with no
pretensions to be in any sense experts at handling the rod.

It should be said by way of preface to this example, that none of
those " skilled wielders of the rod," mentioned in the former case,
had caught in five successive years, more than four salmon at Carlogie
in the month of May ; also, that the tenant last May, fairly new to the
work, had consulted me upon the dressing of flies which he should
get specially made for those waters, and upon the system of using
them.

Here is his letter to me, dated 30th May, iqoo :

" I found your variation of the Silver Grey such a splendid

killer that I fear I stuck to it too long, a,nd did not give your

system of using the others, on stated occasions, a fair trial. But

still I had thirteen fish up to the 2^th, and lost seven others. My

biggest turned the scale at ig lbs.

(signed) JOHN BIDDULPH."

We now pass to more congenial arguments.

For what object did the author of "The Salmon Fly" say (pp.

250) tliat " ;i bhie or any (itiicr roloiiivd f\y, deadly on one river, is
repulsive to the fisii on another. I'"or that reason in a technical
an^lin^ sense- we may say there are ' Hlue rivers,' ' (Jrey rivers,'
etc ! "

Ills object, obviously — to para|ihraso his young friend's words —
was to throw a new light on the art of choosing ,1 fly, and t(i raise this
art to a much higher level.

To use general language, the recognition f)f Cause and Mffect —
this will bear repetition — arises when we e\i)erience, man\- limes over,
a number of successes with special flies, all recurring respectively
under similar conditions of local tastes, of weather, water, teiii])erature,
etc.- successes w^hich bear a unique relationship of antecedent and
consequent.

(It is worth while noticing here that fortune sometimes smiles
on luck, for these successes may arise, though \ery seldom, from the
acciflental choice of the correct style of fly, and may in consequence
not conxey the lesson that a more experienced performer would
infallibly deduce from them.)

To select off-hand one or two examples among the many — the
predisposition towards Grey flies, as commonly witnessed on the Lee,
arises at certain seasons from nothing else than the huge, ever present
blow fly, displaying speckled legs, body, and wings.

This was the aii/sr of our introducing .Silver monke}''s fur for
part of (he toilette, and putting fibres of teal and gallina in the wings
an inno\ation which has vastl\' superseded the coarser, less spotted
donkey's fur, and the bead holding rabbit's fur of yore. The rf,r/
nf the change, seen times out of number, is positively notorious,
notwithstanding our amiable critic's emjihatic statement that "strict

dressings of patterns, the fibres necessary in tlie wing, the bit of this,
and the bit of that (is all) rubbish." And in another equally
unfortunate connection, relating to my calling rivers " Grey," etc., he
states — of course without the slightest confirmation — that " such
things exist more in the minds of the men who fish them, than in the
minds of the salmon they fish for."

Untrained anglers love to get at the truth, and truth is
established not so much by what men say as what they prove. So to
continue.

The predisposition towards greenish bodies on the river Spey,
transient but clearly evident, arises from nothing else than the ever-
present so called " green-king," gobbled up freely in its own short
season.

The cause of our careful imitation of the natural insect, and of
using nothing else for the time being, is equally notorious in this case
too ; and the effect, productive of a heavier creel, is steadfast,
convincing, and conclusive.

Once more. The predisposition towards Red on the Earn, arises
from nothing else than the presence of what is called the " rcd-
underwing," seen flying up and down the river m thousands early in
autumn— and so on, ad !/tJi/ii/t/>/i.(^ee pages 25.4-5 i" "The Salmon
Fly," and kindly note the singular success recorded of a trained angler,
whose practical science is beyond all question.)

It is, of course, open to fishermen to see several sides of a
question. For instance, one lays down a system of fishing founded
on fact, another says it's rubbish, whilst a third writes to the author
of the system in a private letter, " you touched nothing in your five
hundred pages of honest matter which you did not elucidate. After

TIPS. 45

I read the book I begnn liy gcttiiiL:; tlirce limes as many fisli as
before."

Let it be said here, tlial the author of "The .Salmon Fl}- " lias
always regarded himself as a student — he will over remain one. In
writing of his exploits, if he has given way to an irresistible under-
current of effort and desire to carry the angler's mind above and
beyond the i)()|)ular practice f)f ensnaring salmon by hook or crook,
it is solely for the purpf)se of raising the sport to the highest branches
of the art of fl}--fishing. What he has written is to say this and this
has he learnt, thus and tins has he learnt it on the spot. All honest
criticism based on actual experience will be welcome to him ; and the
more he has of it, and the sliar|5cr it is, the better in the end. Hut
is it not a very unnecessarily strong statement for Mr. Baden-Powell
to stigmatise as " rubbish " the results of diligent and systematic
investigation upon all kinds of salmon rivers, in all kinds of weather
under all sorts of conditions, with all kinds of flies?

In matters of this description, the plain answer is the same as
that given in the well-known logical fallacy of Achilles and the
Tortoise — Solvitiir anil'ii/iiin/o, i.e., the problem is solved by
practically working it out.

If individual workers have with infinite labour at the w.iterside
been accunudating fact.s which indicate the direct wa\- to " titivate "
flies in a manner absolutely reconcilable with the peculiarities of a
river — flies far and away more killing than an\- ordinary pattern — it
appears (i) as though further argument were unnecessary; (2) as
though every requisite of both theory and practice were satisfied ;
and (3) as though the iiroblem in c]uesti<.n were removed from the
category of unexplained m\-steries.

So much for the technical skill exhibited in this new departure
in fly-work.

In the case of salmon, we know that external objects impress
themselves upon the ftsh in two ways. At one time, directly, through
some natural agency — light, contact, force of current, etc. At another
time, indirectly, as when they get the impression of a fly which
nourished them in their infancy, not from the insect itself, but from
a specific imitation containing something associated or connected
with it, which, as experiment teaches, is an appropriate stimulation of
their memory, one that revives the recollection of their favourite food
and stirs them to action.

The natural impulse of salmon is guided by instinct, just as the
infant in arms sucks tiie bottle. But as they sometimes take the
wrong river, we cannot speak of their instincts as unerring. Very
slight stimulation which comes into their " thinking apparatus " — e.g.
excitement produced by an extra bit of blue, or an extra bit of red in
a fly — sets them in a state of passionate activity.

How can this be " rubbish "? Of course it cannot be when we
compare notes and reflect.

As a rule, the greater part of the ideas relating to fly-invention
are not reasoned out by the student in the first place, but are imparted
to him by the master-hand as part of his education. Not a few, on
the other hand, have become so settled by actual experiment as never
to be questionable, at any rate at certain periods ; and they only decay
by the substitution for them of new habits of thought occasioned by
observation of some such evil efi'ect produced on die fish, say, by
over-thrashing, when, of course, the conditions whicli led to the
making of the former " awfully killing fly " have become changed.

TIPS. 47

1 1 cannot be otherwise. And yet \vc encounter narrow-minded
enthusiasts — piteously hoodwinked on an exceptional day by getting
a fish or two with the wrong fly presented the wrong way — ^who burn
for the iieat of the fray, and openly declare they can hold their own
with three or four Standard patterns against all comers! Wiiat a
number of red-letter days pure accident must gi\ e these gentlemen !
]!etlcr for them by far to leave the sim]i!e I 'topia in which tiicy live,
and devote all their spare time to studying the practical habits of the
fish.

There is no doubt that the ordinary fisherman resents the view
of there being any abstruse method of catching salmon, or any
possibility of largely increasing the catch b\' what he probably
denominates "new-fangled" innovaticns. It is highly probable that
the ancient astronomers also regarded Galileo as a most annoying and
crack-brained individual, whose innovations bade fair to upset the
Solar system, and to introduce a quantity of very minute and
unnecessary calculations into what had been the very simple job of
star-gazing.

Poor Galileo had to put on a white sheet and cry, " Peccavi."
Put it is recorded of liim, that after his recantation on his knees he
got up and said, " V. ]iur si muove," in a quid tone of voice, not
audible to any of the Pope's familiars, to indicate that, though he had
been compelled to say that the earth did not move, lie was still of the
npinion that it did.

Il is in a similar frame rif mind tliat tlie author closes this cjiapter,
and not without the lionc that the latter jiassagcs may strengthen the
impressions of the Idval, change those of the sceptical who declare the
system null and \()id, and commend tliemselves to all.

BURBERRYS.

31, Haymarket, London,
and Basingstoke.

THE SLIP=ON.

The most permanently successful of a series of practical experiments in designs for
Fisliiny Over-liannents, the Slip-on is to-day in higher lavour than t\<.r with Sportsmen. It
covers thj wearer completely from collar to gaiters, and gives absolute freedom for quick
movement. It is impossible to speak too highly of its waterproof qualities. Very light, affording
natural warmth, it is the one Overcoat for Sport.

" 1 have been here a month, and had only one fine day. Tliroughout the whole time 1
have never had a wet spot."— Signed, GEO. M. KliLSON (Wark-on-Tyne).

CHAPTER III.

METHODS OF CASTING.

THE OVERHAND CAST.

It is generally supposed, and the supposition is founded on
sensible grounds, that the ever-youthful Overhand has a right to
claim the longest existence, and to hold the highest place of iionour
among all other methods. This right is never in dispute when the
one necessary condition — that of ample space — presents itself so as
to render the cast practicable and effective. At those times it can be
made " cleaner " than other casts, and then it is the least likely to
disturb the fish by the splashing of line.

It nevertheless becomes necessary to say that there are two
different methods of making the Overhand, and that one of ihcm is
defective, inasmuch as it occasions the luss nf Hies, and sternly r('|H']s
all overtures for a long line.

50 TIPS.

This time-worn method, however, has a hold on the masses so
great, that in describing the correct one, it is desirable to draw a
searching comparison between the two.

The old school, accustomed to the same unvaried habit of facing
the spot upon which the fly is intended to alight — a habit to be
vigorously denounced — are naturally constrained to make a more or
less semi-circular sweep of the rod in the background, with the result
that the fly often strikes the earth and becomes altogether useless.
The risk run is decidedly less with a limited length of line, but still
it is inseparable from the practice. Knowing this, some make the
up-cast directly over their head, in which case, though security against
loss or injury to the flv is provided, the most consummate skill is
required to cover a distant fish.

The new school go to work in a manner totally different.

In these days, the one standing difficulty that presents itself to
the uninstructed, is not so much the old question of finding a rod that
will do the work, as of acquiring the modern method of using it

That is the plain truth. Then, what about ourselves ? Well,
soon after we introduced the type calculated to send the line in the
air out of harm's way, rather by the rod's action than by undue force,
it remained only a question of a few minutes' practice to bring off the
thrash-down at the right and proper moment. Of course we did not
pursue the worn-out principle of relying solely on the sense of touch,
but took up a position from which we could actually see what takes
place from first to last. This change of front is the secret of the
whole business.

It may, therefore, be taken for certain that, instead of facing the
lay-bye for this cast, as of yore, the angler should stand sideways to

it, by whu-li means tlie line is clearly Iraccable throuylu.ul the process.

Tliose who care to proceed in this niamicr will sunn find IJiat
inspection is made easy and progress safe. Ihdse who ohjecl, mi the
ground thai it bores ihciii to turn their head, will alwa\-s be subjected
to those untoward consequences attending the old practice, and will
never understand or participate in the immense advantage introduced
by the new.

This being the case, it is not onl>' to the lesson, which the)- may
now deduce from tiie system, that their attention is drawn, but above
all to the additional and inseparable benefits connected with it. For
instance, one rareU', if e\er, hitches his fly in any obstacle behind
him ; whilst, apart from that, his chances of breaking the rod by
attempting the thrash-down too soon or too late, are reduced to a
minimum. Moreover, a greater amount of water, even up to twelve
or fourteen yards, can be covered easily and properly. This " con-
summation, devoutly to be wished," cannot be over-estimated.

Now the initial proceeding in the practical demonstration of our
method recjuircs but little skill. To get the line sufficiently extended
downstream before the cast can be made, goes without saying. This
is done b)' taking some of it from the winch and making a series of
false casts in neutral waters, care being taken to depress the point of
the rod at last.

Having arrived at this stage, the position of the hands is
considered. As all know, one is placed above the winch and the
other below it. But the exact position of the upper hand must be
determined by the balance of the rod ; the other generall)- comes in
contact with the india-rubber button at the bottom of it. In this
connection, one can easily imagine how that cumbrous, weighty winch

53 TIPS.

of yore — such an implement, at all events, as necessitated an undue
lowering of the upper hand — would complicate matters.

As soon, however, as enough line is set free, the up-cast is begun
while the point of the rod is still depressed. If the rod is raised
beforehand, the line cannot be forced high enough and far enough
into the background — a stroke of policy which, in reality, is the heart
and soul of the whole system. In order, therefore, to succeed in so
doing — and in this operation success usually comes as a surprise — it
is necessary —

(i) To assume the attitude, with regard to legs and body, as

depicted in the picture.

(2) To studiously avoid jerking the rod at the outset.

And (3) To check the rod in the up-cast at the angle shown

in the picture.

Ultimate success, provided the force applied is gradually yet
rapidly increased and the thrash-down begun in good time, is then
absolutely assured.

In the up-cast the hands swing together ; and we must repeat
that the point of the rod must not be allowed to travel further than
the angle shown in the sketch before it is checked.

On checking the rod, the thrash-down is delayed long enough to
let the line extend itself ; but the interval is cut short in direct propor-
tion to the quickness of the action of the rod. To dwell too long for
the retiu-n is an act as perilous as to err on the side of impatience.

The strongest evidence of skill and tactfulness in conducting the
line rearward, is best obtained by suspending the down-cast
altogether. By this means the line falls on the ground, and then a
personal inspection reduces the matter to a certainty. If found to be

lying fairly straight and in a direction of the lay-bye, it may be taken
for granted that the thrash-down might have been effectually made
with comparative ease. If, on the other hand, the line is found to
incarvate, it denotes that the rod has curved inwardly instead of
having pursued a direct course.

The rod barely declines outward in ascent, nor inclines inward
in descent ; m fact, the closer it keeps to the course tal<en in raising
it, the straighter, the lighter, and further will the line be laid on the
water afterwards.

The only exception to this golden rule is brought by the wind
when it blows down-stream. This condition, unfavourable to a
degree, necessitates the otherwise objectionable semicircular sweep
of the rod, the radius of which depends on the strength of the breeze.

When the wind is in that direction, the fly is very liable to be
snicked off.

There is, however, another and perhaps a safer alternative ; that
is, to use a second fly, or " dropper," attached three feet or so above
the tail fl)'. We hold strong reasons for using one fly only, and never
recommend two. To begin with, it is less amateurish, but after all
is said and done it is a pure matter of sporting sentiment.

Finally, if the rod is properly furnished with small upright
revolving rings, the length of a cast may be considerably increased
by what is known as " shooting " line. A previous description of the
process seemed to please friends so much, that the following account
of it may be appreciated by others.

The feat consists first in the angler drawing from the winch the
length of line required ; and, while doing so, making and jilacing
coils of it, one by one, between the point of the forefinger and thumb

TIPS.

(if Ihr tipiH-r IkurI. Those cuils, of about a )ar<l in Icnytli from c-iul
to I'lul, h.my down in front of tiie winch and arc liglilly held tliere
until the " point of tension" in the thrash-down is reached, i.e., when
the line in its forward journey begins to tug the point of the rod. If
at that instant the coils are dropped they will be dragged out by the
rest of the line ; but if dropped too soon, the middle part of the
running line will belly down towards the water, and the " slack " will
not be taken out at all. In making, sa\-, a thirty yard cast, a four yard
length should be shot ; a thirty four )'ard cast, a six yard length ; and
so on in proportion. To shoot ten yards through our upright rings
is no great feat, provided the line is smooth, [jroperly dressed, and of
the right size and weight.

But in wading, when the coils fall from the hand, the current
lakes them out of position, when an acute angle is formed in the line
at the point A, and another at jjoint B, as shown in the accompanying
diagram. The force of the current on the lower part B, prevents the

feat being accomplished. This is easily remedied by seizing the
winch end of the dropped coils at the point C, and with the lower
hand so placed, giving a good snatch to bring the whole of the slack
portion back under the bottom ring of the rod, when it will all shoot
out as readily as on land. Thus it will be realised, and surely it ought
to be remembered, how much the action of the rod can be preserved,
and how much more water can be covered.

THE UNDERHAND CAST.

This method — far easier to learn than the other — is patronised
not only by many when a long line is unnecessary, but also by those
who, advanced in years, are either unable or unwilling to stand the
strain imposed upon them in overhead casting. But here, again,
altitudi- is an important factor, and varies according to the strength
of the current. In easy flowing streams, for example, as on land, the
angler can stand with his legs close together, and hold his body less
sideways than is convenient in rapids, or practicable in the Overhand.
He is also enabled to stand in the easiest position of all — bolt upright.
In rapids, personal safety is considered before convenience, and the
insurance of safety often involves an awkward position. The legs
must be kept fairly wide apart, and on no consideration whatever is
the back or front turned directly up-stream.

Having studied the Illustration in detail, tlic angler needs but a

/•

\ • lliV , 1

brief description of this method for further guidance. Even the
novice would at once discern that the aim and object of the cast is
simply to bring the fly from the water so that it travels only a certain
distance in the background. It follows that the force required in
partially extending the line as shown, is much less than in the
Overhand.

If the angler brings the rod up at an angle of forty five degrees,
he will get at the amount of force to make the fly take the track
traced in five minutes, or certainly in ten.

Contrary to the principle of dwelling in the up-cast, as in the
Overhand, the rod continues its even, firm, regular movement until
thrashed down ; and not the sign of a pause, nor the sign of a jerk is
to interfere with the steady swing of the arms beforehand.

It is no disadvantage to renew a cast while the line is somewhat
deep in the water ; on the contrary, failure is far less likely. When
the line is well below the surface, one fcch rather than sees it
responding to the action of the rod, which is kept going fast enough
never to lose the tug of the line.

Ill starting the thrash-down use butt action, pretty much as in the
Overhand, and increase the pace, finally letting the rod reach a
horizontal position pointing towards the lay-bye. In other words, no
checking takes place at the finish. It follows, then, that the rod is
thrashed t/iroii^<^/i with that amount of force which makes the point
go nearly down to, but not in contact with, the water when the work
ends.

TIPS. 59

THE SPEY CAST.

In former days, it was tlio common ]irartire on .Spcy-sidc to
" reel up " in boisterous weather. This cessation of work always
seemed to arise from certain general defects in the tackle, such, for
instance, as a willowy weakness in l)oth rod and line. That, of itself,
would place beyond the bounds of possibility the many brilliant
innovations in the cast, which are now adopted by those who have
studied and practised the latest developments.

To these ajiparent defects were devoted years of personal
attention and work, with the ha])py result that, after numberless trials
and alterations at the riverside, success in fashioning a special style
of rod, not only capable of carrying a suitable line, but of complying
with all the requirements associated with this much-coveted method,
was accomplished.

It may be interesting to recount a few details.

Many }ears ago, during a prolonged visit with a friend to the
then incomparable river .Spey, it occurred to us lint some means
might be devised to obviate the local custom of striking work in wind\-
weather.

" .Surely \-our beautiful S])e\- cast," we observed to a practised
hand, "should not be restrict(-d to calm days and light favourable
winds ? "

" Well, gentlemen," rey>lied jioor old ("ruiky — once the heart and
soul of Wester and Easter I'.lchies, and the doyen of Aberlour— " If
you can't get the line well away, what's the good of wasting time and
wearing out tackle ? "

"But," we re])lied, "would not a heavier top joint pmpel a

stouter line than yours, and make it cut through an adverse wind ? "

" It might, perhaps ; but we don't use such iieavy laden tackle in
the Highlands as you gentlemen in the South."

Be that as it may, the writer soon endeavoured to put an idea of
his own into practical shape. On his return home he looked up an
old " greenheart " which had belonged to his father, and, having the
necessary tools for manual operation, began then and there to
re-model the rod in his own workroom. After much deliberation on
the science that treats of the laws regulating the power of moving
bodies, it was considered that the action fixed upon would make the
Spey cast even more interesting and effectual than ever. In the first
place it would not only enable one to work a comparatively heavy
line, but the weakness, arising from the top joint curving backwards,
would never come about. Nor was this all. For it was thought that
by the intended reduction in thickness at the butt, and by leaving
more wood than is usually seen at the bottom of the upper joint, the
line could not only be propelled in the ordinary way more easily, but
when necessary, as in windy weather, could even be made to cover
distant hsh, by means of a direct throw.

This innovation shall be made more evident presently, but therein
lay the supreme advantages over the traditional style of rod.

To accomplish successfully our self-imposed task, it was
determined to get, by repeated trials, the exact action required. And
after a delicate use of the plane, many times over, the rod was tested
in different winds, and finally approved.

