20 THE TROUT 



adjusted, so that no unfastening or loosening is likely ; 

 the casting line is sufficiently soaked, examined, and 

 straightened, and the fly carefully chosen both as to 

 size and character ; whereas, in the other case that 

 of the novice the rod, if a split-cane one, is very 

 likely strained in the adjusting, or the fastenings are not 

 properly secured, thus necessitating further attention 

 later in the day, generally at the most inconvenient 

 moment. The reel line has probably not been over- 

 hauled prior to leaving home, and having been put 

 away when damp at the end of the previous year, it is 

 rotten, and breaks with the first heavy fish ; the casting 

 line is put on in a brittle, 'kinked,' condition, the 

 hurry of the occasion causing our tiro to neglect, 

 or to observe in a very partial degree, that most 

 essential preliminary of thoroughly soaking it before 

 attempting to use it ; while, as regards the fly, one 

 may perhaps be selected which is not that most 

 similar to the natural insect on the water, of which 

 a copy is in the angler's fly-book. Moreover, in his 

 excitement, the young fisherman will very likely get 

 his cast into a muddle, and thereby defeat the very 

 object he had in view that of making everything 

 ready at great speed. 



It will be readily seen, therefore, that hurry is most 

 undesirable when beginning a day's fishing. 



