CASTING THE EOD. 19 



desirous of throwing across. The rod being held in the 

 right hand, gradually, but with increasing velocity, raise 

 your rod from left to right ; when the line is straight out 

 from you, make a sweep, and bring the flies down upon the 

 water with a half-circular motion of the hand. This last 

 movement will raise the slack of the line and cause the 

 trail fly to strike the water first, which should always 

 happen. When this first lesson is thoroughly learned with 

 the left hand, it should then be practised up and down 

 stream : when, with perseverance and attention, such pre- 

 cision may be gained that the fisherman can place the 

 flies at every effort within an inch or two of the desired 

 spot. 



After having said thus much, it will not be deemed out 

 of place to mention those tradesmen who supplied me with 

 the important portions of my outfit; for so much of your 

 pleasure and comfort depends upon them, that a sportsman 

 intending to prosecute a distant and lengthened tour 

 through the American wilds would be guilty of committing 

 a great and serious injustice to himself, if he did not obtain 

 the very best that the English market could afford. I am 

 not foolish enough to believe that no others than the 

 individuals I mention, would have served me equally well ; 

 .but, of course, those I know, and have not found wanting, 

 are the persons I must introduce. For fire-arms, ammu- 

 nition, &c., I would, as formerly, go to J. D. Dougall, of 

 59, St. James's Street, or his late assistant, A. G. Willison, 

 now doing business at 9, Railway Approach, London 

 Bridge ; a further advantage in dealing with them also 

 deserves notice, viz. that they are both so well acquainted 



2 * 



