340 TROUT AND ANGL[NG. 



sounding the depth of a bgg, or breaking the force 

 of a fall. 



Having thus described the most material parts 

 of the angler's apparatus, we proceed to say, 

 that success will depend upon the expertness with 

 which the fly is cast, and this it would be in 

 vain to attempt, in the teeth of even a gentle 

 breeze. He must take advantage of the wind, and 

 if it blows from him, the fly may be cast to a 

 distance with great precision. Much depends on 

 practice, and to some it has proved a 'knack very 

 difficult to acquire. 



Two flies are generally used, termed technical- 

 ly, a dropper, and a stretcher, the latter being at 

 the extremity of the line, and both made to re- 

 move at pleasure, by a simple arrangement of the 

 casting line. The trout of which we were speak- 

 ing, and to which we now return as compared to 

 the sea- trout, yet to be noticed, has a large 

 mouth, dark within ; the general complexion of the 

 skin, particularly about the head, is of a deep 

 brown color ; the spots are bright, and the pecto- 

 ral fins often of a reddish tinge. 



A fish in good condition, of a pound weight, 

 measures fourteen inches in length. The color of 

 the flesh is various in different waters, in some it 

 is of a cream-color, in others white, which is the 

 most usual, and in others, again, of a pink or 



