46 RULES FOR TROUT-FISHING. 



of great advantage in a strong breeze : the best line 

 is that formed of hair only, and, if spun, so as to 

 increase in thickness more rapidly than those usu- 

 ally sold at the tackle shops, you will be enabled to 

 throw against the wind when necessary. It may 

 be observed, he who uses a knotted line without a 

 reel (a practice very usual in Wales) is more likely 

 to cast his fly with precision, than the man who 

 constantly varies his length ; yet this method is at- 

 tended by inconveniences, more than counterba- 

 lancing the advantages attributable to it : as when 

 throwing in close bushy places, or in playing and 

 landing a heavy fish. Finally, never forget that 

 neatness in casting, fineness of tackle, exactness in 

 colours, and judgment in using them, are the only 

 modes of ensuring success.* 



* The angler who uses fine tackle, or single hairs, in clean, 

 clear, and large waters, and properly conceals himself, will 

 take much more fish than he who fishes coarse, or in sight ; 

 especially when the former has a reel on his rod, with a running 

 line, and if he wades in shallows and sharps in fishing for 

 trout. The angler should be careful to fit the link to the 

 water : the rest of the line is not so material. A reddish 

 sorrel hair, when the water is somewhat red, on the decline of a 

 flood ; a light chestnut, when the water is of a grey colour : a 

 lead-colour hair is preferable when the water is of an iron hue, 

 which it frequently is in many rivers, when full without over- 

 flowing ; an amber foot-line, free from chalky white, or knitty 

 specks, is best when the water is low and clear as crystal. 

 JOHNSON'S Sportsman & Cabinet) vol. i. p. 3S9. 



