154 THROWING THE LINE. 



But be not dispirited attend to me, and we will 

 see what can be done. Here we are by the 

 river's side our rods together, and our lines and 

 collars ready for action. Stop ! do not be im- 

 patient ; you see, that unlucky attempt will give 

 you five minutes' amusement in disentangling 

 your line. You must watch my movements at- 

 tentively, and understand my instructions, before 

 you proceed to exhibit. You perceive that I 

 grasp my rod firmly, with my right hand, just 

 above the reel the line being passed between 

 my fingers and the rod, to prevent it from running 

 out ad libitum. A sharp impulsion of my wrist 

 sends the rod back over my shoulder, and the line 

 unfolds itself behind me. Pausing a single mo- 

 ment, I bring it forward in the same manner; 

 and when the line comes about a yard above the 

 surface of the water, in its descent, I suddenly 

 check the movement of my arm, which causes the 

 line to remain hovering, as it were, over the spot 

 I aimed at; and then, slowly and floatingly, it 

 alights like a gossamer, and as straight as an 

 arrow. I throw, indeed, as if the surface of the 

 water were a yard higher than it really is ; and if 

 you remember to do this you will find your pro- 

 gress greatly advanced thereby. But now for your 

 performance. Really (to coin a word) you attiticdise 