With regard to the weakness just mentioned, it may surprise
many to learn that the top joint of some of the Spey rods is actually
made with a backward curve, under the assumption that the power of

it is increased. We need not enquire wlu) formukited this notion, hut
we must not sliut our eyes to tlic fact, that the strength of the joint
is really reduced. The scheme itself, by-the-bye, is by no means an
adequate exposition of Highland notions, tlierefore it demands tiie
application of a much abused word — it is unique, in so far that it has
no local parallel.

Why do Spey rods so soon bend backwards in use? Our answer
(iff hand is ready and simple. They do so because the force used in
the local manner of propelling the line is considerably more than in
lifting it. As a matter of course, it follows that, sooner or later, the
rods must show corresponding signs of weakness.

As a further instance of a similar sort of weakness, consider the
inevitable (•/</ri'//:iv?;v/ curve which is commonly seen in the top joint
of a rod used only for the " Overhand." This arises from
dianictrirally opposite causes; for, in casting overhead, the force used
to lift the line and send it towards the rear the distance it has to go,
is far greater than the force required to drive the fly to its destination.
The argument, in our opinion, is incontroverlil)le ; it ought to be
convincing, and no mure doubts and uncertainties should be
entertained.

But what of the system fur which our new st_\-le of Spey rod was
devised ? We shall now see.

The Spey cast is chiefly remarkable for two distinct facts: (l)
That in transit, the line pays a brief visit to the water ; (2) That the
cast is entertaining to some, exasperating to others, yet the idol of all.

Most of us know, that it is no small matter to be a great and
skilled performer of the " Spey," for in accordance with the stern
decree of Fate and Circumstance, the cast is liable to become

strangely complex— full of occasional changes requiring swift
realisation and treatment, and then fuller of pitfalls in the path to a
sound elementary knowledge of its marvels.

Those who best know will tell us that it were well for the student
to pay no attention to certain tricky variations which suddenly and
inevitably arise. It is easy enough, they say, for some individuals to
get into the knack of the earlier form of the cast, even at sight. But
as to the nuiltiplicity of embarrassments, now involving this acknow-
ledgment, and now that, with lightning rapidity, e.g., when the
violence of the elements has the bad taste to fly in the face of
science, to say nothing of covering a fish at right angles, then only a
past master of the craft, with personal gifts of a special kind, can do
justice to the possibilities at the command of his rod, and to the
inspired mind that worked the whole system out.

Seeing that no man can specify the exact degree of muscular
power required, there is admittedly one drawback, even in describing
the earlier form. For instance, some people never imagine how little
power is wanted until the moment of realisation on the scene of
operations. Others, who overstrain the rod, fail. Certain it is, that
in giving too much force at starting, the line is lifted too far for the
thrash-down to be successful ; and, in giving too little, not far enough.
But still, in practice, the earlier form of the cast is a great relief after
other methods, as very little effort of the muscles is needed to
accomplish it.

A little practical experience on the following lines may soon
make the observant student proficient.

In practising the " Overhand," for example, use sufficient force to
thoroughl)' e.vtend the line in the background ; in tiie " Lhiderhand,"

use force enovigh to extend the line half the distance ; and in the
" Spey," merely use enough to drop the fly beside you.

(Note that you are obviously intended to understand that, but for
the early influence exercised over the line by the thrash^lown, the
portion that " visits " the water beside you would remain in it.)

It must, however, be admitted that the question of force puzzles
people in general. But from this standing conundrum, wliich, like the
Socratic dialogues, raises a problem incapable of any positive solution,
we turn gladly to observe that in Spey casting tlierc arc t:co 7lui_vs,
that the operation begins with as little delay as possible, af/cr the rod
is elevated, (shown in Illustration i); and, that the rod does not
descend below an angle of forty-five degrees until completing one of
the two down-casts.

Of the two ways, process A, for example, necessarily compels a
rather long length of line to run along the water beside the fisherman
all at once. Process B, allows a very small portion to do so — not
beside him, however, but higher up the ri\-cr. A, is practised in
steady, flowing waters ; B, in fast, rough waters. But if the untried
hand desires to excel in the cast, it is most important t/nit he sJioiild
first read and thonvi^i^^hfy dij^rst all there is to do and ho:c' to carry
it out, and not until then should he practice till he masters, both right
and left handed, the process A, ivhen he may apply himself steadily and
actively to the course of operations in !>.

These words are emphasised by reason of certain observations
not uncommonly made on verbal description.

" Oh! I shall never understand it. It can't be expLnined."

" Nonsense, )'0u won't take the trouble to grasp wlint is said."

" Well, you talk aboul the line on its imvard journey, and say

•u,uUvanlsoi,i.,)sc<l

iiiwan

Is?"

Uic word outwanl^,

nicaiil

away

wliicli would make

! til

c line

conic

tlic rod firsL niu\cs oiiliicin/s. \^

" You were told that by usini
from the fisherman in a ilireclitj
inwards."

" Oh, ah! I forgot that."

" You must foryet nothing."

However, leaving for awhile the thrashdowii, what has the
fisherman to do in process A?— which he would do well to read twice
over.

The answer is, that he has to lift the line out of the water so that
some ten yards of it next the lly is hrotight m coiitait with the surface
beside him (say at the point X, which represents the lly in illustration
2), and there made to skim along i)ast him a short distance, from left
to right, in order that the thrash-down may be rendered safe,
practical, and effectual. In its passage towards him, the line siiould
travel as near the surfac e of the river as possible.

That, in the briefest of words, is what he has to d(j ; the rest is
mere clnkl's play.

l!ut /low is this to be tlone ? That's the question.

The leading moveiiwnt of the point of the ro<l is necessarily
against the current, outwards, downwards, and away from the person
in a right hand direction. In pursuing its course, the rod comes round
in a pear-shaped sweep towards the person till it reaches a point in
the air, which would be indicated by the right arm extended slightly
above a horizontal position, and slightly in front of a line made by the
two arms extended as on a cross. As soon as this point in the air is
reached, the II)-, away down stream, quits the water, at wliicli moment
the thrash-down is commenced and carried out, obliciuely across the

body from right to left.

Observe (i) tliat if tlie thrash-down is started hiter, the curved
part of the hne may possibly range astern as far as the fly is made to
circuit in the Underhand — at any rate, too far for the orderly achieve-
ment of the object m hand. (2) That the line should be brought
round witliin, or but very little outside, the track taken by the point
of the rod ; (j) That there is no pause whatever in the rod's
movement, which is one incessant and undivided motion, not varying
in pace until the moment comes for the thrash-down. And remember,
that even resolute adherence to these tactics may yet be rendered
futile by the intervention of the wind.

The thrash-down, however, is practically a thrash-through, seeing
that the rod, as formerly stated, is not checked at the finish.

In this tlirash-through, the centrifugal force (which emanates
from the generating centre of the butt, i.e., where the strength is
applied), continues its course along the rod, expelling the line, and
exhausts itself during the transit of the fly from water near the
fisherman to its destination.

The second and more effectual way differs only in this : That, in
renewing a cast when the rod has been elevated as before, instead of
dragging the line along near the surface, it is made to take an
extremely sinuous course higher from the water (see dotted line.
Illustration 2). This is accomplished by a sliglitly varied vwvciiicut
of the rod at starting. In the former case, the line is first animated
by the rod moving against the current, outwards, downwards, and
away in a right hand direction. In the present case (see Illustration
i), the line is first set in motion by slightly raising the point of the rod
in journeying outicards, from which position, however, it diverges in

precisely the same manner as before.

Tlie point to which the student's attention is specially called is
liiis : That in certain instances as, markedly, in the case of very rough
waters, defeat would be inevitable if too much line were allowed to
run along the surface at any given time. It stands to reason, that
choppy waters and rapids are very liable to plunge the floating line
into confusion, and dash it to a depth from which the rod could not
recover it in lime to complete the cast. By reducing this floating
portion from ten )'ards or so to a few feet, the current has much less
chance of " queering the pitch." And it is precisely to the slight
initial movement of tlie rod that this reduction of floating line is due.

The question as to where this same portion strikes tlie water,
now remains to be dealt with. For the experienced, who habitually
pitch upon the right spot with unerring accuracy, it might be decided
as a moral certainty ; for beginners, as a possibility depending upon
a possibility. For instance, a wild and increasing descent of water
entails the necessity of casting with more and more speed. Is it not,
therefore, perfectly plain that the point of contact vajies, and takes
place further and further up stream ? while the distance is, of course,
regulated by the degree of strength applied.

The difference between tlie two wa)'s- A and H- ma)- apjicar to
tlic uneducated eye as being very insignificant, l)ut the effect produced
on the line at starting in B is, at all events, sufficient to establish the
belief, that by this " sliglitly varied movenx-nt " the best results can
alone be obtained.

In either method, the line can be cast along llie water from the
butt of the Spey Improved Rod in the usual wav, or, in case of
necessity, as for instance, in rough weather, propelled through the air

(as represented in Illustration 3), />j' an iucrcasiugly poivcrjnl tltroiv
froi/i tin- top Joint.

riiis tlu'ow, impossible with the original Spey rod, is quite easy
with the modern type. Hence it may safely be affirmed, that the
beneficial effects of this new style of rod are now made " more
evident."

It IS the wish of many more than one to say that h^irlow, who has
supplied this rod for some little lime, so thoroughly understands the
action required, that on one recent occasion, a butt having been
fractured, he forwarded a new joint which wanted no alteration
whatever. In this emergency he is in front of all rivals.

To go back to our former observations, we shall not attempt to
exhaust the catalogue of difficulties arising from time to time, nor is
it necessary to enumerate them all. But in the limits assigned to
further comment, it is desirable to mention that we are occasionally
compelled to reverse the position of the hands. It is not very easy
to read the signs which suggest this change, but when the wind,
crossing the water, blows the line actively engaged towards the inner
side of the river, to put the lower hand in the place of the other is a
matter of dire necessity. On these occasions, the line is first brougiit
towards the right shoulder (as usual), by working with the left hand
above the winch and the right below ; and then, on bringing the rod
round in due course o'i'cr ones /wad, from right to left, the down-cast,
with the hands so placed, is readily effected.

This variation is perhaps the only one in which the uninslructed,
notwithstanding their acuteness of perception, are lialile to galling
and unceasing defeat.

For this ideal cast, further than it has now been described, there

is lliis )ct to be saitl. The " Spcy " is not so " clean " as tlic Over or
Underhand, yet it is often surprising what can be done wilii it. On
being master of the method, which the angler will find is tiie most
fascinating of all, even tJiosc ornaiiienlal reaches, densely shut in by
trees, and sometimes teeming with fish, can often be very easily
worked. And it is just under these conditions, when a long line is
iuiperative and all other casts are either impracticable or ineffectual,
that its value is most highly ajipreciated.

THE SWITCH CAST.

This ca.iL is transacted m the furegrotuul. No portion of the line
ought to reach a point behind the rod when tilted at an angle of
forty-five degrees beyond the angler's right shoulder.

It will therefore be seen, that although it can only deal death and
destruction within a comparatively limited area, the Switch is
eminently suited for places where the space to work the rod is even
less than at those adapted to the Spey. The ])laces where it has to
he used, Ic) put it plainly, are llmse in wliirh clustering boughs, or
upright rocks, close in upon the water almost immediately behind the
angler, and interfere with the full play of the line in other methods.

The nature of the cast is as follows :

With the line extended down stream, the rod is brought up to
and past the position seen in Illustration i, and when it reaches an
angle of forty five degrees in the background, the thrash-down is
made without interval, and without causing the hue to " circuit " more
than two or tiiree )-ards behind the angler.

liul when the rod is elevated, and the fine is bnaighl m contact

THE SWITCH CAST.
No. I Illustration.

with eddies, helping it on rather than holding it back, the line will
belly inwards so much as to require handling in a different way. The
object is to make the line belly outwards (as shown by the dotted
line), so that, in making the thrash-down, it tugs the point of the rod.
This is achieved by a little trick called " The Peter." This trick
merely consists in twitching the point of the rod very slightly forward,
and bringing it round in a very narrow oval, from right to left above
the head, when the thrash-down can be successfully effected.

Besides this use of the cast. Switching is frequently resorted to
for the sake of relieving the monotony of promiscuous false casts,
when in any cast the line is so badly buried that it will not come up
without seriously trying the action of the rod.

Those who have received no preliminary training may like to
know that the down-cast is made by thrashing the rod through as
already explained. The merest tyro would acquire a definite
knowledge of the process in five minutes' practice.

THE WIND CAST.

This cast is seldom or ever adopted except under very
exceptional circumstances. When those blasterous gentlemen, Libs,
Notus, and Auster are fighting out their battles on the surface of the
waves, the timid and prudent fisherman is better indoors. But if he
is determined to persist in the face of such difficulties, he will do well
to acquire a definite knowledge of the Wind cast.

It consists of an upward pull of a most forcible character, of a
kind that hoists the line straight up above the head. The instant it
gets there the fisherman's business is, with a strong thrash-down, or
thrust, to send it straight forward again. As a matter of fact it

THE "VIND CAST.

resembles, in some degree, the business of the King of France in the
story wlio marched up the hill with 20,000 men, and when he got to
the top — marched down again.

If the hne is lifted so as to take the coiu-se indicated by the
dotted line in the Illustration, the thrash-down requires less force to
bring about better results than if the rod were manipulated in any
other way. In fact, by no method can the line be made to reach its
destination in such a perfectly direct course, provided that it is not
lifted from swirly waters, or that a sudden gust does not interfere
unduly with the process of the operation.

DIAGRAM.

To attain the initial force for the up-stroke the resistance of the
water has to be utilised, under which condition it is a case of " pull
devil, pull baker." Facts must needs be faced, but still this style of
casting — the latest born of Time — is looked upon with a much more
favourable eye by tackle-makers than by fishermen, and should only
be adopted by the latter when they are determined to keep at their
work rather than go peaceably home.

ANNOUNCEMENTS. TJ

38 AWARDS AND GOLD MEDAL, PARIS, 1900.

Read what ^^The Field" says :

" It is to Messrs. Hardy, of Alnwick, we owe the supremacy
we have aciiieved as Rod Makers. . . They have left all
Competitors hopelessly behind."

HARDY'S FAMOUS
SPLIT CANE RODS,

Wrril AND WITHOUT STEEL CENTRES,

"ALNWICK" GREENHEART RODS

The " KELSON " Improved Spey Rod, 17ft. 3111.

See Page 133 in this Book.

The "HI = REQAN," an Extra Powerful, i6ft.

The " PENNELL," an Extra Powerful, 14ft.

The "Halford Priceless," the "Houghton," the "Pope,"

And other Special Dry Fly Trout Rods.

SALMON FLIES

Tied with our Untarni.shable Tinsels.

LAROe ILLUSTRATCD CATALOGUC, FREE!

HARDY BROS., ALNWICK.

Edinburgh IJranch:— 5, South St. David Street.
Manchester liranch : — 14, Moult Street, Cross Street.
London Branch : 61. PALL MALL, S.W.

BURBERRYS,

31, Haymarket, London
and Basingstoke.

THE WEATHER'ALL.

EmbracinLj the cliarncteristics
and best featuies — the roomy, easy
fitting Shoulders and Slip-on Sleeve.
Recommended of "Slimbei" Combine
or Coating " Urber" Combine. The
Sleeves and Shoulders being most
exposed to wet are protected by
Burberry's Weatherproofed " Urber "
Silk or " Urberette." The Weatherall,
so constructed of " Slimber," weighs
easily under two pounds, and can be
carried in a Satchel (supplied) of a few
cubic inches.

" As rainproof as Mackintosh ;
a Coat that leaves nothing to be
desired."— Tmc FiKi.n.

CHAPTER IV.

RIVERSIDE HINTS.

Oblivion quickly slirouds the majority whose exploits have never
been brought before tlie puhlir by means of the Press. At the
same time, men have lived and achieved things which flasli back on
the memory as vividly as in the age when they were our dai]\- talk,
and whicli no author of angling records would willingl)' let die.
Instances could be cited, but one in particular is admissible liere,
because it serves to increase, in an admirable manner, the significance
of certain points in this chapter.

The hero of the stor) — known as the " Professor " to his intimate
associates, but whose identity is not of the slightest consequence —
possessed a strange individuality. Of high birth and considerable
wealth, he had a retiring, if not a decidedly morose, disposition. In
London he shunned not onl\- the society of his kind, but actually went

out of his way to avoid the lady of his heart. In fact, he wrapped
himself in obscurity, and killed time by attacking with much skill,
passages of Spohr and other classical composers on a " Strad," sweet
in tone and of untold value.

But though his ability as a musician surpassed that of the average
professional — besides his violin he had a remarkable tenor voice —
only those whom he constantly and lavishly entertained at his distant
fishing establishment, realised the fact that his knowledge on angling
matters equalled, if it did not excel, that of any other mortal living.

The writer once had the privilege of seeing this gentleman closely
engaged at the riverside. On that memorable occasion, he not only
demonstrated in a wonderful manner the niceties of the fisherman's
craft, but in the evening, having obtained by a quaint coincidence, the
consent of the lady he wished to marry, he amazed the room by
insisting, with characteristic shyness, on the ceremony taking place in
private.

The tale is, however, profoundly instructive, not without humour,
and yet, alas, deeply tinged with pathos. But perhaps certain details
should be given in order that the student may fully appreciate the
conditions under which the actual achievements occurred.

One word to begin with.

To sit in some pleasant place, cither bower or bothy, within the
hearing of rapid waters and splash of salmon ; to be in the
genial company of some painstaking student, ever ready for a few
hints as to the best method of overcoming a stubborn fish, has always
been the delight, in fact, one might almost say the highest privilege,
of the professed exponent of the art, who, notwithstanding that he
displays the practical side of his nature in having a necessary stock

of flics, is usually blessed witii a (juiet and sentimental disposition.

IIow often has a speetator unburdened iiis soul in Uus wise:
" Ah, sir, you're out of luck to-day. You're fishini,' well enough for
anytiiing, and if they won't take that fly of yours tiiey'll lake nothing."

No doubt, it is tiie part of the education of a gillie— at least a
good gillie— to encourage. But it would be far better for him to say :
Yes, you have covered the pool right enough, but to speak the truth,
you entirely failed to present the fly in such a way as to induce the
fish to acknowledge it in an)- form whatever.

Students, as a rule, make the same old-fashioned sort of cast, and
let their fl\- travel in the same old-fashioned sort of way on every
occasion. Now there is a variety of methotls, measures and
manifuvres, every one of which is best for its own special purpose.

For instance, suppose a pool has the following characteristics,
viz., the flrst five and twenty yards at the top, a straight rough-and-
tumble piece of water, tranquil on each side, followed by a succession
of imperceptible eddies, which, in a manner of speaking, are perfected
by the fact that the current here flows somewhat slower; while the
lower part consists of one large "slack" well within reach, above
which the main stream divides, one half flowing towards the opposite
side, the other coming towards the bank we are on.

A ]wol of this sort has many lay-byes, and three separate Catches
in p]y according to the season, and the height and colour of the water.
Fish would rest in the Slack at the tail, when the water runs high ; in
the middle part, when of medium height ; and when quite low, at the
top section. Hut for the purpose of illustration, how should the pool
be fished ?

On starting operations at the head of the water, whatever

description of fly is used, it must on no account be allowed to pass in
front of any one single lay-bye head first. This would assuredly
happen under the foregoing conditions unless some precautionary
measures were taken, because a portion of the line would be carried
away by the rough water, and " bellied " some distance below the fly.

Let us be quite clear on this point. There, on the crest of the
swift, wave-like current, romping between the fly and the fisherman,
some yards of the line are swept along at full speed, naturally dragging
the belated fly, not broad side on, but head down stream in a course
quite different from that it should take. Left alone, the fl\- could not
possibly right itself soon enough, that is to say, not until the stream had
carried tlie line across into neutral waters. Accordingly the whole
proceeding would be worse than useless, ft would not only fail, but
scare the fish, and probabl)- bring on a " fit of the sulks," thus
reducing, if not ruining, the chances of success for some time to come.

Wliat, therefore, are the precautionary measures necessary?

To put it briefly, the cast has to be " mended." By no other
operation can the fly that falls beyond the rough water, where it ought
to fall, be properly presented.

The method of mending a cnst, though simple, requires practice,
and is generally found least difficult to master on water where it is
most wanted. The object is to get that part of the line, which is
being bellied by the rough water, back, or rather well be\-ond the
place wlierc it originally fell, so that the fly is compelled to take a
correct course. This is managed, as soon as the line falls on the
water, easily and effectually, by making a quick horizontal movement
of the rod inwards, and, witli plenty of wrist action, a smart semi-
circular swish back again, ft is notorious that there is considerable

TIPS. 83

disagreement as tu the utility of tliis operation, but as a matter of fact,
it is the salvation (pf the whole business, and \et onl\- the [jrelude, as
will be presentl}- shown, to a sustained effort to meet further
contingencies. To omit tiie performance at the i)ool in question,
would simply mean that )-our lly must alwa}-s go the wrong way and
never stir a hsh into action at all.

