THE SALMON. 103 
as difficult of mastery as the corresponding science 
of trout fishing. The rod, being long and compara- 
tively heavy, must be held in both hands, which are 
changed occasionally so as to alternate that at the but, 
and teach the angler to cast over either shoulder. The 
line is lengthened to the proper distance, is raised with 
a springing jerk, swung out straight behind, and then 
again cast forward with the same springy motion. The 
work has to be done with the tip, which, except in cast- 
ing against the wind, must be kept as elevated as possi- 
ble. The stiffer the rod the more command the angler 
has over his line in avoiding the rocks and making the 
best of awkward places ; but this is counterbalanced by 
the disadvantages of excessive weight and a stiffness in 
striking that frequently breaks the casting line. A rod 
will cast four times its length beyond the tip ; one of 
sixteen feet, therefore, will cast sixty-four feet of line, 
ordinarily abundant ; and although one of twenty feet 
will cover sixteen more feet, unless it is made of cedar it 
is uncomfortably heavy. A cedar rod would be perfec- 
tion, but it is not to be trusted in the hands of a 
bungler. 
When there is any current, and it is rare to take 
salmon elsewhere, the fly is cast across the stream and 
allowed to swing over the fish, which invariably lie with 
their heads up-stream. When a salmon intends to rise, 
he generally separates himself from his companions and 
waits till the fly approaches to the precise distance that 
pleases him. Then 
" Strike for your altars and your homes," 
