THE COMPLETE ANGLER 279 



Your line in this case should never be less, nor ever 

 exceed two hairs next to the hook ; for one (though some, 

 I know, will pretend to more art than their fellows) is 

 indeed too few, the least accident, with the finest hand, 

 being sufficient to break it : but he that cannot kill a trout 

 of twenty inches long with two, in a river clear of wood 

 and weeds, as this and some others of ours are, deserves 

 not the name of an angler. 



Now, to have your whole line as it ought to be, two of 

 the first lengths nearest the hook should be of two hairs 

 a-piece ; the next three lengths above them of three ; 

 the next three above them of four ; and, so of five, and 

 six, and seven, to the very top : by which means, your 

 rod and tackle will, in a manner, be taper from your very 

 hand to your hook ; your line will fall much better and 

 straighter, and cast your fly to any certain place, to which 

 the hand and eye shall direct it, with less weight and 

 violence, that would otherwise circle the water, and fright 

 away the fish. 



In casting your line, do it always before you, and so 

 that your fly may first fall upon the water, and as little 

 of your line with it as is possible ; though if the wind be 

 stiff, you will then of necessity be compelled to drown 

 a good part of your line to keep your fly in the water : 

 and in casting your fly, you must aim at the further or 

 nearer bank as the wind serves your turn, which also will 

 be with and against you, on the same side, several times 

 in an hour, as the river winds in its course, and you will be 

 forced to angle up and down by turns accordingly, but 

 endeavour, as much as you can, to have the wind, ever- 

 more, on your back. And always be sure to stand as 

 far off the bank as your length will give you leave when 

 you throw to the contrary side : though when the wind 

 will not permit you so to do, and that you are constrained 

 to angle on the same side whereon you stand, you must 

 then stand on the very brink of the river, and cast your 



