io THE TROUT ARE RISING 



of a collar of flies, will be something to have in 

 view. The art of casting without mishap to the 

 flies consists in a steady, even action of rod and arm, 

 and keeping the body still helps much to this end. 



(3) I will add a third rule, with a parting 

 blessing. Not only while you are a novice, but 

 always, have a care with that first cast of the day. 

 There is often a trout at the exact spot where the 

 fly drops, and a trout landed at the first cast is 

 an earnest of a good bag. It puts the fisherman 

 in fine fettle for the day. 



As I have said, the beginner has a world of 

 things to learn but he should not be put off on 

 that account, or because instructions are manifold. 

 If he once gets on the right track of the casting 

 the rest will come. Ability to throw the fly 

 correctly brings satisfaction of itself. One feels 

 somewhat akin to the schoolboy who, having 

 * worked out a sum, took it to his schoolmaster, 

 who went through the figures and commented : 

 " Very good ! " " Very good ! " said the boy, 

 with some heat ; " why, it's correct, sir ! " 



Gradually, my love of the river Severn 

 intensified. With it, too, grew an increasing 

 affection for little rivers if they held trout ! By 

 Severnside the thought occurred, with dismay, 

 how something would surely be missing were 

 one's lot cast where no river fishing could be had. 

 You may have a beautiful river the Trent near 

 Stone, for instance but, with no trout in it, the 

 picture is not the same. How many important 

 decisions must have been taken, how many places 