If the policy of " mending " is something of a conundrum to
anglers at home, men cjuite up to or even above average form, what
about the rank-and-file on active service ? Their defeat is absolutely
certain. This is not propliecy, but tlie logical outcome of the facts
and factors of the case.

What \olumes could be written on "divided opinions"! To be
candid, there is hardly a mechanical action foimd necessary to be
adopted, hardly a single stroke of policy that now makes clear a
hiliierto obscure problem, on which we are uiianiiuous.

Witness, for e.\ample, the widely different ideas expressed on the
modern system of choosing flies. How often the majority of men iu-e
seen struggling with their fly-books in a sea of doubt! On this
subject, however, we have already enlarged in (Chapter II., where it
has been set forth in great detail, so as to show how experiments
suggested by change ^of weather and temperature present tliemselves
differently to different minds, and consequently induce one set of men
to pin their faith to schemes of one kind, while others are led by some
variation of circumstances to swear by manoeuvres of a different
" cast." So long as the noble art of fly fishing engages so many luid
various minds in its pursuit, so long will differences of opinion arise,
and the old proverb of " Quot homines, tot sententia; " will be
verifled anew. This, however, does not prevent us from asserting that

amidst the apparent chaos certain well defined principles wiU be seen
to stand out.

To return to our Catch. By the time the mending operation is
done, tlie fly will have reached the current, and tlien while coming
across, its pace can be regulated by a judicious management of the
rod that keeps the tackle taut. For example, the pace can be checked
by holding the rod still and depressing the point, or hastened by
bringing it round to the near side at the exact speed desired.

The salmon, let it be understood, would lie close to the edge of
the rough water on one side or the other. Those fish meaning
business on the far side will jump at the fly full-drive the instant the
rough water accelerates its passage. But as the fly would decrease its
pace on reaching the inner lay-byes, common sense dictates that, in
coming through the more tranquil water, artificial means must be
adopted to keep it not only on the move, but up to the speed required.
Consequently the rod must be brought round by a " sustained effort,"
as already said, to the near side, and at the right and proper time.

To continue, we are all more or less aware that fishermen are
often the creatures of circumstances far beyond tlieir control, but it is
certain, if anything is certain, that in the event of salmon jumping
short, the angler must retire for a few minutes and mount a fly one or
two sizes smaller, or cut off the gaudy " sides " (probably of Jungle
and Summer-duck) from the one he is using. Should this plan fail,
a fly totally different both in type and colour should be tried. Two
casts with the changed fly usually constitute a sufficient test.

When winged flies are no good, many are apt to overlook the
fact that a Grub often has a successful issue. However, prior to giving
in, allow an interval to elapse of from ten to fifteen minutes, even

longer if a flasli of brighter weather is approaehing, and then treat the
fish to a passing view of their favourite hire, that is to say, the " Purple
Is.ing " on the Spey, the " Gordon " on the Dee, elsewhere, probably
" Jock Scott " or the " Penpergwm Pet."

If on these occasions it is found necessary to use one of those
old Standard patterns, it should be full-fledged and three or four sizes
larger than any of its predecessors. In addition to this, the fisherman
should stand further away from the water, hold the rod high in the air,
to avoid " bellying " as much as possible, and fish the fly quickly.

What one man can do at these puzzling places another can. The
superiority in personal initiative, and the ability to apply what one
knows to new and unforeseen contingencies, are, and must be, the
prerogatives of the master hand. liy close attention to minute
matters of detail, the importance of which is generally so little under-
stood, the angler's success is of a decided character, and is shown to
the best advantage at these particular Catches. When salmon are
there, and rise in the manner known as " heads-and-tails," one ought
to be able to make them take a fly of some sort.

On coming to Catch No. 2, where, as formerly stated, the rough
water flows more steadily, the line must be dropped lightly into tiie
eddies on the far side, short steps should be taken Ijetwecn each cast
and the fly should be comparatively small and quiet in ajipearance.
In this Catch also, save early in the Spring, the salmon would lie on
the edge of the current, and when the fly falls in the oily water
beyond, they will see it a long way above them. The fartiier they
come for it, and the faster they travel, the more surely they take good
hold.

But, as already intimated, here the method of tactics is materially

86 TIPS.

changed. Instead of having to mend the- cast so as to defeat the
action of the water and reduce the speed of tlie ily, advantage is taken
of tlie current to hasten it.

hi doing this, allow enough of that part of the line nearest the fly
to have free access to the current. Take care that tlie rod is held at
such an angle that only a due proportion of line catches the current,
when the small fly will " play " with unerring accuracy, and in the
most alluring manner possible. In the absence of spasmodic efforts
with the rod, it will come steadily across without a jump or even a
twitch.

Latter-day e.xperiences have shown that no early attempt should
be made to play a sombre fly in this sort of water by any method
whatever. And it is as well to bear in mind that a short, sudden
movement of the fly, at times imperative, is a mode of presentation
always kept in reserve.

Sometimes, no doubt, the average angler, while giving his
warmest wishes for success to some prominent brother of the rod, has
felt a touch of envious regret because, through no fault save
inexperience, he is doomed to miss many chances which the more
experienced fisherman will bring off. As aforesaid, the success of a
really flrst-class man is usually of a decided character, but with
his small fly on dull days — the fly scantily clothed in the most
unpretentious style — it is simply wonderful. On bright days his
modus operandi differs altogether, not only in so far as the choice of
fly is concerned, but also in the manipulation of the rod. His fly,
gaudy to a degree, is in keeping with the smartest pattern of the river,
and being large, it is made to travel unusually fast. Should it be
composed of seal's fur adorned with short hackles and a change

Tbe > > *
SalmoQ

Fly;' . .

How to Dress it

and

How to Use it.

GEO. n. KCLSon.

(See Press Opinions, p. 162).

To be had at . . .

Farlow's, 191, Strand, and direct from the
Author, 2S, Victoria Street, Westminster.

OMLY A FEW COPICS LCFT.

TIPS. 87

becomes necessary, his choice simply resolves itself into the ciiicstion
of " contrast." In otiicr words, he mounts a long hackled specimen
iiaviny a silk body, casts a little more at right angles across the water,
and holds the rod perfectly still while the lure works its way.

Long hackled flies are never played by the ordinary give-and-
take method. The action of the water alone, however slowly it flows,
puts quite enough life into them.

We now pass on lu the " Slack," No. 3, where as the descripli\e
appellation denotes, the water from beginning to end, at least twenty
yards in length, hardly flows fast enough to carry the fly along.

While this condition makes the place very hard for almost all to
comprehend, the singular fact is, that the really productive ground lies
eighteen yards across at the extreme end, and this is quite enough
to embarrass the most skilful performer, and baulk all anticipation.
It is, in truth, just the very spot where mistakes and miscalculations
have been and will be made. liven our experts may go wrong, as
they have done under less trying conditions.

Now, some men say that success at most pools comes, as often as
not, to the first in command : but while defeat is by no means
necessarily, or always, a proof of incompetence, let us consider what
chance the second would have at water like this, that had been flogged
in the ordinar)- way by a merciless hand.

Sui-prising as it may seem to all but the initiated, the fact remains,
that unless the second comer be full)- acquainted with, and capable
of demonstrating, well-nigh every device to which we are occasionally
bound to resort, he might fish on till doomsday. Proficiency in
casting and choosing flies may render useful service, but without other
qualifications defeat is inevitable. Victory at these subtle places.

TIPS

surely enough, is reserved only for our so-called " generals," and is
less astonishing to the rank-and-file than the manner in which it has
been gained.

We are to understand that the water in question had been
improperly flogged, but to distinguish more clearly the diflierent effect
of the right and wrong practice of treating it, we had better draw a
brief comparison between the two.

To begin with, the usual habit of Ashing regularly down the
water would be, for fisherman No. 2, absolutely useless. Then
consider this. It is generally supposed that the sloping outlet on each
side of such a place is always well worth a trial ; but punishment given
to the far side would complicate matters m no small degree, seeing
that the compulsory operation of picking up the line over the tenanted
lay-byes at each successive cast, would most likely frighten the fish
to death. Moreover, notwithstanding that it is an every-day practice
to use a dull looking fly in stillish waters, the real secret here is to
mount an exceptionally bright pattern with a body composed entirely
of silver tinsel.

This is about all that need be said, not only to show how severely
the second in command is likely to be handicapped, but also that
elaborate conditions require elaborate policies.

Of course, there must be a good deal of the conjectural about
what your predecessor has been doing, and a little information thereon
would form an essential element in determining what to do yourself.
What one would like to know amounts to this : The sort and size of
fly previously used, the number of times the water has been thrashed,
whether sticks were pitched in for the little terrier to retrieve (this is
not caricature), and what is still more important, how long a rest the

place has had. These mailers comprise lafonnaliun wliicli is ahiiost
indispensable.

To introduce Ihe more definile parliculars, an inslancc of
ascerlaining such desirable information — a vivid instance, one might
say — recently came under personal observation, and is sufficiently
interesting to be worth recounting in more or less detail.

While on the way towards a pool, the characteristics of which
have supplied the materials for our present consideration, a young
sportsman (not the one mentioned in the opening sentences),
approached in wet waders. On exchanging words, we learnt, not
from him, bythe-bye, but from the gillie— that the Slack, "literally
hlive with fish, had been tlirashed for three whole hours." After
getting a number of details relating to the i)roceedings, a distant
figure appeared, strolling steadily along with rod in hand. Feeling
certain that we were making for the same pool, and being close there
ourselves, we waited till he came up. On he came, and said : " You
seem to be courteously waiting for me ? "

" Certainly," one of us replied.

It was the lonely gentleman himself, ami lie then jnit a question
or two which came somewhat as a surprise.

" Kindly say why you give way. Was it because you saw that 1
was a stranger, or, knowing that some other chap had been here
beforehand, you meant to give the siiow a thorough good rest before
trying it yourself? "

Evidently, this was a man remarkably well-informed, and of no
end of salmon fishing experience.

T3eing unusually interested by his remarks, we, or rather 1,
expressed much pleasure in giving way under the circumstances, and

hazarded an opinion that it would be wholly impolitic for anybody to
put a fly over the pool just yet.

" Ah ! just so," and with one comprehensive glance which seemed
to take in the whole situation he continued, " then I hit on the reason
just now, didn't I ? "

" You did, and that's what struck me so much. At any rate, if
you come into the bothy till the storm is over, you shall hear all about
the ' other chap,' as you call him, and decide what to do."

It was a blinding snowstorm. We had no sooner sat down than
another incident occurred, the result of which increased my curiosity.

Bang went a champagne cork !

" That sounds well," he shouted, " but I say, if those fellows can
wade on their side it's all U. P., for I took particular stock of this pool
in passing by ; I twigged it at a glance. (' At a glance,' eh !) My
gillie Charles lived near here and told me about this singular piece of
water last night. This morning I sent over to his lordship, asking
permission to put a fly down it. I may just tell you that a lady
staying at the Lodge is an intimate friend of mine ; but after all I
should be far better pleased to see you have a shot at it yourself."

" Not for the world," was the reply, in a tone of unshaken
firmness.

The sky soon began to clear. In the meantime, Charles (his
gillie), having been industriously engaged in getting the tackle ready,
stood "at attention," and while clutching a i6-ft. rod that carried a
No. 4 line, to which was attached four feet of thin but round salmon
gut — the precise tackle for the occasion — he glanced smilingly at a
batch of thin-bodied light-winged flies intended for the bottom of the
Slack, and remarked — " They'll soon be showing down there, the

clnuds will all disappear before very lonsj."

" Don't interrupt, Charles, for I sec a chance higher up, and it
would be idle to speculate in ignorance upon the fly required, which
will be easily selected when I'm in possession of all the facts. I want
to hear what else you have to say " (turning to me).

After explaining what had transpired, he questioned nie on tlie
nature of the boulder at the nose of the Slack. " Is it always there, or
is it a logan ? ' For of course you know that the choice and method
of using a fly at these places depends upon where the fish lies. If the
catch is close up, one's fly is very different in character from the sort
wanted for a fish lying some distance below a boulder transported
from its native bed."

" Yes, alwaj-s there, and a very deceptive rock it is."

" Ah-ah " (he continued) " sometimes no good reason can be
assigned for choosing the wrong fly, or presenting it the wrong way,
but still there are times when victory is organised out of such mistakes.
Any way, it would puzzle the devil himself without information to
detect a hedgehogt in such deep water as this, and I guess it is one."

At last, after a prolonged chat over the ]iros and cons, the
sportsman created astonishment by taking from his waistcoat pocket a
variet)' of " Iconise " having peculiar qualities.

"Goodness! " (I observed) "then }-oti have mastered hedgehogs,
have you ; but what would the anti-evolutionist say if he happened to
see this fly of yours ? "

* N.B. A lojan. often of larpre size, i.s a boulder that rocks at certain heiRlits of
water, and ttien it is easily detected bv a slight discolouration caused by its action. It
has a ridge at the base which may poise the stone so as to rock from side to side, or
lengthways.

t Hedgehogs are fully dealt with in Chapter II

" That is just what I should enjoy. To prove the effect of these
special patterns to such people, is the only chance of making an in-
effacable impression upon them. It would, indeed, be a keen
satisfaction to me to have an opportunity of doing so, for there is no
sport in which precipitated action is more pronounced, and more
unyielding than salmon fishing."

" And when one considers " (I continued) " that an infinitesimal
number appear to be aware of the existence of the law of advance —
the law which must be respected and maintained- it seems almost
characteristic of our national want of clear thinking. Still, these
matters do not affect the full significance of the truth one iota.
Whatever be said to tlie contrary, every new special fly, tliat establishes
itself so thoroughly as The Sun Fly and others, is simply the product
of evolution, which in its turn is the product of environment.
However, I am fully of the opinion that 'the language of flies,'
differing as it does in different places, could be reduced in a very few
years to one uniform kind, provided a given set of principles were
enforced and practised generally. As things are, the highest success
can only be attained by discovering, not a policy to be initiated but the
policy to be pursued. It follows, therefore, that the highest success
nowadays depends entirely upon the correct reading of the technical
points which control the methods of procedure ; and to become familiar
with these points, varying as they do on this, that, and the other river,
necessitates incessant travel, incessant investigation, and a thorough'
knowledge of the effect of flies under all conditions."

" That is the secret of the whole thing " (he replied) " in fact, one
wants to be brought up at the feet of Gamaliel at such times as these."
And on mounting the fly designed for his purpose, he whispered : —

TIPS. 93

" Come nlontj witli mo, and . . . ."

" One minute, it may seem superfluous, but just tell these people
outright wliy you prefer this one little catch."

And he hammered out an answer, hangjing with tension upon
every sentence, and emphasizing words by a smack on tiie deal table
with closed fist. " This pool must be a mystery to most. Happily
we have both fully passed the novice stage, passed the class of men
who merely trade upon tradition. We know it's useless to try to fight
the battle of to-day with the tools, the methods of yesterday. We
must fight here on a totally different policy to that of olden times.
No matter hcnv ii>cU a fellow is equipped, no matter licw much he
understands the use and effect of flies, or Iwiv ivcll he propels them,
here he must fail unless he is a clever student of tlie new methods.
The peculiarity of the situation may some day make itself felt, even
to the Man in the Street. The essential condition at this one spot is
to consider what is likely to happen. Listen ! If I get a fish at the
boulder, well and good. If I don't, I'll taj<e good care to stone it
well, for as soon as I start at the tail, some of the tenants lingering
there will assuredly move up. One of them, as you know, might
fancy the spot if it is unoccupied, and everyone knows that a fish will
take a proper fly directly it leaves one place and reaches another,
whether far or near. Of course, I don't include ' potted fisli." "

The professor had so far plumbed the mystery for In'msclf, any
wn)-, and his movements were watched with intense interest.

Avoiding hurry, he stationed himself some twenty yards above

* Potted fish are those which, having loitered behind, are so well educated by
being constantly thrashed and occasionally hooked, that they will rarely rise to flies
or take baits of any sort.

g-1 TIPS.

the boulder, regarding the prospect around him with subdued deHght.
After making three casts, pulhng out a yard of Hne each time, he
waded out of the water as quietly as he waded in. Stepping on shore
he said, with becoming equanimity, " difficulties afford opportunities,
and, if tackled as such, may be overcome. Now, sir, shall we get a fish
out of there yet ? " — glancing at me with a smile of wistful
interrogation, and shying a huge stone or two slaji into the catcli.

The exact reply does not come to mind, but it was to the effect
that, as he had managed things so thoroughly in agreement with my
own views, it would not be long before he put a fly over the tail, and
then he remarked : " How incredible it seemed that, in salmon fishing,
as in every other field of sport, people in general were so averse from
basing their line of action on principles of any sort or kind. Of
course, as we see here," he added, " events may so shape themselves
that an immediate change of policy becomes imperative ; nor do I
deny that any study which appeals exclusively to tlie imagination, is
wont sometimes to lead the best living judge into delusion."

" just so," we both nodded ; and I ventured an opinion thnt, all
forms of philosophy must begin from some standpoint, wliile b)- way
of further approval, 1 observed that experience liad slowly but surely
revealed the incontestable fact that certain flies preserved their
beneficial effect under the same circumstances and conditions as those
under which they previously succeeded.

" There he is, sir, keep your waders on," interposed Charles, who
was immediately commissioned to remount " llmt very same fly."

A fish had actually crept up into the same little catch already.
In less time than it takes to say what happened, a salmon scampered
up stream with the hook in its jaw, jumped, and away it went none

TIPS. 95

the worse for the interview.

" Thought so, llie rascal took me on tlic surface and (hdn't turn

to flgilt."

I5ul wliat a fine example this affords of the effect of a special fly!
What an excellent lesson to those too prone to give way to the puerile
iflea that only three or four flies are all one wants! " Louise," specially
adorned, is one of the best patterns for these places.

This was not the only lesson afforded at the pool by any means,
yet very forcibl}' has the scene so far illustrated a change of policy it
were folly to ignore. It practically amounts to this : That while the
average performer fishes his every-day fly in the usual manner, some
distance in front of a salmon lying in ordinary catches, the master
hand, alive to the fact that at " hedgehogs " he has to present his lure
straight as an arrow and close over the nose of the fish for it to be
seen and recognised at all, selects a certain pattern characterised
by those specific elements that have many times been the backbone
of his former triumphs. And this we need not hesitate to accept as
a fair example of modern diplomacy and progress.

Charles, disappointed and using the truest drawing-room
language, sneaked to the bothy unseen and prepared the table for the
mid-day meal. " Come on in, gentlemen," he soon called out, " you'll
have a good few minutes to yourselves now, as the threatening storm-
clouds above mean real business this time. Lunch is ready for you,
and besides, his lordship is heading this way to talk, talk, talk."

The usual complimentary observations over, including a few
words extolling the tactics the fisherman had pursued, the proprietor
asked him to fully explain the peculiarities of the Slack, and by what
method it should be fished, excusing himself on the ground that so

many of his friends failed there.

"If tlie explanation is to be in the least profitable," these are the
words he used, " it is absolutely impossible to tell you without
seeming, not only to call in question the actions of a gentleman, who,
to say the least, made a fearful commotion here from half-past eight
till half-past eleven, but also that of the official under whose direction
your pools are generally fished."

This appeared to have an unusual effect. The language, though
measured, was convincing in substance ; the words were spoken in
deadly calm, and listened to in deadly calm also ; but there could be
no mistaking the significance which lay behind them.

" Pray go on, never mind that," retorted his lordsliip, who in a
whisper to me intimated that he believed he had met a man of
common sense, and with a very uncommon amomit of knowledge on
anghng matters ; " pray go on," he repeated, " tell me just what you
think is wrong."

" Very well. To place, safely, half-a-dozen men on their proper
pools in three miles of water is no easy undertaking, I admit ; but to
put a novice on a Slack, where the betting is twenty to one "

" What ! On his catching a fish ? "

" No. On his spoiling it for another who understands how to get
one ; to allow, I say, a novice to approach such water is to reveal a
weakness of judgment no words can express. No wonder your water
gives bad returns."

" Ah," observed his lordship, " we're not up to all that here, but
your indictment is the more forcible bemuse it is delivered in a cool,
temperate, and business-like manner, free from the appearance of all
selfish motives. My foreman, though a good shot, is a poor fisherman ;

TIPS. 97

still, he prides iiinisclf on being imparlial, and tells mc he likes to give
all a chance in turn."

" Yes ; but, as you rather imply, the common and widespread
mistake of priding one's self in that way arises from a lack of
knowledge, foresight, and judgmeni ; and, mind \-ou, it invariably
results in leaving the larder enipt)', though the run of fish be never so
large."

