PKACTICE BETTER THAN PRECEPT. 19 



now the off-leader on the right side, and then the 

 near-leader on the left side about the ear, and you 

 will see how he works from right to left and from 

 left to right. Imitate him, but most cautiously. 

 Try and catch his ease and neatness, but avoid 

 the narrowness of the circles he describes with 

 whip-handle and thong, and the rapidity and 

 jerking of his wrist-motions. 



All you now want is to throw with precision. 

 Let there be a mark in the water, and first try to 

 throw a little above it, and in the next cast, to 

 throw a little below it. Then try to throw upon 

 it, over it, beyond it,, and on your own side of it. 

 Having succeeded in throwing with accuracy 

 where there are no obstructions, seek spots of the 

 river where they exist where there are over- 

 hanging branches of trees, weeds, rocks, or the 

 ends of piles appearing above the surface of the 

 water. Practise in these difficult spots assiduously 

 until you can surmount the obstructions, and are 

 generally able to avoid getting entangled amongst 

 them. 



Practical observation is better than any written 

 lesson, because example good example I here 

 mean of course is far more cogent than precept. 

 When you see an old fly-fisher of ' acknowledged 

 reputation on the water, watch his movements, 

 and gain knowledge from what you see as well 

 as from what you hear.. You> see, most likely, 

 c 2 



