PRELIMINARY NOTES 27 



There is a peculiar slanting view of the water 

 indispensable for all brook operations which can 

 be readily acquired by exercising ordinary 

 intelligence. For instance, by standing well back, 

 one perceives, as it were, only the surface of a run, 

 etc., and by kneeling, and keeping the rest of the 

 body as low as can be managed, one can move 

 nearer with a similar effect. This has only to be 

 tried to be understood, and that proximity to the 

 water which may be considered safe will be 

 quickly realised. I have laid particular stress on 

 this manner of approach. It is half the battle, 

 and, once mastered, the various tactics of actual 

 fishing will follow with ever-growing experience. 



In fishing any spot, the angler, looking up, will 

 be able to select the next place for going to work, 

 and instead of walking along the edge to it will 

 keep back, and approach the Qesired water on the 

 knees if there be no screen for concealment. This 

 may seem to be an ultra-cautious procedure 

 which entails a considerable amount of trouble 

 and discomfort, but I earnestly desire to impress 

 on those who undertake brooks that it is a primary 

 factor in successful fishing. 



Then, the position of the sun calls for special 

 consideration. If any of the shadow of the angler 

 be thrown on the water, goodbye to all chance of 