This revelation fell like a bombshell on the ear of the noble Inrd.
It made a profound impression upon him, and, turning to me, he
acknowledged that my view, which on previous occasions had been
expressed, had received complete confnmation.

Continuing, the veteran said : " It would be difficult to measure
the damaging effect produced this morning ; such a Catch as this
always abounds in points of interest, which, even under favourable
circumstances, usually tax one's resources to the utmost limit.
Nevertheless, the preliminaries of the scheme for getting a fish
' on ' at the lower part are easy to compass, but to keep him in
custody there, to prevent him slipping ' off,' calls for a line of action,
fatal as a rule, but absolutely insejiarable from the only effectual
policv. However, I shall begin by telling your lordship that my turn
came just now with no good results, but still I hope to show that, by
adopting a widely different scheme presently, a similar mishap to
that which occurred can, and may be avoided."

" Lost a fash, did you ? "

" Yes, at the boulder ; and so, for the present, I must devote my
attention to those rising at the tail. Allow me to suggest that if you
can convince yourself by ocular demonstration of the separate scliemes
suitable for each place, it would save me from entering into a long

and technical explanation."

" Very well, they are often jumping at the tail, but I am told that
a fly there is next to useless ; at any rate, when they do come at one,
all my friends, with the exception of one old hand, let them get away."

" Well, I am pretty sure I could get them to come when they had
not been scared beforehand, but the job is to hook them, and after
that to liold them. If a fellow gets hold of one and it goes up stream
— it will want a lot of coaxing to do that — the fish is doomed, but if
it goes down stream, which is a much more likely alternative, his
tackle is doomed, as the seedling alders there prohibit all pursuit."

" Oh, the alders shall be cut to the ground within a day or two."

As a fine fish had been lost through them some few days
previously, this decision of his lordship was most acceptable, and was
about to be so acknowledged, when the hero of the day exclaimed,
with convincing animation, that " four feet should be left standing to
form a screen for your friends during the coming grilse season."

" Now," said the Laird in dignified solidity, " let us see the way
you fight the battle out yourself, for the scheme you alluded to must
be well worth witnessing."

Familiar with the long-sought secret of stopping a runaway fish
by giving him line, the old campaigner, who had waited patiently for
a bright interval, eventually hooked and managed a fish witlr
wonderful accuracy. He first had to half-distance the rapid, the
sloping character of which rendered it rather difficult to wade. At the
farther corner of the Slack he then dropped his lightly dressed
" Silver Grey," and in an instant demonstrated the operation indis-
pensable for keeping the fly up and going — a mechanical act, the
successful execution of which marks more than could anj'thing else,

TIPS. 99

one's skill and efficiency. By aid of a matlicmatically precise
movement of the rod towards tlic near l)anl<, and of a gentle drawing
in one foot of line at a time, the fly sailed, though as yet to no purpose,
right across this piece of almost standing water, in a natural and most
alluring manner. Then the angler struck a course sideways and made
for the bank. " Fortune," said he, " seems to frown on me, but should
she favour me next time (and at this spot fortune, as well as intelli-
gence, must always play a considerable part), I shall have a better
chance of unsheathing the gaff a shade higher up than I should have
had here ; at any rate, the fish will have room to turn, and then there
wi.uld he a hctler chance of puUin;^ the iionk liomc."

iXlive, alert, and free from unwarranted optimism, liic persevering
sportsman, after a nip of whisky neat, " for the water is icy cold,"
changed his fly for a similar patleni somewiiat larger, and then
planted himself quite three }'ards higjier up the ri\er than before.
Turning an ear, deaf as an adder's, to his host crying vivaciously " the
fly is miles too big," tJic wily angler, whose tactics turned out to be
identical witii those previously observed, drew yet another blank and
shrewdly remarked: "Bother that retriever! I wish the keeper
would ])a(k him off to the place where the angels come from, or shut
him in the iioth)'. The salmon can see every hair of the smallest dog
floundering about on the bank like that."

Presently, wlien the fly in its second passage across reached the
midille of tlie catch, the angler rherked the movement of the rod to
make the fly stop short. Then, in the most encouraging tones, we
heard : " Now's the time, gentlemen, mind and keep a sharp
look-out ! "

After a brief interval, a moment or two of breathless excitement.

one slight tug of the hne, compelling the fly to jump a little forward,
resulted in favour of the fisherman. "There he is! Got him — got
him ! My, what a weight on this hne tackle ! "

True enough, a salmon had got well hold of the fly, obligingly
turned, dived to the bottom, and indulged in a fit of the sulks. Then
compliments began to fly.

His lordship excitedly observed : " Could anything in this lovely
world of ours afford such a slice of fortune, as my luck in meeting
with this extraordinary man ! He simply inspires confidence. He
gives one the impression of being surrounded by a certain nimbus of
imaginative suggestion. His remarks leave the conviction of grasp,

application, thoroughness, and complete masteiy of essentials

No wonder my water has given such bad returns," continued his
lordship, who had winced when the Professor spoke of the blunders
made in sending men to their places, but who now made a remark
that betokened a quickness of observation. For he cried: "Bravo!
You avoided disaster with consummate ease ; you stopped his slipping
' off,' as you said, by the ingenious device of dropping the point of
your rod at the supreme and critical moment when, otherwise, I

suppose he would have started to go down stream I see him

— I see him! I hope you won't lose him now, for the ladies are
coming along, full of excitement."

" Ah," chimed in the angler, " but it's a little premature to
speculate with an)' confidence upon the ultimate result, because the
rascal is hooked in the back. Any way, I won't excite him, nor make
any rash attempt to endanger success in the end."

The salmon had jumped out of water close to us. We distinctly
saw that he was hooked near the back fin, and (liat he was not as

large as \vc expected. Every face Uinied Inwards tlie angler. Every
car strained In hear what lie flashed out on the advantagi; of fine
tackle. Hut, pcrh.ips, the tactics pursued should be explained while
the fish lay sulking.

With the rod scarcely bending, the angler backeil inch by inch
nearer the shore, and soon stepped on terra firiiia. As good as his
word, instead of exciting the fish — a practice alwa}-s to be strongly
deprecated— the Professor stood still as a mouse for fully ten minutes.
At the expiration of that time, the fish evinced a determination to
make up stream. To the very neck of the pool did it siioot, marking
its course by a marvellous succession of " ducks-and-drakes " the
whole way uj). At every leap the point of the rod instantly curtsied.
Nothing could be nicer, or more opportune.

" It's mine now for a pony. I never mind the iiook being where
it is in a pool of this sort, so long as some one is with me in waders."

This significant remark came forth in tones of such easy flow and
soft modulation of voice, that an unenlightened spectator might well
have thought he was listening to the simplest of [ilatitudes. I slipped
on my wading trousers in the bothy. The hvlies, dull and vexed
because they knew what hooking in the back usually meant, looked
in each other's faces and read one unspoken thought there common to
all — disappointment.

" If my fine gut doesn't get cut by a rock, I'm thinking it's strong
enough for tlie job," urged the Professor, perfecll\- at home in the
particular treatment of the whole business. Then someone lent a
little encouragement, by remarking that the rod could not be in better
hands, and that one of us would go at once and station himself in the
rapid below, as sooner or later the fish will have to be steered on the

bosom of the heaving waters, straight down towards him and the gaff.
" But," lie continued, " it may be twenty minutes before I can get him
to ride tlie current motionless."

" Never mind, go one must, and there one must stop, for who can
say how long the scramble may last before a fish, hooked in like
manner, will bob up here and there and drift down stream with no
further strength iir him."

To be very explicit, from two or three minutes' chat with the
ladies en route, and ' from information received," suspicion was roused
in more ways tlian one. At all events, the channel through which the
day's fishing had been granted was as plain as pikestaff.

All continued to go smoothly. The audience, chiefly unaccus-
tomed to the sport, stood by and kept perfectly quiet. Nothing, in
fact, interfered with the Professor in the e.xecution of what is usually
considered a ticklish task. From the distance the fish was seen by
the gaffer to rise to the surface again and again, always displaying
that increased weakness which foreshadows the inevitable ending. It
had been so played — given line when floundering about, and shown
the butt when settling down — that in him not a single kick remained.
And then, dead-beat, he rode crosswise on the current towards the
assistant in the waist-deep stream, whereon nothing remained but to
deliver the eoiip de graee with the commonest of ease.

Restrained in triumph as inflexible in disaster, and no less nobly
proof against the insidious temptations of success than he was proudly
unshaken at the boulder under ruder trials of adversity, the modest
angler now faced the audience and extorted the admiration of all.

," Ah," observed his lordship, " it has indeed been a great and
signal victory; the work we have witnessed is of importance, and

I03

shall transform all my plans in future."

Many sustained cheers sprang from the sunny row of openly
happy ladies, especially from one radiant with delight and bubbling
over with rapturous enjoyment at what she saw and heard.

The Professor bowed his acknowledgments. One of the two
grandmammas present beckoned the gaffer aside and whispered some
praises of the lady who, he was given to understand, had been
engaged for years, and yet had only seen " this wonderful mixture of
kindness, manliness, and weakness once during the whole time."

The gaffer simply repeated the words, manliness and weakness,
interrogatively.

" Yes, and we all know that manliness and weakness in him are
so allied, that they who judge him by his exploits here, see but the
single side."

There is the story in its simplicity. The regular succession of
facts are faithfully recorded. Consent was given to publish them,
under a promise to withhold names and places, and hide from view
certain other matters so as to defeat all recognition.

But how sad the sequel! And yet the general leadcr, if there
be one, may like to peruse a modified account of what followed on.

To put it briefly, all dined together at the Lodge in the
evening. Long before the ladies left the table, a lengthy conversation
on flies, and the modern system of using them, had taken place. All
present were equally attentive, equally silent (with one exception),
equally strained in the desire to catch the exact meaning of every
argvmirnt aildured. The hero of the day imjircssed us more than ever
with the idea that he was no mere knight of the carpet, but a
flshcrman who knew all there is known about the whole business.

I04

But withal, as inferred, this was not the only impression he made,
far from it. For once during the conversation — this marks the
exception — a particular lady arrested attention by pronouncing with
an all-conquering smile and that silent blush " none else might
understand than hearts allied," that she felt as if she were on the bank
of the river and watching the very operations which were so clearly
and convincingly explained. She, moreover, right nobly endorsed her
fascinating remarks by confirming a written promise made to sacrifice
both hand and heart !

But — oh irony! — it was not to be. Our gallant hero contracted
a chill tramping home wearily in the lethal mists of midnight, and
although he had avowed with startling clearness that the marriage
ceremony should not long be postponed, the avowal, after all, received
no confirmation in the temple of Hymen, but fell into the hands of the
recording Angel of Death. Our friend passed away like the shadow
of a sailing cloud !

It may, however, be advisable to revert for a few moments to the
matter of a salmon being hooked in the back.

^ We may thoroughly rely upon it that the chances of getting such
a fish in the manner described, are considerably in one's favour. But
should the fisherman be alone, what is his only safe plan to pursue in
such an emergency ?

Certainly not to endeavour to hasten matters at ihe beginning by
using brute force, but rather to put on a due amount of strain and get

I05

into a commanding position as quickly as pussiblc. In other words,
to get nearly opposite the work, where the battle nuist be fought with
the rod moderately bent until the fish comes passively to the surface,
and no longer plays the game of hide and seek. At that golden
moment the drift down stream begins. Then, under given conditions,
tiie fish will probably abstain from diving until made to do so just
prior to taking a last farewell of his native element.

The conditions which govern the operations from that time
onward, are dependent upon material circumstances. The effect of a
clear course in modif)-ing the conditions of trans]3ortation, is in
nothing so important as in the absence of trees and bushes, over which
the line could not be taken b}' tlie " steersman." An inordinate
strain consequent upon eui increased rapidity of the water is easily
compensated for by giving line. E.xposed boulders intervening are
as a mere nothing in general. On coming to one, from which it would
seem dangerous to haul the fish, it is advisable to slacken line. But
it requires an adept in these manoeuvres to guide a fish through a
rapid, so as to keep up a perpetual uniformity of strain ; whilst it
would amount to a work of supererogation to pretend to describe the
hundred and one policies to pursue. Suffice it to say that the lighter
the fish is held the better.

On reaching the spot desired at the shallow water, the strain must
be suddenly relaxed, when the fish will sink to the bottom, and, if he
has any heart left, will wriggle into a position facing up river. The
angler now hastens on and wades into the water twelve to fifteen
yards below the fish, and takes care to get into a direct line of him.
All he has to do then is to hold up the rod as before, and while the
fL-,li, utterly exhausted, floats down to him, he winds in line so as to

io6

keep up the strain, and finally uses the gaff.

In case the fish cannot be followed to a shallow place, it is better,
precarious though it be, to submit to the only time-saving alternative,
namely, to hold firmly on and chance the tackle bearing the strain.

To show, however, what can be done by the safer method,
perhaps one's own experiences should be recalled.

Fishing on one occasion at Carlogie, I steered a salmon of 1 8 lbs.
a distance of five hundred yards or more before reaching a place of
safety. The fish, hooked behind a boulder fifty yards above " Jock
Ray," was gaffed at the very bottom of " Clay Pots." The formation
of the river and the run of the water simplified matters, and yet it was
necessary to let the fish sail through the " Calm Pool " at least sixty
yards ahead of the rod.

Upon another occasion, during a visit to the Usk — a river which,
in my opinion, is exceedingly well preserved — a row of high bushes
necessitated a longer line than that. The fish sailed from " Weaver's
Pool," all the way down to the shallow water just above " Church
Meadow." It weighed 24 lbs., and was hooked late in the afternoon
of the last day of the season 1881.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

107

J. C. CORDING & CO.'S

SPECIALITIES FOR SALMON FISHING.

AND EVERY WATERPROOF REQUISITE FOR THE flNGUER.

Improvements from suggestions of practical Fishermen, and the experience
of many years.
TiiK "Field" iiii lonj,' iit,'0 as 1H70 remarked of our Roods :—" As roRanls qiiality
they have been too long before the public to fail in that respect."

Only Addresses: 19, PICCADILLY, Corner of Air 5t., W.;
and 35, ST. JAMES'S STREET, comer of JermynSt.,W.

BURBERRYS,

31, HaymarKet, London,
and Basingstoke.

THE SLIP-ON COAT AND SKIRT.

Recommended of either "Gabardine" or '■ Shimber " Combine; the former where
thorns, brambles or gorse have to be contended with, the latter for extreme lightness. Either
C'ombine may be rehed on in pLace of MaLintosh, and is healthful to wear, fine or wet. Fish-
hooks will not hang up in them. The Outfit is light and free ; warm without weight and proof
without heat.

"Garmentsfor hard wear and sport, giving perfect freedom of movement.'' — The ()L'K1£N.

109

CHAPTER V.

WADING.

Fisliermen are aware tliat not a little depends on the make and
material of our waders. Tlie heavy trowsers of yore, with straps and
seamy feet, unquestionably <jave rise to a deal of dissatisfaction, from
the fact of their liability to injure the constitution. In thick waders,
even men skilled from practice are constantly overwhelmed with
fatigue, and realise most fully that they are stuffy and far too
oppressive for physical endurance. Tliis being the case, it affords
me as much pleasure to write, as it will give the angler to read, that a
light material, which offers inducements and not obstacles to one and
all alike, has been introduced, at Newcastle-on-Tyne, by Mr. H. A.
Murton. The crowning feature of this material, which passes under
the name of " Murton's 53 T," rests on the fact that it is absolutely
devoid of any tendency to create excessive perspiration which, in the
past, has often been h fertile source of vexation, and sometimes very

deleterious to health. The real benefits derived from the new
texture are so encouraging, and so obviously manifest, that the ques-
tion as to whether the waders made of it will or will not last quite so
long as the antiquated stuff, is rendered unworthy of consideration.
One thing may be predicted with absolute certainty, and that is, that
all stout waders, including those of sateen which once ruled the
market, will soon become obsolete, and that the modern sort, wliich
have a salutary effect, will quickly assert their superiority, increase in
favour of the people by leaps and bounds, and defy all competition.

With regard to brogues, some prefer boots, others shoes. The
latter are to be commended, as the ankles have free play — a con-
sideration not to be despised on coming against a hidden boulder,
when rapidity of motion is usually one's only salvation. The soles
made for my use, by Cording of Piccadilly, of course with heels, arc
three-quarters of an inch thick, the nails are very large and not pul
too close together.

A water-tight boot for those, who from choice or necessity fish
from the bank, is almost indispensable. We all shift our waders and
don our ordinary walking shoes, or the knee-high " Springfield " boots
supplied by The London Shoe Co., on moving to a place better
fished from land than water. Griffen's (Reading) Preservative keeps
them soft and water-tight for years.

Wading is easier than it seems at first sight, despite the scribe
who contends that: —

" The wisest and best some fear may show,

And wish to stay, though they resolve to go,
Sometimes rcsol\cd to face the gulf, and then
Wade to the bank and there stop short again."

At any rale, in rapids an alpenstock should form part of our
impedimenta, as the firmer we hold ourselves the better for us in all
respects. It has already been shown, that to secure personal safety,
we must stand sideways witii tlie lei^^s set wide apart; but in ad-
vancinij on no account siiould llie front leg take the first step. T1«j
front leg feels the way after tlic other leg is fixed, and then the
foot " digs in " and plants itself till the next move.

In getting bark up stream, lean the body well against the current,
travel sideways and drag the alpenstock towards you from the rear
before each step. Avoid treading on boulders, eind you will probably
escape a ducking.

In crossing a ford move slowly and plant the wading stick down
stream, slightly in front.

Should any difficulty arise in the case of quicksand, clear the
sand away with the gaff, so as to laise the heel first.

Guard against ice and other floating debris by frequently
looking up river.

Wading in thick waders is less injurious in Spring and Autumn
than in Summer. In cold weather, plenty of underclothing makes
one feel warmer m the water than out of it. In hot weather, seize
every opi)ortunity to air the waders, for the effect of the moisture,
which invariably escapes from the body, is liable to result in the
entire loss of the legs when forced back upon the pores of the skin.
Fortunately, however, tiie thin waders absolve us from this
obligation.

Beyond all information from even cleverly-written instruction,
the novice should carefully observe the actions of an adept.

Memory — that inexhaustible source of pure refreshment —

mournfully brings back the philosophy of a busy brain which, like the
sun by night withdrawn from mortal eye, no longer pursues its track-
less flight in exploring the mysteries of our art.
But who has not lost a friend ? — who indeed !
Haslam — poor fellow ! — used to advise his guests to take notice
of a certain individual, and doubtless that same individual deserved
all the study and admiration enjoined by the King of Carlogie in his
bright Highland home. But for all its eloquence and adaptation, his
written instruction pinned up in the hall did but slightly indicate the
way in which that wonderful wader (familiarly called the " B," after
the little insect that wings its way anywhere) taught " the art of order
to a peopled kingdom."

But tlie " star wader " of Rothes, puts to shame the wildest
wonders — the mightiest magic of Deeside knights. For among the
most astounding antics in waders, according to Archibald Forbes in
his letter (20 June, '91) to the Field, this remarkable performer gets
through inaccessible depths of the Spey by treading water, and in
addition to this, casts a long line on the way!

The secret, however, of the performance of tliis feat was not re-
vealed, or what a time we should all have ! The amusing and un-
daunted writer — in his capacity as a " dead certain " correspondent in
the art of war where he may justly have been regarded as " facile
princeps " — found himself slightly out of his depth by the side of a
salmon river, where only his fervid imagination can have saved him,
and his friend, from being whelmed beneath its swirling current.

In ordering wading stockings get them made six inches longer
than usual, or so that they reach the top of the legs.

After use turn waders, of either sort, inside out at once, and

when dry turn them back again. Waders arc licttcr dried out of
doors than in front of a fire. W'lien they have been used for a
fortniglit, wear them for one day turned inside out.

India-rubber boots cannot be turned, but tiic lining is quickly
dried by heating a pint or so of small beans and initting them insirie.
If after this treatment the lining is still damp, repeat the process.

It is an engaging sight to witness the refined manners of a lady
accustomed to handle a salmon rod, and put out a line by the
different methods of casting. No doubt this is seen to the best ad-
vantage in bank fishing, where the question of dress is more a matter
of fancy than of necessity. Were it not for a certain deeply ingrained
conservatism in adorning themselves with apparel so unadapted to
easy exertion that physical exhaustion readily sets in, we should
enjoy their company more frequently.

The two things ladies most need are full freedom of action, and
a material impervious to rain. It is, therefore, with confidence that
the fair reader's attention is drawn to the accompanying engraving.

