The Vade-mecum of Fly-fishing for Trout

of fly-fishing is attempted to be conveyed; and they will be found also in the chapter which treats of the history of the trout, particularly with reference to the remarks on some disputed points in the nature and habits of the migratory Salmonida; in the arrangement of the list of flies; in the enumeration of the materials required for fy-making; and, in short, in the remaining chapters, which treat of the practical department of this delightful and thoroughly English

recreation.

The writer trusts that his little book, in its present altered shape, will not be without interest and use to his "brethren of the angle," and that it will be received with an indulgence for which an enthusiastic love of the art, and an earnest desire for the diffusion of its precepts, that others may enjoy its pleasures also, are claims that will not be totally disregarded.

Axminster, Nov. 1850.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

A Tribute to Walton.-Truthfulness of his Pictures of an
Angler's Pleasures. Characteristics of Angling. — Sir
Henry Wotton quoted.-Superiority of Fly-fishing to
all the other Branches of Angling. Sketch of a Spring
Day's Fly-fishing from the "Set-out" at "

'rosy Morn"

to the "Wind-up" at "dewy Eve;" interspersed with

sundry Reflections and Descriptions of Natural Scenery.

- The Chapter ended pleasantly

Page 1 to 12

CHAPTER II.

History of the Trout. -Value of an Acquaintance with its
Habits. Generic Character of the Trout.-Its Varieties.
Comparative nutritious Qualities of these, and In-
fluence of Food upon the Form and Colours of the Fish.
—Mr. Stoddart quoted in illustration.—Size of Trout.
-Caution against killing small Fish. - A few Words
about the History of the Salmon. - Mr. Shaw's Experi-
ments and their Results.—Mr. Young's Correction of
an important Error of that Gentleman's. Is the Salmon-
peal identical with the Salmon, but in an imperfect State

of its Growth? - What is the Parr?- These Questions
considered. -Seasons of Trout.- -The Process of Spawn-
ing described by Mr. Mudie. — Mr. Stoddart's new
Theory of the Spawning of Fishes commented on. —
Effects of Spawning on the Health of the Fish. — The
Lernea trutta. -Feeding Times and Haunts of Trout. —
Senses of Fishes: Smelling, Seeing, and Hearing.—
Foundation of Professor Rennie's Non-imitation Theory.
-Our Remarks thereon. -Mr. Erasmus Wilson's Opinion
on Vision in Fishes. - An Experiment on the Hearing
of Fishes.-Professor James Wilson's Opinion.-Voracity
of Trout.-Intellectuality of Fly-fishing Page 13 to 44

CHAPTER III.

Entomology.-The Flies eaten by Trout.-The two princi-

pal Classes, Phryganidæ and Ephemerida. - Peculiarities

of each and their Habits described. — Times of the Ap-

pearance on the Water of the different Species.

Perlide the Stone-fly

The

45 to 59

CHAPTER IV.

General Remarks on Tackle. - Dame Juliana Berners
lauded. The Fly-rod.-Copious Remarks thereon, with
Instructions for its Selection, and Information concerning
its Manufacture. Our Notions of a good Rod, and
Reasons for forming them. - Rod-rings. - Varnish. -
Price of a good Rod