82 



to dance by such means. It must be abun- 

 dantly evident, that the fly should drop as 

 lightly as possible on the water, and that an 

 awkward unmannerly splash will inevitably 

 mar the delusion." 



Professor Rennie observes, "As considera- 

 ble art is required in throwing the line, so as 

 to make the flies fall lightly on the water, and 

 not scare the fish, I would recommend a 

 beginner to observe some good fly-fisher, and 

 then practise as nearly as he can, after him, at 

 first in a purling stream or rapid current, till 

 he can cast dexterously in stiller water. It is 

 useful, also, to commence with a short line, 

 increasing it by degrees, for it is impossible 

 for a beginner to throw eighteen yards at first, 

 and he cannot consider himself out of his 

 apprenticeship, till he can throw twelve or 

 fifteen yards without cracking off his flies, or 

 entangling his tackle." 



Mr. Carroll, in his Angler's Vade Mecum, 

 gives the following directions: "In casting 

 your line and flies, observe to make the semi- 

 circle with your rod, in order to avoid snap- 

 ping your flies ; and after you have made your 

 cast, raise the point of your rod to prevent too 

 much of your line from falling into the water; 

 properly, no more should fall than what your 

 flies are attached to. Manage so as to let 