In very cold weather a tweed jacket lined with fliumel is most
serviceable. This is shown by the illustration on the right hand side
of the picture. In wet weather a waterproof cape of gabardine is
worn over this jacket ; so that with the skirt of the same material a
lady is well protected from the elements, come what may. The
" field " boots, of brown leather, specially made for this purpose by
The London Shoe Co., are a combination of boot and gaiter. They
fasten at the top with three straps and buckles, and are laced over the
instep. They arc made with rather wide welts, and a sole nearly
half-an-inch in thickness ; in fact, these boots are suitable for every
condition of weather and give complete satisfaction.

COSTUMES AnAPTED TO WADING AND BANK FISHING.

TIPS. 1 1 5

For wading many ladies of my ncquaintaiicc prefer riiobcr water-
proof below and tweed above — a combination which is commonly
called " half waders," and originally introduced in Norway. The
lady on the left hand side of the picture, attired in a thoroughly
up-to-date costume, patronises these waders, o\er the feet of which
are the socks, made by Joseph Glciiwri^ht, of Wark-on-Tyne, and
the shoes by Cording, of Piccadilly. Ilcr jacket (having pockets
sufficiently large to hold Farlow's Aliuiiiniuin 1"1\- Hox) together with
her cap and skirt, are of Burberry's Gabardine. This material is far
superior to an)- rubl)er waterproof. For its man)- advantages see
page 152.

THE
LATEST SYSTEM OF DRESSING LINES.

In connection witli this branch of the subject, if any one matter
of daily anno)-ance has occujiied our attention and alisorbed our
thoughts more than another, it surely must be laid to the charge of
that malignant complaint known as " knuckling." A knuckled line
not only baffles the best of us in working a short length over a pool
hedged in by trees, but paralyses every effort to cover distant fish
resting in open quarters. Permanent troubles, such as these
obviously require a good deal of close examination ; and in my own
endeavour to fuid the deciding factor here, the matter has never been

Il6 TIPS.

allowed to drop out of sight. Dressing lines is an occupation always
intensely interesting, and yet, to obtain complete mastery over the
whole business, it seemed, as it has proved by my own experiments
merely a question of getting a suitable oil properly refined, a safe and
sound method of applying it, and then making the surface smooth
and glossy with materials specially made Tor the purpose.

In all respects this has been achieved in a manner at once
gratifying and satisfactory.

Salmon fishermen may remember an ingredient mentioned in the
first edition of " The Salmon Fly," in which the dresser could steep
his line and get it ready for use in a few weeks. Following the par-
ticulars, given in detail, came another method of preparation by
means of a single cylinder air pump, together with a better material
than the other for dressing purposes. Of these two plans, anglers
generally understood that the former— a dolce far nicnte kind of
business, fit only for old women of both sexes— would, without doubt,
give way to better expedients. In respect to the latter device, so
capricious are the ordinances of Fate, it came to pass that the sort of
air-pump in use did not reach the expected success. I myself antici-
pated a complete cure for the complaint mentioned, but experience
proved that the process only prolonged the life of the line for a
certain number of years.

As shown in the engraving, we have here a double cylinder air
pump. Let me hasten to put on record the different effect of this

machine, wliicli can be had at Baker's establishment, 224, High
Ilolborn.

THE DOU13LK CYLINDER AIR-I>UMP.

On trying liic two pumps together witii llie "Kelson Lines" —
beautifully made in all sizes for the trade by Morris Carswell, 90,
Mitchell Street, Glasgow — incredible as it may sound to the un-
initiated, it was soon seen that the double cylinder pumj) extracts
more air from the line, and consequently that more oil finds its way
into the silk. In this respect, obviously, it must have very im]-)ortant
results. Nor does it require an intimate knowledge of the intricacies of
pneumatics to offer an exjilanation of this somewhat remarkable fact.

By the former pump, for instance, onl)' a certain amount of air could
be extracted, because at a given stage the power required to work the
piston is greater than a man can apply. But in the double action we
have the mechanical advantage of a " rack and pinion," together with
the resultant thrust of the air on the descending piston which assists
in driving the other piston up. Hence, the object of impregnating
the silk to the very utmost is effected by creating a vacuum as perfect
as possible. And this receives ample confirmation by reason of the
time being considerably prolonged in the process of drying.

At this point it is desirable to note that rods, lines, winches, etc.,
are sold to the public in London and elsewhere as being of my own
type or invention ; but let it be distinctly understood that I am not
pecuniarily interested in the sale of any single article associated with
my name. The object, therefore, in recommending the lines just
mentioned, which can be had at any tackle shop dressed or undressed,
will be perfectly obvious to all.

In dressing them there is a first and second process, i.e., the
body dressing and the polishing: If the highest standard of excel-
lence is to be attained, neither process should be hurried, except on
one occasion to which allusion shall be made.

In the first process the line is packed in the tumbler sent with the
pump, and sufficient oil poured over to cover it. The tumbler is
then put on the table of the ]iump and the glass receiver set over it, as
shown in the engraving.

Great care should be exercised in packing the line in the tumbler.
On taking a new one from the cardboard box, get your servant to
place his two forefingers through the coils, as yet undisturbed, so that
they shall assume a vertical position. Now carefully cut away the

litllc ribbons that tic tlicm toL^'ctliri". You ran then pull and pack
cacli shofl Icn^'lli in the glass williout setting Tip a number of twists,
and creating ultimate misrliief. If the line were uncoiled at right
angles, the twists made in it would result in making the line kink
when used, but this docs not occur provided the hne is free from all
twist when hung up to dry.

As you progress in packing the line, push the amount deposited
every now and again down into the glass with a piece of metal cut in
the shape of a broad chisel. By this precaution sufificient room is
made for the froth which appears soon after the pumping begins.
Make the oil rather hot before pouring it into the tumbler, and keep
the coils beneath the surface by means of a piece of tin, scolloped and
perforated.

When this part of the work is completed, remove the screw from
the centre of the brass table and place the tumbler with its contents
upon the aperture. Now give the bottom rim of the receiver a thin
coating of mutton fat, or tallow candle, and place it on the Ijrass talile
in position. In doing so, gently press and turn the receiver back-
wards and forwards so as to secure the closest possible contact.
Then begin to work the pump.

When the bubbles rise to about half-an-inch from the top of the
tumbler suspend operations, or else an overflow will take place.
Left in that state for a few hours the bubbles will gradually dis-
appear, for the simple reason that a perfect vacuum cannot be
obtained. But, and this is the exception, you may exijcdite matters
at this one period by unscrewing the valve below the handle. This
lets in the air, the weiglit of which instantly crushes the bubbles and
drives the oil into all iiarts of the line whence thev came into cxis-

tence. So far, so good.

The next move is to refix the valve, when the pump can be
worked as before and just as often as circumstances necessitate. If,
for instance, a reasonably good vacuum is obtained, all beads and
bubbles will cease to appear after the pump has been worked six or
eight times. The bubbles and beads will decrease in amount as the
work proceeds, but the receiver should not be removed until they
cease to appear either in tlie oil or upon its surface.

The student, who regards this business as being too tedious for
him, may rest assured that he cannot get an ideal dressing by any
other known means.

The line has now to be dried out of doors, but it is better to
leave it in the dressing for a hne day than to hang it up in wet, or
even in damp, weather.

First cut three fairly stout props, say, as thick as a walking stick.
These are to support the line and prevent it from stretching. Also
get two stout sticks, say, as thick as your wrist, and fix one into the
ground chosen for the purpose. Now, without wasting an atom more
line than can be avoided, tie the end to the stick, man's height, while
your servant holds the tumbler beside you. Leave him there while
you ftx the props in a straight line with the stick, about thirteen yards
apart.

In taking the line out of the oil, get him to iiold it lightly between
his thumb and forefmger placed just above the tumbler, so that while
he walks back towards the first prop the surface oil drops into it.
Upon reaching the prop place the line in the fork j'ourself, being
careful not to allow the wet dressing to come in contact with the
ground. Continue to take the line from the oil in the manner

TIPS.

described, and finally tic the other end to the far stick.

In six or eight days, according to the condition of tlie weather,
llie dressing will begin to set, and then certain portions are likely to
appear somewhat lumiiy. Siiouki tiiis be so, catch the line gently
between the fingers of both hands and, with it so held, walk down the
whole length and back again. In thus smoothing the surface do not
rub off too much liquid. The operation may require repeating in wet
weather, after which the line may be left to dry. How long this
drying process will take is hardly possible to foretell, because so
much depends upon climate and atmospheric conditions.

Should rain fall in torrents while the surface oil is wet, the line
will probably assume a frothy appearance, and then you must use a
duster instead of your fingers to rub it smooth. But while even a
heavy rainfall will have no injurious effect ultimately, the duster may
necessitate another application of oil to fill up the interstices of the
plait. In giving this thin coating, use your fingers, though a piece of
rag will answer the purpose almost as well. In any case the line will
take some few months to dr}', e\en in air destitute of moisture like
that on the north side of the Grampians.

The chief point to bear in mind is that all further work must be
deferred until this body-dressing is absolutely dr}-. In order that
you should not be mistaken on this point, the following sure, but
rather severe test is given. Press, say, half-an-inch of the line at the
middle part by holding it between the forefinger and tliumb of both
hands. While thus held, press the line by bringing the hands
together as though you were trying to open the plaits of the silk, and
repeat tlie operation two or three times. If tlie plaits turn at a]l
while in appearance, the dressing is still moist ; if you cannot move

the plaits by this means, you can begin to rub tlic line, and so
prepare it for the polish.

The object here is to rub in such a way as to preserve the round-
ness of tlie line, and not make it oval in shape at any part.

Procure a piece of tlnck felt, sprinkle it with powdered pumice
stone, double it, place the line in the pad so formed, and proceed
strictly in accordance vvitli these instructions. With the fingers of
the right hand moving backwards and forwards, rub the surface of
about two or three feet at a time ; but remember that while so doing
it is imperative to twirl the line energetically, to and fro, between the
finger and thumb of the left hand. If you twirl quickly, the line will
maintain its shape. After rubbing the portion mentioned five or six
times in the manner described, " move on " — as the gentlemen in blue
say — and replenish the pad prior to further operations.

As soon as the surface is thus made perfectly smooth, closely
examine it the whole way, to see whether the interstices present a
hollow appearance. Should this be so, fill them^ up by the application
of another thm coating of the same oil. This coat will be quite dry,
if the weather is sunny, in a few days, when the final process can be
safely commenced.

It has now been ascertained beyond all doubt that the method of
dressing and polishing adopted at the present time is by far the best
ever tried. The line can be used in less time, and keep in better con-
dition for a much longer period. The special materials we use are
only to be had at Naylor Bros.', James Street, Oxford Street, London.
All dressers must clearly understand that in order to checkmate both
knuckling and stickiness it is absolutely necessary for them to obtain
their materials at this establishment. So superior are these goods to

123

all others, that no reliable results can be had without them. In fact,
if Naylor's materials are not used the body-dressing will remain in a
sticky condition for years and years, in which case the polish would
not dry. A sticky line must have a thin coat of tcrebene, which
should be put on and rubbed with the fingers as in polishing.

To polish a line, get a one-ounce bottle, and fill it three -parts
full of the special copal. Mix nothing with it. Shake the opened
bottle so filled against tlic ball of the right forefinger, twirl the line
as before, and with the wetted finger working backwards and for-
wards proceed to cover a few inches of the line all round. Repeat
this performance quickly until a length of nearly three feet is
moistened. Then, while the twirling continues, rub that much to and
fro smoothly and evenly, but take the fingers away directly you feel
the least sign of stickiness. To run over the whole line in this way
occupies a little more than hall-an-liour. The first coat should dry
out of doors in a day, provided the weather is bright and warm. The
second coat must not be api)licd until the first is quite dry. Three
coals may be gi\en with ail\antage should the line seem a trifle light
for the rod.

The appearance, the e.\cellinicc and durability of a line depend
upon the treatment of it. In order to preserve the plaits from decay,
and be able to put the line " where >'ou please," it should be reversed
on the winch after two months' fishing. At the end of another two
months, it should be run off the winch, fi.xed out of doors, and
polished as before.

Any portion of the salmon line is liable to come in contact witii
the rocks so violently as to iafiict a breach of its skin. The wound,
only superficial, should be healed at once bly giving it a few coats of

124

the oil with a camel's hair brush. Use as little oil as possible each
time. When dry, rub the patch to get it level and give it a coat or
two of polish.

If careful attention is paid to these matters, and Naylor's
materials are used, the body dressing will not be sticky, and the line
will never knuckle. Of course, the line siiould be dried after use,
and at the end of the season taken off the winch, coiled and hung up
in a dry place.

Special Note. The copal, which has been decided upon after
numberless experiments, is labelled Thin. But as the amateur rarely
gets his line smootli enough for polishing, one or two coats of the
other sort, labelled Stout, should be previously given, in which case
much time and trouble will be saved.

BURBERRYS,

31, Haymarket, London,
and Basingstoke.

THE ANGLER OUTFIT.

Consists of short Slips-on, a sleeved Waistcoat and KB F-recches Freedom is uniciue
PocUet^::^:^:;Uion^4.ead.^^^^^

SS;. K' f r qS:' F:'\iaro?Ho\t Ffshingnothingcould be nicer and if wadingthe
waders cov^r the waistcoat, while the Slips-on may be worn m or outs.de them.

We never had anything more comfortable and at the same time so rainproof."

Fishing CrAZF.TTE.

CHAPTER VI.
KNOTTING GUT CASTS.

Select eight strands so that when they are all tied together they
shall form a gradual taper from end to end. After soaking them for
twelve hours in soft water, coil four double strands separately, and
put the two thickest at the bottom of a tumbler of water. An easy
plan of keeping the coils apart from each other is to put a penny
piece upon them, one after the other, as they are immersed. Begin
by knotting the two finest strands. Coil this length and put it into
another tumbler of water. Continue in a similar manner throughout.

The process of knotting may be described thus : — Lay two ends
together so as to overlap each other as much as six inches, and hold
them between the left finger and thumb. Catch hold of the under
part of the lap and fold it back behind and above the work, so as to
make a loop which is to be held with the left fore-finger. Now bring
the point of it up towards you under the work, carry it on and place
it twice through the loop from you. You will then have reached the

12;

DIAGRAMS I AND 2.
Stage represented on the right hand side of the upper diagram No. I.
W'itiiout loss of time take hold of the end of that portion and pull it
fairly taut, but not hard enough to bruise the gut. Observe that in
this operation the portion forms a figure-of-eight of itself. Then re-
verse the work, left to right, and repeat the process at the other end.
As soon as that is done catch hold of the two strands, away from the
knot, and give a short, sharp pull to make the knot taut. Nip off the
waste with scissors.

If the knot is not close and neat as represented in the lower
diagram the probability is that too much time was taken up in
the tying, in which case the gut would become too dr}-. On the
other hand, it may be that the pull given to complete the knot was
not sufficiently sharp. At any rate, another soaking will be necessary
before a second attenii)! is mnrle.

KNOTTING EYED HOOKS.

As I have been asked for the correct method of " mounting " a fly
dressed on a turndown, metal-eyed hook, the following illustration is

128

given, not, however, witliout some reluctance, as these hooks are
wrong in theory and worse in practice. In use the fly with a metal
eye droops its tail, the one with a gut loop holds itself up and works
straight. It is claimed for the former that the eye is stronger than a
gut loop. But this is a misapprehension. If the treble gut, from
which the loop is formed, is of good quality and sufficiently twisted,

KNOT FOR THE METAL EYE.

and if the loop itself is thick enough and small enough, it would last
longer than the materials of the fly however well it were dressed.

Hold the eyed hook in the left hand upside down. Put the
point of the gut up through the eye, take it round on the far side and
bring it towards you under the hne, then up and over the line on the
near side ; carry it on towards the fly on the far side, put it through
the loop thus formed in the gut, and bring it on the near side of the
hook, as illustrated. Hold the point with the left thumb nail while
the knot is drawn nearly close, then put the other loop of the gut over
the eye, hold it down on the eye with the right thumb nail and pull
taut.

The knot for the gut loop is easily tied and untied, and is far
superior to all others. With this knot the fly always works properly.

;29

In tying it, linld the p.)int of tlic hook downwards, so that the
loop assumes a Iiorizonlal position. Diagram I shows tlie first part

KNOT FOR THE GUT LOOP.
Diagram i.

of the process, whicli requires no written details. When tlint part is
ready, pass the gut line from the near side at bottom under and round
the short end shown above it in the illustration, bring it over to the
near side, and then bend the short end back with tlie riglit fore-
finger and push it underneath tlie loop of the fly and through the loop
of the gut formed in the first part of the process.

Diagram :

Eegin the work b\ placing the left fore-finger and thumb on their
side of the loop of the fly. Put six or eight inches of the gut line up
through the loop, and place it over the nnil of the left fore-finger,
where it is to be' held by pressing the ball of the middle finger upon
it. With tiiis precaution the work is facilitated.

I30 TIPS,

WINCHES, Etc.

If nothing in the shape of fisliing tackle has come to stay, it
seems that the last thing to go will be the Patent Lever Aluminium
Winch. Wlien one comes to consider the advantages of this inven-
tion, it is not surprising to hear that Farlow, who had my permission
to take out the patent, has not received a single complaint of it from
any of his customers. Upwards of three thousand of them are in use,
and this speaks volumes for the maker's work.

THE " KELSON ALUMINIUM WINCH.
Made of alloyed aluminium, this winch can be regulated to any
stiffness at will. The alloy used by- Farlow, who is the sole maker, so
hardens the aluminium that it stands the work quite as well as
brass. Comparatively, it is very considerably lighter in weight.
The one i have is one of the first lot made, and though it has been
in constant use for years it is none the worse for wear. This may, in
some measure, be accounted for by the fact of its being " silent," i.e.,
without a ratchet-wheel. It measures 4 '4 inches in diameter, weighs

131

only 13 uuiiccs, and carries 1 51) )'ards of line, that is to say, 42 \-ards
of running line " married " to a thin bark line (see page 149).

Another contrivance to stiffen the winch has been introducer] by
Hardy Bros., and though it only affects the drum wiien the line is
drawn out, there is no question as to the adsancemenl in worth.
Their iimfusel)- illustrated catalogue, which can be had cm a])plica-
tion, gives tiie engraving, together with all i)articulars for working
the regulator. The same firm have a new winch called the " Silcx."
However, this is for spinning, and although this book is not intended
to descant in rii h, mellifluous verbiage on that unbending branch of
salmon fishing, tiic winch is by far the best of its sort I ever came
across. As I have thus briefly alluded to slaughtering fish by this
means, mention should be made of the Aerating Bait Can which
Mr. Basil Field has considerately |)asscd on to one of his clerks.

This can is an ingenious invention. It keeps bait endued with
life during a long journey in the w;irmest weather, and thereby sur-
passes all others.

HEAD GEAR.

BURBERRYS,

31, Haymarket, London,
and Basingstoke.

"The Golfer."

"The Squire."

"An exceedingly li^ht fishing hat— as perfect as anything of the kind could be. The
double brim answers admirably ; the gut collars are kept secure from the effect of light and
damp (their greatest enemies), and always ready for use." — The Fishing Gazette.

Kneecaps. Lonc Gaiters. gaiters.

LEG GEAR.— The Field says :— " Kept out the cold and wet, were comfortable, and
did not cause perspiration."

133

CHAPTER VII.

MODERN IMPROVEMENTS.

CANE RODS.

The " Spey Improved Rod," to which special reference is made
in this volume, is sure to excite the curiosity of the man}-, if only for
the reason that the Highland method of casting is " the idol of all. '

Those who have waded through the particulars in Chapter I.
are already aware that this rod, made in cane and greenheart, and
constructed on special lines, facilitates the Spey cast generally,
besides rendering possible the proper performance of certain varia-
tions which have brought the cast to perfection.

" The severest critics of the 'Spey' (say Messrs. Hardy) do not
reside near the river ; the residents, staunch hitherto, are content
with their own original tackle." These manufacturers also inform
me that their firm " has succeeded in getting Uie desired action in

134

cane," and declare that the possibilities of this new inodel, as
compared with local specimens, are well nigh incredible."

In this opinion I gfladly concur. The predominant feature of
the rod is its exceptional capacity in rough weather. In recent trials
I found that it showed a marked power of defying adverse elements,
the line cut its way through a very opposing wind without flagging.
It may now be said, without fear of contradiction, that these manufac-
turers have reached a point in their work which is perfect, or all but
perfect. Their locktast ferrule, fitted to the rod, is simply excellent.
It is distinctive in style and quality, and known as the " Lloyd Treble
Grip Joint," which, it need hardly be said, is patented.

Without a trial of a really practical nature, how comparatively
valueless would be such an opinion of a rod as this. There are some
articles of ours, recently introduced, which the master's eye can
detect as being worthless — a hook, for example, with an up-turned
point — but it passes human wit to determine the value of a rod by
merely looking at it. Not long ago, such a glowing account of some-
thing in the way of tackle appeared in print as to induce a friend of
mine to lay out money. He did not like his bargain at all, and in my
opinion the public are too often led to make mistakes of this kind.

