ODDS AND ENDS 293 



any line— a fly fishing line was, I supposed, a thin 

 one, as opposed to a pike fishing fine wliieli was 

 a thick one. Everybody knew, of course, what 

 ravening monsters were those pike, much hke 

 crocodiles in fact. I pegged away with my thin 

 lines and used, I remember, to be much bothered 

 when an extra long cast had to be made. 



In course of time I was introduced to the dry 

 fly and incidentally to the heavier line which so 

 many of the masters used, and then I got my first 

 understanding of the essence of casting which is the 

 balance between rod and line, and also of the excel- 

 lent device of " shooting " a yard or so which saves 

 so much labour. The increase of comfort and ease 

 brought about by using a heavier line impressed 

 me so much, that I came to the conclusion (by 

 which I still abide) that no novice ought ever to 

 begin his career with a light one. Later, it is a 

 different matter. A light line has many advantages 

 in fishing. But having learnt the mechanics of 

 casting with a heavy one a man has no difficulty 

 in adapting hnnself to the other. The point is that 

 he should learn in comfort and without tears, and 

 to this end the heavy line (suited to the rod of 

 course) doth marvellously contribute. 



I have certain fixed ideas concerning gut also, 

 elementary enough, no doubt, but still from my 

 observations new to some people. The wet-fly collar 



