formed that one of the best anglers on the spot had it always on his lash. The wing-feather of the Merlin Hawk which "Arundo" commends for this fly was found very successful in this very water. (Practical Fly Fishing, p. 22.) No. 34. THE GOLD-EYED GAUZE-WING. This is rather a scarce insect upon some waters, but where it is found affords great sport on windy days. Both larger and smaller species than that represented, of this apple-green tint, are to be found, and also one of a lighter and yellower shade. The eye possesses wonderful brilliancy. It may be used as soon as the Green Drake goes out, for about three weeks, and is to be found even as late as September. The smell is fetid. IMITATION. BODY. Very pale yellowish green floss silk, tied on with silk thread of the same colour. LEGS. The palest blue dun hackle which can be procured. WINGS. Any transparent feather, stained slightly green. (See "Ephemera.") Hook No. 2. long. I REMARKS. To show the multiplicity of similar species, out of which one has to be selected as a type, there are eleven British species of the "Gauze-wing," viz. vittata, vulgaris, subfalcata, alba, angustipennis, 7-punctata, aspersa, abbreviata, perla, capitata, and fulviceps. No wonder imitations differ. No. 35. a. and b. THE WREN TAIL. There are many species of these hoppers: the pale brown, the dark brown, and the greenish blue are the most common. They are very busy on hot days, hopping about and taking flights of about twenty yards, and this is the time to use the imitation, for they sometimes drop short and fall upon the water. In colder weather they are found upon the long grass principally: not much on the water. On very cold days they seem to seek shelter near the roots of the grass. IMITATION. BODY. Ginger-coloured fur ribbed with gold twist. WINGS AND LEGS. Feather from a wren's tail, wound on hackle-wise. Hook No. 1. short. No. 36. THE RED ANT. This insect is very abundant on the water after a swarm or flight of Ants and Emmets, the time of which is uncertain. "Myriads of swarming ants," observes Mr. Newman, in his "History of Insects," "attracted by the brilliant surface of water, illumined by an autumnal sun, rush into the fatal current, and are seen no more.' There are many species, but the black and the red, of the size shown, and a size smaller, which are used later in the season, are enough for the angler. The ant-eggs used as a bottom bait, after a fresh, are, in fact, cocoons, enclosing the insects in the pupa state. IMITATION. BODY. Peacock's herl tied with red-brown silk. WINGS. From a feather of the light part of a starling's wing. LEGS. A red cock's hackle. Hook No. 00. 0. or 1. long or short. THE BLACK ANT is made of peacock's herl, and black ostrich mixed, for the body. Wings from the darkest part of the starling's wing, and legs a black cock's hackle. No. 38. AUGUST DUN. Order, Neuroptera Family, Ephemeridæ Species, Aluminum (Pseudimago). No. 39. ORANGE FLY. Order, Hymenoptera No. 40. CINNAMON FLY. Order, Neuroptera Sub-order, Trichoptera Family, Phryganida Genus, Limnephilus Species, stigmaticus. |