At the moment of forwarding the M.S. of this book to the
printers, another firm at Alnwick, Messrs. Nettleship and Co., send a
new cane rod of their own make for my opinion and review. I could
have had a better opportunity of judging had I cast a fly with it, or
tried the action with a line on a lawn. It is, however, easy enough
to see that the rod is well put together, and tliat the action comes well
down to the winch fittings. This is an especial feature — one which
most rods do not possess. In these respects it pleases me very much.

135

STEEL-RIBBED RODS.

Ill coiitradislmclKin io tlic icinarkablc progress at Alnwick in
cane is the new departure at Ashbourne in greenheart. Messrs.
Foster, the well-known manufacturers there, have introduced a steel
•jvire net-work that fits over their own made rods as well as those of
other firms. The Fie^d of October 12, 1900, spoke very highly of
" this ingenious invention," and after a clever description, Mr.
Cummings went on to say : " The rod is of the highest grade in rod-
huikluig, and the wood used is of the finest quality, well-seasoned and
straight grained." Then the Editor observed: — "The one sent (to
him) is a very handy, strong, and light little weapon. It has most
excellent ferrules, a kind of cap on the male ferrule overlapping, and
effectually keepmg out the wet."

Writing from Ayr Barracks, Quarter-Master-Sergeant C.
Stephens says : — ■" I am delighted with the rod, it has had a good
trial, and on no occasion was the rod in distress."

The Assistant Secretary of the Piscatorial Society, Mr. A. H.
Rolt, expresses himself to this effect: — "The rod has answered per-
fectly for years."

The Rev. F. W. Tracy remarks: — -"The best rod I have ever
handled."

Owing to what appeared in the Field, I sent for one of these
rods, and so far as one can judge of the action indoors it appears to
be correct. The rod was sent by me to a brother angler to try, who
wrote afterwards and said: — "In my opinion Foster's rod equals
yours in balance and power, liut I don't like the ferrules at all."

136 TIPS.

THE IMPROVED LONG SHANKED HOOK.

These hooks, made to my order by Allcock and Co., Standard
Works, Redditch, are sold by Farlow of London, Blacklaws of
Kincardine O'Neil, Hardy of Alnwick, and Garden of Aberdeen
Made of the best steel, they are forged and hammered at tlie sides,
so that the wire is reduced in thickness and yet increased in strength.
They have other advantages. In the first place they can be used in
larger sizes, and this is of supreme importance on such rivers as, for
instance, the Dee and Spey. Again, as the point declines rather
more than usual from the shank, they hook and hold salmon far
better than the old sort ; in fact, the barb often goes clean through the
flesh. During the Spring of 1 8g6, for example, the gillie at Carlogie,
William Dunn, gaffed over thirty salmon for me, and in nearly every
case found that the point of the hook had passed completely through
the mouth of the fish. In addition to this, not to mention other
instances when being alone, in the Autumn of igoo, Mr. R. H.
Benson, hshing with me, witnessed a similar result time after time.
This well-known angler and many other of my friends dress ail their
flies on nothing else. They range in size from six inches downwards,
the largest being No. i and the smallest No. 17 ; and it should be said
that my success has been considerably increased since using them.

Except in a few instances on the Tweed and Usk, anglers are
gradually discovering that thin-bodied flies are the most eff'ectual.
And when it comes to using larger patterns — in which case with the
old heavy irons it was impossible to make a very thin body or cast
beyond a limited distance — fish lying five-and-thirty yards away can
be covered without any wonderful display of skill.

137

'""**o..U*'*-''

WHOLESALE ONLY.

Till-; •■ Kr.i.sdX " iioDK.

(Long Fine Wire -Narrow— Forged )

138 TIPS.

With reference to the largest size used, a writer to one of the
weei^ly journals contradicted certain remarks sent to the paper by
me from the North of Scotland in the Spring of 'g6, and said that : —
" Mr. Kelson misleads the public by talking about his success with
six-inch flies '' — or words to that effect. One would hardly think it
necessary, but this opportunity is taken of again stating that nearly
all the salmon alluded to in the early reports from Carlogie of that
year, were taken with flics dressed on these identical hooks measuring
exactly six inches in length.

I would here like to ask if this is a legitimate method of con-
troversy.

A story is told of a saloon bar in the wild West of U.S., where
entertainments took place before a somewhat rough audience of
miners and cowboys. A notice was hung in a prominent place to the
following effect : —

" Gentlemen are requested not to shoot at the pianist, who is
doing his best."

I sympathise with that unfortunate pianist very much ; and I do
not think the method of the gentleman who thus criticises me is nnich
more legitimate than those brought to bear upon him.

If I had propounded some elaborate theory depending upon nice
arguments admitting logical error, and my opponent had impearhed
the validity of the sequence in such arguments, it would even th.en
be rather a strong statement to f^ay that I was misleading the public.
But the case is different. 1 state a plain fact that I caught a large
number of fish with a fly measuring six inches. I certainly did so,
and there are witnesses of the fact, who are still alive, and capable of
testifying to the same. An exact replica of that same fly, measuring

TIPS. 139

six iiidics, hangs at this moment on tlic wall of my library. More-
over, at certain periods of the year, it is very diffirult, if not
impossible, to catch salmon on the Dee with flies much less in length.

This gentleman, therefore, must be accusing me of being an
economizer of the truth. Wiiat eartlil>- ol)ject I can have in doing so
I am at a total loss to imagine, and I do not think the cause which, I
presume, we both of us lia\c at heart, viz., the adniition of sounrler
methods m salmon angling, can be promoted by the methods of
criticism that do not appear to me to be far removed from the crude
retort of our schoolboy days.

Reverting to what has just been said of these hooks and the
advantage of thin bodies, very few of us even dreamt that flies of that
size would come into fashion. The old sort of hooks were so thick,
the cobbler's wax on the tying silk necessitating several layers of
floss to avoid discolouration, which immediately followed wetting was
so unsuitable, that some reform seemed imperative.

As soon as Bambridge, of Eton-on-Thames, introduced his
excellent white wax, and the improved long-shanked hooks were
brought out, it was at once found that a single layer of floss, or little
more, ])roduced all the effect wanted. Hut still, for general purposes,
cobbler's wax is the best of all.

140

STANDARD FLIES (Extra).
EVE'S FANCY.

(Miss M. Eve Allgood)

Tag. Silver twist and scarlet silk.

Tail. A topping and fibres of Summer duck.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Two turns of medium blue floss, followed by dark blue

seal's fur having a dark blue hackle along it.
Ribs. Silver tinsel.
Throat. Dark blue hackle.
Wings. Four or five toppings.
Horns. Red macaw.

Miss Allgood's favourite fly on North Tyne.

NUNWICK.

(Rev. James Allgood).

Tag. Silver twist and light blue silk.

Tail. A topping and an Indian crow.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Two turns of scarlet floss followed by scarlet and light

blue seals' furs in equal sections

Ribs. Silver tinsel.

Hackle. Light blue from blue seal's fur.

Throat- Light blue hackle.

141

Wings. Teal, gall.na, and t.i.pel in strands; grey mallard,
golden pheasant tail, fibres of Summer duck, mallard,
two strips of swan dyed scarlet and a topping
Sides. Jungle.

Rev. James Mlgood's special fly on North Tyne.

THE RED TAG.

(^Kev James Alli.ood).

Tag. Silver twist and scarlet floss.

Tail. Ibis and two strands of Summer duck.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Two turns of crimson floss followed by scarlet, crimson

and light claret seals' furs in equal sections.
Ribs. Silver tinsel.

Throat. Light red claret and light blue harkle respectively.
Wings. Tippet, gallina. and golden pheasant tail in strands,
grey mallard, swan dyed yellow, light blue and
crimson ; bustard, and mallard
Horns. Blue macaw.

An ul.l stan.lanl pattern uivanably used in October on
North Tyne. In large sizes a re<l claret hackle runs along the
seals' furs and a topping added to tiie wings.

142

EMPRESS.

(^Kelson).

Silver twist and yellow wool.

Four golden Bird of Paradise (or Cock o' the Rock)
and a thin strip of ibis and Summer duck.
Black wool.

Oval tinsel, two parts, and violet seal's fur, one part.
Violet hackle along seal's fur, ribbed with ova! tinsel.
Blue hackle.

Wings. Two strips of dark brown mottled turkey, golden
pheasant tail, grey mottled turkey, two broad strips of
swan dyed rose, peacock's herl, Amherst pheasant tail,
and two toppings.
Blue macaw.
Jungle.

Tag.
Tail.

Butt.
Body.
Hackle,
Throat.

Horns
Sides.

When this pattern was introduced at Carlogie several years ago,
it became a great favourite up and down the river. It is purely a
high-water fly, and almost invariably kills in the month of May when
dressed on 2% inch hooks. In i8q?, on the home waters, it
accounted for fourteen salmon in three days, with an unusual average
of I4i,lbs. Empress is best suited to porter-coloured water.

All these patterns are usually dressed, at Aberdeen, by William
Garden, 122A, Union Street, whose strip-winged flies, by-the-by, are
second to none in the country. Indeed, it may be interesting to note
that I possess an Akroyd of his, the wings of which are still intact,
and seem insusceptible to splitting after nine years' wear.

•43

THE SILVER SCOUT.

(Kklson).

Tag. Gold twist and light blue silk.

Tail. A topping.

Butt. Black wool.

Body. Silver tinsel (flat).

Ribs. Gold tinsel (oval).

Throat. A light blue liarklc and gallina.

Wings. Of mixed fibres, having a foundation of tippet strands
differing in length. Two or three strands of teal, ibis,
gallina, powdered blue macaw, summer duck, peacock
wing, bustard, black turkey with white tips, golden
pheasant tail, swan d\cd yellow, red and blue, mallard
and a topping.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black wool.

This is a useful pattern in sunny weather at times when "Jock
Scott " is in general use. Another of this sort is the Silver Jock.

THE SILVER JOCK.

Tag. Silver twist and yellow silk.

Tail. A topping.

144 '^iPS-

Butt. Black herl.

Body. In two equal sections. No. i, silver tinsel (flat). No. 2,
black seal's fur.

Ribs. Silver tinsel (oval) over silver tinsel, and silver tinsel
(flat) over seal's fur.

Hackle. A natural black over seal's fur.

Throat. Gallina.

Wings. Black turkey with white tips, golden pheasant tail, pin-
tail, swan dyed yellow, red and blue, mallard and a
topping.

Head. Black herl.

This fly IS now dressed with horns of blue macaw and sides of
jungle.

THE IMPROVED ALUMINIUM FLY-BOX.

Many a fly has been spoilt, by injury inflicted on the point cr
bnrb of the hook, while taking it out or putting it in a metal box
wlicn the mercury insists upon sinking below freezing point and the
state of the temperature benumbs the fingers. All this trouble has
been over-ruled by the practical accomplishment of a simple but in-
genious invention, light in weight and singularly suited to the
purpose.

145

The box, as sliown in tlie cii<jravins, is made to liokl l)oUi single
and double-hook flies. The msuie has a cork ground willi fissures
cut a convenient distance apart. All one has to do is to hold the

FAPLOWS ALU.MIN'IU.M KLV-BOX.

body of a fly and press the bend of the hook into one of the narrow
clefts. It is as easily taken out. The flies do not penetrate tlie cork
itself, and no amount of shaking will make them slip out of position.
The one I use measures ;'4 inches in length, and 4'4 m width, ard
in m\- ojjinion it is superior to an\thing of the sort in the market.

THE PROPER GUT LOOP FOR FLIES.

In fly making there is, of course, a difference in the quahly of
tlie materials employed The difference between good and bad

1,2

[46

feathers, seals' fur, etc., is comparatively trifling, and such that is
nearly, if not quite, unnoticeable to the inexperienced eye. There is
a greater difference in the mechanical ingenuity and skill in placing
the finer wing materials in regular succession from the foundation to
the topping, but the greatest difference is seen in the make and for-
mation of the loop, upon which, more than upon anything else, the
life and behaviour of the fly entirely depend. '

A long loop soon hinges, and consequently causes the fly to
droop its tail, in which case it is less attractive and soon becomes use-
less ; whereas a small loop, properly t\yisted with sound gut, will last
longer than any other part of the fly. The thickness of it is, of
course, an important item.

If the dresser applies himself closely to the following directions,
instead of his loop being the first cause of complaint, it will produce
the natural effect of rendering the play and animation of his fly more
realistic.

Let it not be supposed, however, tiiat because so much impor-
tance is attached to this item, and because so few trouble themselves
to discriminate between a good and bad loop, that the question
relating to feathers, etc., is of little moment ; on the contrary, it is
well-known that proper feathers are the most alluring to the fish, and
should liave the highest claim on the dresser.

The size of the gut absolutely depends on the size of the hook
selected, and it is just here tiuit one cannot be too particular.

LenKth of
Hooks.

/'j'll

?8.,to

1 in

I 'yi „ to

I /i ..

I?8 „tO

2 „

2;8 >. to

2>2"„

258,. to

3 ..

3 ' 8 „ to

358 .,

3^ "to

A]i ..

4'^.to

478 ..

5 ,. to

SIZES OF GUT FOR TWISTING FOR FLY LOOPS.

FiiKi f(,r

Regular do

Jiid Padion do

1st I'adron do

^nd Maraiia do

1st Marana do

4/5 do

3/5 do

2/5 do

1/5 do

Special Note. The gut should be of the finest quality. In
twisting it, use a weight not less than 3.4 lb. As soon as the pear-
shaped piece of wood, in the grooves of which the three strands ride,
is removed, seize the weight with the right hand and spin it three or
four times rapidly so as to get a good tight twist. While doing so,
rub the length up and down firmly, in order that the latter twists set
up may be evenly distributed. Previous to removing the weight,
catch hold and keep hold of the length at the middle with the left
finger and tliumb ; then, without slackening the tension, bring round
the weight up to the top, and urge the two halves of the length to
twist together with one flip of the left fingers.

I have to express my indebtedness to Messrs. Allcock and Co., of
Rcdditch, for their assistance in suppl\ing me with the means of
determining the exact thickness of their gut required for the various
sizes of hooks.

148 TIPS.

THE STANDARD LINES AND TRACES.

It is, no doubt, familiar to all who take a genuine and intelligent
interest in arranging their gear, that uniformity in casting largely
depends upon the construction of the tackle. If the line is not
equally balanced at the fly end, complications set in and spoil sport.
Let the rod be what it may, the line cannot be properly extended,
and experience has proved that the fault lies with the trace. When,
in common parlance, the dissenting portion " persists in turning back
and looking at you," the trace, which is plaited, and infinitely better
than the twisted makeshift, is either too heavy or too long. The
effect of this disorder has been witnessed thousands of times, and
many must have realised their inability to satisfactorily account for
it. But if the iiccompanying instructions are definitely accepted, all
uncertainty in rigging the standard line must come to an end.

The largest " Kelson " line wanted in these days of all round
progress is marked No. 3. For a well-balanced rod less than 17 feet
in length, a No. 4 should be used, and No. 5 reserved for low, clear
water in May, June, July, and August.

The standard traces are kept in stock at igi. Strand. Their
respective sizes were selected and numbered, under my supervision,
to suit the size of the lines and to correspond with their numbers.
Instead of attaching them in the ordinary way by means of loops, they
should be married, and this is effectually accomplished at the above
establishment for those who like to have the work done for them.
But it must be remembered that some six inches at the thick end of
these traces are cut off for a line which has not been polished in the
manner recommended in this book, or for one which from long use

149

lias decreased in size.

Of the standard back-lines, by far the best for securing swift
control in emergency is the " Standard, Waterproof, Braided Silk
Line," manufactured at Kcdditch, and supplied to the trade by Messrs.
Allcock and Co.

Personally, I use K)o yards of size I-", and consider it better than
the larger or smaller size.

THE HERCULES GUT CASTS.

The advantages of using good gut are so obvious, and so univer-
sally recognised, that it is almost unnecessary to expatiate on them.
To every one engaged in salmon angling a really reliable gut cast is
not only advantageous, but absolutely necessary for insuring against
loss of fish.

These special casts ;ire supplied to the trade by Allcock and Co.,
Redditch, and can be had at Farlow's, Kji, Strand. By steeping the
gut in an excellent preparation, the qualities of softness and pliability
are so considerably increased, that the mischief usually arising from
the process of knotting it into different lengths is completely avoided.
This preparatory treatment not only gives to the gut extra strength
and flexibility, but protects it from the injurious action of air and
light, and, what is still more important, enables it to withstand the
rough usage of the kelts. This, in my opinion, is the best possible
testimony to the fact that the essential properties of this gut make it
more than nrdinariU- suited lo our purpose. In fact, myrelf and

150 TIPS.

friends have so Ihoroughly tested the various sizes with such good
results, that we consider it the best in the market.

No. 1/5 IS very strong, and is reserved for use in high water
during Spring and Autumn ; but when the water falls and clears. No.
2/5 is used.

Nos. 3/5 and 4/5 are better adapted to small rods. A large
number of salmon fell to my rod in the Autumn of 1900 without
fretting or chafing the gut to the slightest degree.

"KELSON" RODS AND LINES.

The opportunity is taken of stating that the so-called " Kelson "
rod, introduced to the angling public, in 1858, by Farlow, was
originally fashioned by myself. It came about this way. A little
previous to that date I dressed an old silk-and-hair line by steeping it
in boiled oil, with the result that the treatment made it too heavy for
the style of rod then used. During a visit to the river Shannon I
found the line went better with a Castle-Connell rod, which, however,
failed to please me in making the ordinary overhand cast. T thought
out the action required and gradually worked down an old thick-
butted 20ft. greenheart to get it. The desired object was eventually
obtained, and Farlow had the rod to finish.

A little incident that occurred in my presence just afterwards may
be recounted. A customer calling for a new rod remarked that he
hated the Kelson pattern. " Well, sir " (said the Manager, Mr.

151

Davios) " I ralhcr think )uu make a mistake, hut we shall see. Would
you like to look at a No. 108 rod we are recommending?" Upon
inspection the customer rejilied, " Oh, this is a beauty !" " Just so, sir,"
(observed the Manager) " that is Mr. Kelson's own [jaltern and his own
rtjd."

At that time there was no other rod in this nor any other shop that
did not possess a thick butt and hne top. The new pattern soon
caught on, and in these days, for some inconqjrehensible reason, it
goes by all sorts of names.

The first to introduce the present style of line was Mr. W. Wells
Ridley. I quickly followed on with the so-called " Kelson " line. The
(iiil\- difference between the two is that mine are plaited rather tighter
than those Mr. Ridley used to have made. As with the rod so with the
line, for other names have been given to it.

To find the result of my labours has so far met with ajjproval is
certainly pleasant, but if those who have interested themselves in the
matter of tackle would endeavour to get, in any way their fancy lakes
them, the system of fishing as set forth in my books more generally
adopted, their efforts would be better appreciated by one and all alike.
All the same, it would seem that, in common justice, jjublicity
should be given to the fact that rods called the " Houghton," the " Hi
Regan," etc., etc., are nothing nwrc than the " Kelson " rod pure and
simple; and that the lines called the " Olinea " are practically the
same as my own.

The ■' Spey Improved Rod,' another pattern of mine, introduced
to facilitate the Highland method of casting and to avoid the usual
necessity of suspending operations in rough weather, has a totally
different action, and is only suitable for the Spey style of fishing.

152 TIPS.

GARMENTS.

Messrs. T. Burberry and Sons, of the Haymarket, London, have
introduced a riverside coat designed by experts on the subject with
which they deal. Rain runs off the surface of the cloth, which soon
dries. The outer texture (Gabardine) protects the body from wind
as well as wet. The inner texture (wool) maintains the warmth it
produces — neither fabric interfering with the ventilation. The coat
is a combination of two thin materials — superfluous doublings and
interlinings are avoided. Well-arranged pleats expand to every
movement in casting, and assure full freedom of action.

As I was informed on reliable authority that the material is the
popular demand of the hour, a coat made of Gabardine was soon put to
a sharp test ; and though my own experience of it does not extend
over any lengthened period, I am entirely converted from the
prevalent idea that a rubber mackintosh is a necessity. Rain
continued, more or less heavily, throughout the month of October,
I goo, but on no single occasion could a wet spot be felt or found
beneath the garment worn. The comfort derived from the coat, in
either dry or wet weather, could hardly be credited without a trial.

The improved fishing cap, by the same firm, has a double brim
The underpart, fitted to carry flies, is protected by the upper, which
shoots rain off the neck. The cap is light and cool in wear.

