MR. STODDART, ON THROWING THE LINE. 29 



mode of casting, it has utility in its favour, and 

 as salmon are not so easily scared as trout by a 

 line's plash on the water, no harm can result from 

 it. Recourse must be had to it, therefore, at all 

 times when impediments would hinder the deve- 

 lopment of the line sent semicircularly backwards 

 from the rio;ht hand or the left. 



Let us now see how Mr. Stoddart teaches 

 casting with the salmon-rod. That gentleman 

 says: — " In fly-fishing for salmon, the casting of 

 the line is generally managed, first of all, by 

 raising the rod back over the left shoulder. This 

 part of the operation requires to be done slowly 

 and deliberately, with a slight increase of speed 

 or force on the part of the performer as he pro- 

 ceeds. He will then, if managing properly, raise 

 the slipping or employed portion of the line above 

 and behind him, so that, by farther elevating the 

 rod and brino^ins; it round over his head, both 

 hands being employed in the exertion, he shall 

 cause the tackle in question to describe, as it 

 were, a sort of semicircle in the air. He must 

 then, at the moment the sweep in question is 

 completed,^ and the rod has attained its highest 

 elevation, direct his fly forward by a rapid im- 

 pulse towards the spot where he wishes it to 

 alight ; and this should be done without any ac- 



