30 LEFT AND RIGHT-HAND CASTING COMPAEED. 



companying jerk or violent movement, but solely 

 by a firm continued exertion of strength, as in 

 the ' putting ' or launching of a large stone or 

 cannon-ball. This is the left-shoulder method of 

 throwing the salmon-line; and is commendable, 

 not so much on account of its being more easily 

 managed than the other, but chiefly because of 

 the advantage it gives the angler when under a 

 bank, or in advance of shrubby ground, when his 

 hook, were it suffered to fly back instead of being 

 kept aloof over his head, w^ould frequently find 

 its anchorage behind, and thus endanger the safety 

 of rod and tackle, as well as try the patience of 

 the thrower. But there is no reason why, under 

 favourable circumstances, right-shoulder casting 

 should not be resorted to. I think, for my own 

 part, that the fly hove from the right shoulder 

 generally alights on the stream's surface Avith 

 greater lightness, and may be directed with more 

 accuracy towards the desired spot." The trout 

 fly-fisher, with very few exceptions, when he first 

 begins to handle the salmon-rod, will find the 

 right-shoulder cast the most easily accomplished. 

 Unless a man be what is called left-handed, his 

 right hand is the fittest for taking the lead in all 

 brachial exertions. It has natural advantages, 

 which would remain exclusive ones in many in- 