Of these garments, Mr. W. Baden-Powell writes : — " I am^ sure so
well-known a salmon angler as Mr. Geo. M. Kelson hardly needs a
word from me in regard to the good qualities of Gabardine for fishing.
. . . There is no more bothersome thing while wading deep, and
expecting fish, than to have to come out for a mackintosh. . . .

TIPS. 153

Willi lliis C(i;il over waders and braces you can stand any amount cf
wet."

Mr. R. II. Ik-nson says : — " The Burberry suit is comfortable and
convenient. A wet sponge quickly removes all dirt. I have worn it
for shootnit,' and fishing' during the last three years and never been
wet."

THE USK BASKET.

This Ijasket, or frail, introduced by Colonel Rocke, carries one's
kit, hsh included. In the event, however, of a good catch being made,
one's waders are slung outside at back. The leather pad, shown in
the engraving, rests on the shoulder, and it is stuffed with horse hair.

THE USK BASKET.

Farlow makes these baskets of green rushes, which afford an extra
element of strength.

Some anglers, objecting to luggage, prefer to carry their fish by
the metliod depicted below. They provide themselves with a few
lengths of thick string.

FISH TIED FOR CARRYING.

For this dodge, first double a length of string and tie the two
ends together. The opposite end of the loop thus made is passed, by
the latest method, in at the mouth, out at the top of the gilhcover,
over the head, in the far side gill, out at the mouth and brought round
under the chin to the- near side. The knotted end is then passed

'55

tlirotigh tlic loop which is seen it-, the drawing. Now make a half-
hitcli at the knotted end, put the loop, thus formed, over the tail r.nd
pull taut.

This is an improvement on the old method, seeing that the string
cannot sliii ever the nr.sc of the hsli and part company.

Messrs. Redpath and Co., Twcedside Works, Kclso-on-Tweed,
the well-known wholesale fishing rod and tackle manufacturers for
the continental, home, and colonial markets, have, like some other
firms, made rapid advance in late years in all their separate
departments.

The more recent effect of the progress of this firm is, perhap;,
due to improvement in fly work, which has raised them in the front
rank of this important handicraft. Indeed, it is a relief to be able to
purchase salmon flies, not only dressed with the best materials, but
also true to pattern. The retail trade will be glad to know that these
distinctive qualities characterise the work of the staff of dresscr.s
employed by this Scotch firm.

AN IMPROVEMENT ON HERON HACKLES.

An excellent substitute for heron hackles is to be found in large
lantity on the Crown Pigeon— in French, the Gourah. The hackles

156 TIPS.

on this splendid bird resemble those of the heron, but they are
superior in colour, fmcr in fibre, and infinitely more mobile in the
water. The bird is to be had at L. Martin's establishment, 8, Place
de la Madeleine, and 34, Avenue de I'Opera, Paris. It costs only four
francs.

BLACK VARNISH FOR FLY HEADS.

Fuse 3 lib of Egyptian asphaltum, and when liquid add jpb- of
shellac and i gallon of turpentine. This varnish is a great improve-
ment on ordinary spirit varnish. It lasts longer, and does not change
colour in the water. Smaller quantities can be made by decreasing
the proportions.

IMPROVED TINSELS.

Some time ago, Messrs. Hardy Bros., of Alnwick, informed me
that all their salmon flies are dressed with tinsels which are absolutely
untarnishable, and wrote: — "We have tested them in every possible
way, and guarantee their continued brightness. . . . This, we
consider, is a most important development." And so do I. Even
from my own experiments with the different sizes, though of short
duration, it may confidently be stated that the claim made for these
tinsels is amply justified.

TIPS. 157

FARLOW'S PREPARED SPLICING TAPE.

Althougli this valuable article has been introduced some little
time, the invention has only recently been perfected. By using this
tai^e, a rod can be " put up " almost as quickly as if it had ferrules
The fresh importation consists of some broader tape, dressed in the
same material, for placing between the splices, so as to prevent any
possible loosening of the joints. When used in mild weatlier this
tape will keep the rod firm throughout the season. During cold
weather, the tape should be slightly warmed before use, and, if
necessary, the ends tied down with thread. It may be as well to add
that the tape sliould be worked towards the point of the rod, and run
slightly spinal so as not to quite overlap. If the splice is not quite
true, tightly bind two inches of the tape at the lower part with a
wax-end.

THE
FIRST DAY OF THE NEW CENTURY.

As we enter this ver\- morning into the Irmg unknown avenue of
the Twentieth Century, and reflcrt upon the directions of advance in
angling knowledge which have characterised the latter >-ears of the
Old Century, we are naturally proud of the accumulative force and
effect of our discoveries and reforms. Although the goal of the Old
Century will be the starting point of the New, a long vista of possi-
bilities opens up before the reflective mind, and a deal of the non-

158

proven must for ever remain a mystery. But while we have liad our
faihires and made mistakes, while we are still submitting to close in-
vestigation several matters of detail and shedding new light upon
familiar problems, yet to look back on events in the order of time is
to read a grand, unparalleled history of achievement, whose fmal issues
may be resisted somewhile yet, but can never be averted.

So many years of progress in practical matters, as well as in
theory, have now passed by. Any forecast of our progress fifty years
ago would have seemed the wildest of dreams. We have found that
method, unlike luck, does not lead us astray ; on the contrary, to
acquire a business habit of proceeding methodically, is to turn many
a seeming impossibility to the best possible advantage. Our
principles, the result of steady thought and the observation of facts,
are grouped together, and await only a fair and reasonab'e test.
Every trial eliminates some tempting form of error, every failure is a
step to success.

Our primary business to celebrate the first season of the New
Century, is to pursue as far as we can the system under which we
enjoy a higher level of prosperity than anglers have known in the
course of their previous existence. Our second business is to see that
our progress suffers no check.

The question arises as to what steps should be taken to ensure
this.

It might be interesting to some, even with other matters pressing
upon them, to turn to the future and contemjilate what the next few
years can possibly bring forth— to inquire whether it is really true
that the logic of events can possibly work out for them the big
problems of the age with sufficient clearness.

SalrooQ

Fly;' . .

How to Dress it

and

How to Use it.

GEO. n. K^LSon.

(See Press Opinions, p. 162).

To be had at . . .

Farlow's, 191, Strand, and direct from the
Author, 25, Victoria Strhet, Westminster.

OMLY A FEW COPICS LCFT.

TIPS. 1 5Q

Bui is there not a more satisfying measure to ailopt tlian tliis?
It seems so. The easier and more lucrative way of proving the
system — the original system, be it said^is by steady and regular
practice, and the suicr method of preserving our stock of knowledge
is by setting our shoulder to the wheel and constantly adding to it.

This being the case, it is not |)resuniptuous, but reasonable and
becoming, to declare that, while the passage of the Old to the New
Century finds the fisherman better equipped and better pre|iarcd to
carr)- him toward tiie actual attainment of visionary ideals, there are
many able men who might work out some of the remaining
propositions for which no great originative power is required.

To men of this stamp nothing could be more acceptable than to
be posted up in current events. It is, therefore, and always will be
extremely agreeable to me to offer them the benefit of my own
experience. That the record of contemporary facts is of much value
to them, 1 iiave had ample opportunity of learning. I have also
observed that even tiie recruit in their ranks given to enquiry at the
riverside, is often a good learner, and that a good learner very soon
becomes a good workman, investigator, and theorist.

Should he look for a specific explanation of the reason of our
rajiid advancement, and ask what special observation has engaged
our attention, the answer naturally is: Tiiat he must proceed jiatiently
and persistently on lines that have been carefulK- laid down for
practical purposes, and by which alone the end can be obtained. lie
will find nothing recondite or obscure in the system of procedure ; it
is perfectly simple and comprehensive; it is elastic, and rer.dijy
adaptable to circumstances, and, ]iro\ide(l no condition is left unful-
filled, is proved to be sound be\-ond the pnssibilil\- of doubt. b_\- the

i6o

ordinary test. As he progresses in drawing inferences from facts, in
reading ajight the signs of local surroundings, and in deciphering the
more obscure passages in the great book of Nature, he deserves well ;
and when he gains an advantage over his comrade, that rouses the
enthusiasm which warmed the Spring-time of his career, he fares as
well as he deserves. He then sees the good of having based his prin-
ciples on a safe foundation. He has, for instance, kept his sombre
flies for dull, dark days, his bright ones for fine clear weather ; and
has reserved his special patterns for those particular occasions which
have been enumerated in these pages and in my previous publication.

In truth, the system is one which will force itself sooner or later
upon the attention of one and all alike.

These observations would, however, be manifestly incomplete
were not some notice taken of " the genuine old stager " ever ready to
offer a helping hand to younger members of the vocation. He f.nds
time, and no small amount of time either, to show them with frank
sincerity and conspicuous ability, where to stand, what fly to use and
how to use it, and his ideal is attained when, under his own personal
supervision, they succeed where they have previously failed.

But, as a leading feature of their nature is a restless activity of
mind which prompts them to get every scrap of information
obtainable, they are occasionally tempted to hold friendly fellowship
with the too learned enthusiast, who, with a sublime disregard of the
consequences of his gratuitous instruction, and abortive struggle to
help the world along, is too often in evidence. They can identify
him directly he talks, just as they can grasp the extent of the
knowledge of an angler who starts on the perilous adventure of
rushing into print, and struggles to prove an universal negative. He

i6i

IS on the rampas^c at once. lie will tell iIkmii, for instanro, not to pn*
lip a small rod and usr a fine line in dead Imv water, hut In ri)nliniie
with the taekle in use, anil shorten the md by ratehin^^ h,,!,) |,i<,Thcr
ui) than usual. Or he may hrin^ out a " Mary-annc " in stiff,
]iretcntious costume, whirh, Ihous^h absoluteh' useless in their steady
ilowinj^ water, he bids them " put on and keep on till the)-'ve <jot him
and ills great-grandfather." They will also fmd that this " too learned
enthusiast " does not merely ij^niore, liul decry and calumniate all
ceremony and all system in fishing. Hut since the conclusion cannot
be avoided that he possesses no clear idea u[)on any one branch of the
subject, and prides himself in pursuing old nursery nostrums, they
[xiss on full of sorrow, seeing that reason, instead of having served as
a menial rudder lo steer li's nrnd intn the right course, has suffered
itself to be borne away by the strung g.des of a disorganised and
vitiated fancy.

With the hope, then, that the present little work ma)' be found
acceptable to all in a measure not inferiftr to its more voluminous
predecessor, "The Salmon Fl\-," I cast it forth u]ion the waters,
hoping to meet with it (or rather an ap[)reciati(in of il^i "after many
days."

PRESS OPINIONS OF
"THE SALMON FLY.'

The art of catching sahnon with a Ry is often regarded, especially by
beginners, as a very abstruse and complicated problem. There is no doubt that the
want of success experienced by most tyros leads them to lay this flattering unction
to their soul, that it's "the sort of thing no feller can understand," as Lord Dundreary
used to say.

lUit how if they set about it by entirely the wrong method I How if they
pursue " Rules of Thumb" which will never lead them anywhere !

I have set forth in T/ie Sahnon Fly, a regular and systematic plan based
upon the practical observation of a lifetime, which if it be not a Royal Road to
success, will yet lighten very materially the burden to be carried by these young
beginners, and may even afford some valuable wrinkles to older hands.

To show that this is not merely an unsupported assertion of my own, I have
ventured to print below a number of cuttings from the papers containing reviews of
the book. I do so for the purpose of pointing out that salmon fishing with the fly, is
susceptible, like many other pursuits, of a treatment based upon knowledge and
experience, which will certainly yield results, in the hands of those who deign to try
it, very different from any that can be expected from the haphazard treatment of the
" chuck-and-chance-it " school. The whole subject has been expounded at great
length, and is alluded to in the extracts given below.

THE TIMES, Marc/i ^th, 1896.

" The Salmon Fly, by Geo. M. Kelson (published 1)y the Author), is an elab-
orate and fully illustrated volume on a subject of profound interest to many sports-
men. .Mr. Kelson writes with the authority of a skilled ami enthusiastic angler."

>63

SCOTSMAN, March <)//i, 1896.

•' I'licre is niiicli moio in Mr. Kelson's Ijook on T/if Salmdii /■"/)', lli.ni tlic
title would indicate. It is a coniplctc treatise on the science and art of salmon
fishing, written by one who is an acknowledged authority on the art, as well as a
noted exponent of it. Mr. Kelson is convinced that care and skill in fly dressing, will
meet with their full reward at the waterside, and the directions that he gives for
performing the various operations incidental to the making of a fly, are as
complete as the veriest tyro could desire, while even the practised hand will find
much to learn from his description. A list is given of some 300 standard patterns, in
which the materials of the various parts, the rivers and circumstances to which they
are appropriate, are carefully detailed. The more characteristic patterns are
illustrated by a series of coloured plates. Having dealt with the flies themselves,
Mr. Kelson has much to say with legard to their proper choice under various
circumstances. The different casts in use are minutely described, and directions
for their performance are given, which are as explicit as written directions illustrated
by drawings can be. Due attention is also given to other articles of the fisherman's
equipment."

DAILY NEWS, M,iir/i 12///, 1896.

" The typical salmon fly is a gaudy object ; it is so small that half a dozen
may be stowed away in any compartment of a purse without inconvenience, yet in
Mr. Geo. M. Kelson's recently published book. The Salmon Fly, it demands a
matter of five hundred pages, with profuse illustrations, and type exceeding 200,000
words. The interested enthusiast, will perhaps, go into retreat to grajjple with the
contents of this gigantic work, and should he live to a green old age may possibly have
learned its lessons if he has not climbed to the scientific elevation to which the
author points. . . . We have diagrams devoted to the complications of not
merely the ordinary and Spey casts, etc. In some of these evolutions the course of
the line fills the horizon with its curves and doubles, or ascends to the sky in graceful
loops. . . . Mr. Kelson gives a series of eight plates, upon which fifty-lwo
patterns of flies are bc.iutifuUy represented in colours, but this is only a tythc. In
addition there are the full dressings of 300 salmon flies. No angler for the future can
complain that he has not ample store from which to choose, and any successor to
Mr. Kelson may be warned that he will find m'arvellously little gleaning in the field
which he has shorn so close. . . . We should have liked to do full justice to this
bulky volume, for, in truth, it is full of sound instruction and classified information.
Mr. Kelson has been known for many years as a highly successful salmon fisher,
and one of the foremost living authorities upon the structure of the salmon fly. . .
We may add that Mr. Kelson's style is clear, and, if his original theories do not

1 64

prove acceptable to all experts, tliey are courageously laid down and insisted upon
with real earnestness. . . . The salmon angler may be expected to treasure this
work as the apple of his eye ; others have aforetime written upon salmon flies, and how
to dress them, but neither in America nor in England has the task ever been done with
such thoroughness as by Mr. Kelson."

THE FIELD, March 14///, 1896.

"This is a inagiiuiii optis, not only on the part of .\Ir. Kelson but among
the entire category of practical angling books. . . . It is the long expected, come
at last, it being well known that Mr. Kelson has been labouring for years at this
monumental embodiment of his wide experiences and theories in salmon fishing,
flics and general equipment ; and in all these matters he may be justly said to have
achieved fame. . . . The introduction is an essay in which much is said about
the need of system, the science, the generalities of rods, flies, fish and fishing. The
remark that certain flies bear unmistakably distinctive marks is abundantly illustrated
upon the eight beautifully coloured plates of fifty-two salmon flies. . . . The
dressings of most of the flies mentioned by Mr. Kelson are given. . . . Of these
300 flies, 71 are represented as the author's own patterns. . . . After the
introductory chapter, the author comes to a classification of salmon flies, which the
amateur or young angler may be recommended to master by aid of the diagrams,
and explanations. . . . and in all these indispensables the reader is being
instructed by a master of the craft, while the methods of silk tying, hackle
manipulation, putting on wings, tinselling, and topping are illustrated by clear and
commonsense diagrams. . . . The rod and special equipments are the subject of a
thoroughly practical chapter. The essential qualities stamping a good line,
Mr. Kelson thinks, are compactness, suppleness, evenness, and durability. He looks
with indifference upon the element of strength, from the fact that even the thin end
of a tapered line, fit for use, stands a far heavier strain than the gut attached to it.
. . . In 'The Rod at the Riverside' we arrive at a variety of casts. . . .
There are several diagrams as to shooting line . . . (The Governor Cast) is one
of Mr. Kelson's ingenious inventions, and he knows of no other way of reaching fish
lying fifty yards or more across the stream. After the casts the reader is instructed
as to the places to fish and how to fish them, conclusions in weather study, the effect
of rain, the state of the atmosphere, hooking foul, changing flies, artificial catches,
striking, playing, gafiing and wading. The chapter entitled 'miscellaneous,' has an
essay on silkworm gut, and the way of twisting and looping it. . . . varieties of
such impedimenta as receptacles for tackle, an antidote for midges and mosquitoes,
with other matters herald the conclusion, to which is appended a table showing the
limits of fishery districts, close seasons, rod licenses, and names and addresses of
the chairmen and clerks of the several boards of conservators. If any reader has

1 65

ever felt puzzkd to know lunv ;i one armed angler manages a salmon rotl, he will be
enlightened by studying the illustration entitled ' the necklace.' We hc.irtily
congratulate Mr. Kelson upon the publication of this most exhaustive, interesting
and instructive work upon the salmon fly and its use."

DAILY GRAPHIC, Afanh \Gth, 1S96.

■'. . . .-\s it happens, this is not a rase of the book making the reputation of
the writer, for in this instance the author's fame has gone long before. That by no
means insignificant community which in proper season, in various portions of the
world, pursues the sport of salmon fishing, with the zest of preoccupation, will
recognise that no one could be more fitted by acknowledged ability than
Mr. G. M. Kelson, for the task which he has taken upon himself Hoth as a tier of
flies and a wielder of the rod he is so expert that it is scarcely possible to say at which
he excels the more, and as he has done his best to place on record what he knows in
these two departments, the reader may be allowed to make his choice. . . . The
details dealing with the choice of feathers and hooks, and the hundred and one little
expedients in fly-tying which only long experience could evolve, seem to us to leave
nothing to be said. From the very beginning the art is taught as we do not remember
to have seen it taught before. . . . In describing the various casts, Mr. Kelson is
as much at home as in instructing in the tying of flies. . . . Besides these leading
topics, all manner of useful hints are given in anticipation of the various troubles and
difficulties which beset the angler, who will find it difficult to think of anything he
wants to know and not find it alhidctl to in this volume."

WESTERN MAIL, April i^//,, iS,/..

" Mr, Kelson is well known as a mighty lisheiman, and he lias indeed
produced a mighty and tremendous book ... It a pity that this sumptuous
volume, with its wealth of new ideas, theories and suggestions, should necessarily
be reserved for the comparatively few."

THE POST, Manh 2yd, 1896.

"... We have seen many attempts to reproduce, by a process of
coloured plates, the standard flies of today. . . . Hut it has not hitherto fallen to
our lot to peruse a work on the various branches of the subject at all satisfactory or
exhaustive. It is, therefore, doubly pleasurable to possess a treatise containing some
500 pages in quarto form, written by a gentleman whose name alone suflficicntly
guarantees that the information is reliable and authentic. Mr. Kelson has devoted a

1 66

lifetime to the study and practice of angling. He is one of those untiring sportsmen
who can boast of a well-filled past and look forward to a considerable historic future.
He has edited weekly journals, treating of the subject of fishing, and his contributions
to the Press are as familiar as household words. His genius, it can be called nothing
else— for fly invention, fly dressing and salmon angling, is of a very rare quality. It
is by no means our intention, in this busy thoroughfare of ours, to attempt to
criticise at great length, the up-to-date methods and principles clearly and cleverly
set forth in The Siiliiion Fly, by so popular an expert as the author of this really
beautiful book. . . . Mr. Kelson has indeed attained an ideal reputation as an
exponent of the art. He has fortunately puljlished an account of his exploits, which
seems destined to decorate the libraries of his colleagues, if not of all sportsmen, for
many years to come. Mr. Kelson is the pioneer of a system of salmon fishing, and
if there is a fault to be found with him it rests in the superficial fact of his concrete
doctrines appearing somewhat in advance of the times, though in reality they
compose another step toward the ideal salmon fisherman of the future. To give the
reader an idea of the estimation in which he is held by rich and poor alike. His
Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of .Saxe-Coburg, have honoured
him by gratiously accepting a copy of his book, whilst our own gillie declines 'to
retire to rest without diving into the mysteries of the gentle craft between the sheets.'
T/ie Salmon Fly is replete with original epigrams, and merits a place among the,
standard works of the day. ... All those who want to know how best to tie a
fly or catch a salmon cannot do better than read it. To appreciate the book one
must read it carefully, and to read it carefully is to enjoy it."

TRUTH, March \f)th, 1896.

"... Mr. Kelson's monumental work on The Salmon Fly will specially
appeal to your interest. For my own part, I am too humble a fisherman to venture
to criticise one who writes with such experience and authority."

