12 TROUT-FISHING IN BROOKS 



But I had better give my reasons for advocating 

 what might be deemed an excessive length in 

 proportion to the narrowness of the waters to be 

 exploited. First, then, a longer rod keeps one 

 much farther from the edge, a matter of no small 

 importance in brook work. Second, it admits of 

 a considerably shorter line out, another desidera- 

 tum. Third, it will do a fish up more quickly, 

 and help to prevent one from running riot in 

 awkward places ; and fourth, its reach is of the 

 utmost advantage when casting over broad 

 growths of briars, etc. A fly-rod of this length, 

 to which the owner is accustomed, is the most 

 serviceable rod he could use, and it suffices for all 

 purposes irrespective of lure. I would merely 

 suggest that it should have plenty of backbone, 

 and, without being too wobbly, should certainly 

 not be on the stiff side. I look on a brook rod as 

 on a musical instrument, responsive to the hand 

 however delicately manipulated, obedient to the 

 slightest impulse : in a word, entirely subservient 

 to the mind of the performer. The little stiffness 

 required in dry fly-fishing a river is here un- 

 necessary, while in the neat accuracy essential for 

 placing a worm effectively and safely some 

 elasticity in the rod is a considerable factor. It 

 does not matter what material it is made of. My 