LAND AND WATER, March 2isl, 1896.

" Ouite an cililion clc luxe is this, the latest work on angling, by Mr. G. M.
Kelson. Printed in very legible type on good paper, containing a large number of
capital illustrations, it is one of the most elaborate books of the kind ever published. .
. . In dealing with practical matters, the author's long experience and careful study
of the best means of capturing salmon, impart great value to his opinions and
instructions. . . . The author's disquisitions on feathers and materials of various
kinds used in fly-making, will be found simply invaluable by those who dress their
own flies. . . . The descriptions of various methods of casting are excellent, and
.ibly illustr.itcd by illustrations. . . The subject never before has been so fully
and thoroughly handled. . . . Mr. Kelson has much to tell us on the patterns of

16;

salmon flics to use in varying conditions of weather and water ; when a change
should be made, and of what nature ;ind how the fly should be presented. . . .
Mr. Kelson treats every branch of his subject from a superior standpoint."

VANITY FAIR, March z^th, 1896.

"Written by a past m.ister in the art of salmon-fishing, who not only knows
everything that there is to be known in the ait of tying flies and generally preparing
f'shing tackle of every kind, but who also knows when, where, and how to catch his
fish, this book differs from almost every book of the century, in that the writer knows
what he is writing about, and conveys his knowledge tersely, pithily and well to his
reader. . . . Though ' as light in weight and reading as may be,' it is a big and
heavy book, yet worth its weight in gold all the same. . . . As to the letterpress,
from the first page to the last, from the directions how to tie a fly, to the directions
how, when and where to use the fly when tied, the book is from cover to cover
admirable. . . . The whole book is full of information, is, obviously, honest
and is a book which, not to-day. nor to morrow, but for long years to come, will
be the premier book upon the subject. . . . some of his ideas, indeed, are quite
admirable, and the whole work teems with suggestions which must be valuable to
every fisherman. . . . We have hardly touched upon the thousand and one
merits of this book. It is not that it deals admirably with many things, but that it
omits nothing."

ST. JAMES'S GAZETTE, ^ra)rh 31.1/, 1S96.

" It is to be doubted whether the revered father of fishermen (Izaak Walton)
would not have modified his opinion had he been privileged, as we have been, to
peruse this l.itest classic on the science of fishing. Ko doubt, for the true fishing
enthusiast, who sees the world through piscatorial spectacles, even in the close
season, when most of us have dismissed our thoughts with our gillie and our gear,
all this carefully worked-out information will be of great assistance ; but it is
probable that the less accomplished majority of fishermen will be more grateful for the
practical hints on the actual catching of the wily salmon, liberally given by one whose
experience, knowledge and authority on the matter are unimpeachable. There is
much that is interesting in the author's observations and deductions on the much-
disputed habits and motives of the salmon. . . . ' The Complete Angler ' informs
us that ' angling is an art ; the only question being for a beginner whether he is
capable of learning it.' Mr. Kelson has shown us that fishing can be more than an
art — it can be a science ; and his book will undoubtedly do much towards rendering
this science learnable by those «ho have not leisure or capacity to woik it out for
themselves."

1 68

THE WESTERN MORNING NEWS, June 26///, 1896.

" This volume is a comprehensive treatise on the subjects of its title, and
contains in addition, most interesting matter in relation to salmon angling. It will
be valued by all salmon fishers as a book of reference, and not alone in connection
with the beautifully executed example of the various flics in use throughout the
United Kingdom and the minutia; of their manufacture, but likewise for the thought-
ful and thorough manner in which the exceptional experiences of a lifetime, affording
opportunities on all the best known rivers, are placed before the reader. Mr.
Kelson's name is already well-known to the sporting fraternity ; and, as he says in
his preface, his own experiences are fortified by those inherited by him by generations
of salmon anglers. . . . The author tells us that ' my programme embraces so
much that is technical and mechanical that I should rather endeavour to please
by instructing than to instruct by pleasing,' and his endeavour is fairly carried out. .
. . Mr. Kelson's volume is, in fishing metaphor, admirably ' presented,' and we can
most cordially recommend it to all who are interested in the noble sport with which
it deals."

PALL MALL GAZETTE, April 2()ih, 1S96.

"Mr. (leorgc Kelson, in liis recent book on salmon fly-tying, has gone one
better than the famous ad.nge of Mrs. Glasse with regard to the cooking of hares.
Our present author, a fine all-round sportsman and an accredited authority on the
Ullinhi 7 /////f of piscatorial art — salmon fishing — harks back and practically says :
first make your fly, then cast it ; hook your fish, then land it. Sound advice. . . .
On the tying of salmon flies, there are but few books, and none so complete as the
one under review. ... As he progresses, he warms to his work, becomes more
discursive, ami without losing anything in teclinique, is both instructive and
interesting. . . . Mr. Kelson has written a fine work, which is a great acquisition
to the angling library."

EVENING STANDARD, July 6lli, 1896.

" Mr. George Kelson, we need scarcely say, is a recognised authority on all
that relates to the salmon fly, and the most approved methods of dressing and using
it. He is an enthusiast as well as an expert. . . . There are many finely
coloured plates in the book. . . . This book is filled not so much with counsels
of perfection as with pithy, business-like directions, and its value to the man who
wishes to conquer the mysteries of the art of fly-fishing, so far, at least, as salmon
are concerned, is not open to question."

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

C. FARLOW & CO.,

191, STRAND, LONDON, Wx!!'" "

FISHING TACKLE.

Special Patterns of Greenheart Salmon I|ods,

of which wu liave the Exact Models in Stuck, as siipplie 1 ami made by us for
the followiiif; well-known Gentlemen ; -

Q. M. KELSON, Esq., "The 5pey " Improved Rod.

i6ft. Spliced, in 3 pieces,

17ft. „

G. M. KELSON, Esq., Celebrated " 108," 3 pieces, i81t. long.

It was with this particular Rod that Mr Kelson won First Honours when coinjietint,'
for ihe si\ different methods of Salmun-I'Iv Casting, at the International Tournament.
1.SS5 The Rod is specially recommended bv the .Vuthor in this Hook

Major TRAHERNE, 17ft. 4111., 3 pieces, Spliced or Ferrule Fittings.
,, ,, i6ft., 3 pieces. Spliced or Ferrule Fittings.

tilrimalij Jlrcommc mlttl in the Vtilumc vn " Sdlvwti <ind Tmxtt." i<f /he IliidminUm lAbrarij.

W. WELLS RIDLEY, Esq., 18ft., 3 pieces (much liked).

These Rods are made from the Choicest Togs and Best Seasoned Wood obtainable,
none beinf; used unless it has been in stock four years.

.Ml Rods are balanced and constructed at our own Factory by the most Experienced

and K.-lial.le Workman

The " KELSON" Palenl Silent Aluminium Salmon Winch.

Salmon allies a ^pccialitir.

Materials of every description for Dressing Salmon Klies kept in Stock

INTERNATIONAL FiSHKRIES EXHIBITION, 1883.

6 Prize Medals, 6 Diplomas of Honour, and
Special Money Prize for Best Collection of Rods.

Prize Aledal, 1862.

C. Farlow & Co., Ltd., 191, Strand, London, W.C.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

THE LONDON SHOE CO.

LTD.

WHOLESALE BOOT FACTORS. SINGLE PAIRS SOLD.

Makers to /f.h'./f. llw Cnnc'ii rriiice of Greixc.

CATALOGUES POST FREE. TERMS CASH.

No. 896. ^ No. 981. '' '

GOLF BOOT.

Best Hand-Se

STOUT WALKING BOOT.

Leather Lined. Medium Toe.

GENUINE CRUP.
THE
SPRINGFIELD
BOOT

( Paid )

No. 913, Kut Brown,

^"" 55/6

No. 914, Black.

GRAIN LEG, CALF GOLOSH.

Goods sent on npprohation upon receipt of London Trade AV/e/, /,,,•■

Carriai;e Paid on British Letter Orders only, Init not on .ipfn o/'otion I'ohlIs.

THE LARGEST STOCKS OF HIGH-GRADE BUOIS AND SHOES IN LURol'l .

Head Office- Wcst-End. \ 116 & 117, New Bond St., W.

123 & 125, QUEEN VICTORIA ST., E.C. Brdnches ( 21 & 22, Sioane St., S.W.

27/9

BROGUE

GOLF

SHOE

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

THE LONDON SHOE CO.

WHOLESALE BOOT FACTORS. SINGLE PAIRS SOLD. ""

.\fakers to II.R.II. llic Crou'ii I'riiuc ,</ Circcc and Ihe Priiiafiat Courts of Eutofie.

CATALOGUES POST FREE. TERMS CASH.
No. 884. ^ # No. 89D.

28/9

SHOOTING BOOT.

Re ,1 Wh.ilfskin. H.i.ui-Mailf

"L.S.Co.'s
PUTTIE."

REAL PIGSKIN,
Price 21/6

Wholesale Prices on
Application.

in i':Utcrn ;uui Q
elsewhere ;it Ms

BROWN COWHIDE.

Hind Welled. Medium Toe.

PUTTIE
BOOT

GRAIN HIDE.

No. 910.

Price 70/-

BOOT AND

GAITER
COMBINED.

""'^ o'"'^ West-End \ 116 & 117, New Bond St., W.

123 & 125, QUEEN VICTORIA ST., E.G. Branches ' 21 & 22, Sloane St., S.W.

ALL LETTERS TO CITY.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Messrs. REDPATH & Co.,

WHOLESALE MANUFACTURERS OF

FfcbiDg Rods, R??Is, Lines,

^^\X

Plies, Baits, Gaff Hooks,^

GENERAL FISHING TACKLE OF THE BEST IJUALITy,

J^or Rivct\ Loch and Sea FisJiiug,

TWEEDSIDE WORKS, KELSO-ON-TWEED,

SCOTLAND.

Artcn rst TRADE MAKKS. ,.,;„,r „rlrin.

ESTABLISHED UPWARDS OF HALF A CENTURY.

l:xhihiti-ii for the f.rsl time at ///<■ Iiitniuitional Fiihciics Exhilnlhm, Kditiburgh, i

COLD MEDAL and SPECIAL PRIZE for Fishing Rods, &c. ... Edinburgh,

SPECIAL PRIZE for Salmon, Grilse, and Trout Flies ... do.

SPECIAL PRIZE for Materials used in dressing Salmon and Trout Fi.ir.s do.
SILVER and BRONZE MEDALS (Highest Awards) for Fishing) .,.

Rods and Tackle ... ... ... ... ...\ 'ynemouth,

GOLD MEDAL for Wholesale Manufacturers' Exhipit ... London,

Messrs. Redpath & Co. have NOT Exhibited at any Foreip or Colonial Exhibition.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

WILLIAM GARDEN,

Gun, Fishing I|o[l, I|eel and Tacicle Ifaicer

122,, UNION STREET, ABERDEEN,

■SI'KCrFUI.I.V invitus tlic atUiiDoi. ,.!' Spm tsmcn to his Slock of

.SALMON FLIES.

The (|u.ihty of the ni.ucrial ami tlic excellence of workmanship ha\e t,Mincil them
A WORLD-VVIDK REPUTATION.

ABERDEENSHIRE DEE LOCAL PATTERNS. (V^-Am--.)

I^ocli. ^nd XiCi-ver* Tr-oxxt r'lie**

FLY DRESSING TO PATTERN A SPECIALITE.

. SALnOM AMD TROUT FISI^ING RODS . .

W. ('.. being a practical Workman as well as Angler of many years' experience, takes
particular interest in tliis clepanment. All Rodb are hand made on the pieniiscs.

A/nnuMiTion of evcry descriptiom.

Cartridges /l!\\ ,.s

' 1^

Loaded |(j||: ^^..^

by
Machinery V

Guns, FisHin^ Rods, and Reels Repa,iped. . .

ILLUSTRATED PRICE LIST POST FREE.

THE "OLINEA" WATERPROOF LINE.

THE only perfect Waterproof Line in theory and in practice is the "Ol.lNEA.' This
line is enamelled under the vacuum process, and is hand-finished on an entirely new
principle. The strength of each line is tested and guaranteed by us. The line itself is
plaited solid, which is an admitted improvement on the old style of core lines. The
"Olinea" lines are so enamelled as to render them a perfectly solid mass of silk and
composition, flexible and smooth, and free from any danger of knuckling, and as no varnish
is used in the process, the enamel of the " Olinea" line may be relied on not to crack or
chip off.

The " Oli.\ea " lines are made from a special quality of silk of extraordinary strength,
and we have no hesitation in mrintaining that the thicker of the Trout sizes are quite strong
enough for .Salmon fishing. These are made in Olive Green, and Dark Brown colours.

C D E F G H

24. 16 to I S. 12 to 14 Lbs.

Strength
by

" Salter's"
Dynamometer.

40 to 44. 33 to 36. 27 to 30.

A few Extracts out of a great many

Letters testifying to the Excellence of

our Solid Plait "OLINEA" Level and

Tapered Lines.

Extract of httcr from Mr. \\'1LI,IAM

Garden, Fishhio; Taikle Maker,

Aberdeen {one of the best known Anglers

in the North of Scotland),

Dated \\th March, 1896.

"The ' Olinea ' Lines I have had from
you are the strongest W.P. Silk Lines 1
have ever used. As a Spinning Line, in
particular, they are superior to any other in
the market. Customers who use them once
will have no other. As a Salmon Line
they are unequalled. They are so strong
and free from kink or knuckle, the great
trouble in most of other W.P. Silk Lines."
Extract of letter from Major Traherne («

gentleman known to every Anglo),

Dated 2jrd January, 1 898.

"Please send me one 'Oi.inea' Line,
size C, and as it is the best dressed Line I
ever had I want you to send me another.
I have used the one I bought from you for
spinning, and it has had a great deal of
i^^ wear, but it lasts longer than any Spinning
Line 1 ever fished with."
Extract of letter from S. Maltev, Sen.

Montreal, Canada,

Dated 4th April, 1899.

"I see they are trying to imitate your
Lines in the States, but they cannot do it, as
you see every defect in their production. I

3 can throw a fly with your ' Olinea ' Line
ten yards further than with any other.'

LTD.

MORRIS CARSWELL & CO.

SOLE MANUFACTURERS,

90, MITCHELL STREET, GLASGOW

To be obtained Retail thi

Fishing Tackle Dealei

THE "KELSON" ENAMELLED SALMON LINE.

noul>l,..THi.m:.l. Faosiinilr ..( il„. .■,.|,l,r,f..,l •
Tli.-se Lines are perfectly si)li<l. 1'1,'xil.lr. :in

ilSni.'.nl li.iin.rurrnii.il.

mi.

- 1 nn 1.1 111.- \

■in SIX M/. s, 1.1 111.'

Vii'n'l'si'ik.V.

■ KKl.Hc.!«"pri.ii
:.»:ii.li.illlfnt-lh.

.■\\,\,:

H?Z.

H?3.

J¥?4:

M?5.

N°6.

I II at o ic •Hii teil t ) the i p ii pow iii 1

Sole Manufacturers, MORRIS CARSWELL & Co . Ltd ,

90, MITCHELL STREET, GLASGOW.

The Timl, i.uli/ .<:/ ;>;./., ./. '!'■' If "hi,,!!!,,! I!,t,i,l lln-.m.jh ,11,1/ rUliimi r,ltkl, Ihalir.

"The Salmon Fly,"

HOW TO DRESS IT, AND
HOW TO USE IT,

By GEO. IVI. KELSON.

See Press ( )piiiiiiiis, p. 162).

To be h;id at Farlow's, 191, Strand, and direct lYoiii the
Author, 2'^, Victoria Street, WtfSTMiNsTHR.

ONLY A FESW COf>IE5 LEFT.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Is your Rob too Wbippy?

Then . . .

"STeet RiBBino"

Will give it a New Lease of Life,
Strength and Stiffness

This Transformation can be effected at a merely nominal cost, viz :~

5/9 for a Trout Rod with One Top (Extra Tops, 1/9 each).
9/3 for a Salmon Rod „ „ 1/9 „

The Additional Weight is less than a Quarter of an Ounce 1

The Additional Strength after Steel Ribbing has been proved at the

Sheffield Testing Works to be nearly Doubled 1 I

Every habitual user of a Steel Ribbed Rod proves to be an efficient medium for
advertising Steel Ribbing, for Old, Weak, Wet Fly Rods are transformed by Steel
Ribbing (which is Rustless and Durable) into Strong Up-to-date Dry Fly Rods, and
unduly Svvoppy Back-boneless Salmon Rods are Stiffened and Strengthened by Steel
Ribbing in a way that is declared by every post by numbers of our delighted Clients
to be marvellous.

Send us your Rod and we will report on it (without charge).

Steel Ribbing has been recommended by

Mr. W. SENIOR, Editor of the "Field,"

Mr. MARSTON, Editor of the " Fishing Gazette."

Mr. G. M. KELSON, the Well-known Writer on Anghng.

Mr. GEDNEY, the Well-known Writer on Dry Fly Fishmg.

Send for .

FOSTERS CATALOGUE OF ANGLERS' REQUISITES.

It is Posted Free to any Address on receipt of 3d in Stamps to pay cost of parcel postage.

It contains 2S0 pages, and in it there are over 300 Illustrations of Tackle, together with

One Coloured Plate and Collotype Frontispiece.

"Well Worth if-"— Vide -Fishing Gazette."

D. S W. H. FOSTER,-^—.

FISHING TACKLE MANUFACTURERS,

. ASHBOURMe, DeRBYSHIRe.

ESTABLISMKD ,833 ,4 EXHIBITION AWARDS.

TELEPHONE No. oiq8. Including Three Highest for Rods, Lines and Flies

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Anglers

don't foiy,.i iimi l^ur»ton's
Flies

id thul 111.- ri>.|,..l),it.' .\n>:l,r ii.:,,v Im.v cilililiii

U Reliable Modern Fishing Tackle.

MURTON'S "SPECIAL" TYNESIDE ROD,

9 or lo-ft., 7/6. lift., 8/6. 12-ft., 9/6.

Murton's 'Special' Salmon Rod<

](>H., 17 6, 25/6 and 40/ = .

iS-ft., 35/- and 50/..

Murton's 'Special' Sea Fishing Rods

i6-ft. Tops, 15/6 complete.
BOTTOM ROD, ii-ft., Rrazed and Winch Fittings, from 4/6.
MURTON'S "Perfection " Split Cane Trout and Salmon Rods

"Tyneside" Reels
and l-ines.

Superior Bronzed Reels

2 ins^ 6.

Our New Brass Reel,

Illip.MlilMl til SlllnilMl Flsll TS.

Spanish
Silk-Worm Gut,

Casts and Traces.
Hooks to (jut.

Artistically Dressed
Trout & Qrayling Flies. ' \

ll.iikk',1 Of Wiiif,..-,!,
16 per do/.

mtcd Casts, i/= and 1/4— j

Tapered Casts, i /- and 1/6. Lock Mies, 2
Sea Trout Flies, 2/6 per doz.

Local and Standa.'d Pallern Salmon Flies. Splendid Selection.
NOTED FOR WADERS & WATKKI'ROOI-S OF EVERY DESCRIPTION

HENRY A. IVIURTONT,

Grey Street and Market Street. NeWCaStle=On=Tyne.

And at SUNDHRLAND.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

HtGO GORLITZ,

Musical & Dramatic Agency,

Il9p New Bond Streets
London, W.

Nine Years Private Secretary to Paderewski.
Director of all . . .

PADEREWSKI TOURS

in America, Mexico, Canada, Russia, Holland,
and Germany.

THE LEADINO LONDON . . .

"AT HOME" AGENCY.

Sole Manager for PHIL MAY.

All the Best Artistes, Entertainers and Bands, can be procured
through this Agency.

Complete Programmes prepared, and Private Concerts and
At Homes, including all Preliminary Arrangements, carried out.

Every well-known and successful Artist
can be engaged through . . .

HUGO GORLITZp

119, Mew Bor)5 Street, Lor)5or), W.

Telephone: 4013 Gerrard.

Telegraphic Address: '' HugoHolas, London:'

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

BV ROYAL WARRANT.

F. PIGALL,

riAMUFACTURiriG CUTLER,

4, Rupert street, Coventry Street,

LOMDOM, W.

Tbe novelty FisbioSf K^'^^^

POST FREE.

Can he opened and closed with one h;ind.
Sportsmen will fmd this Knife a mo>t
u.seful adjunct to their Fishin>; Kit.

Best Sheffield HOLLOW (iROUND RAZORS
4/= and 5/= each.

(iuaranteed to slia\e well.

SPeCIALITY ! !

REPAIRIN(i and SHARPi;NlN<i ;ill kinds of Cutlery.
.A Competent 5taff of Workmen kept on the Premises.

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