UNDEK-HANDED CASTING DESCRIBED. 37 



obstructions in the rear of the angler are fatal 

 to it. 



Next to the casts already described, from either 

 shoulder, right or left, by bringing the rod and 

 line semicircularly round the point of the shoulder, 

 and when the line has fully developed its length 

 rearwards propelling it forwards, so that the 

 casting-line shall fall first on the surface of the 

 water, I like best under-handed casts from left or 

 right side. In performing these, the rod is held 

 forwards horizontally, with the hands and arms 

 projecting in a line with the termination of the 

 ribs. If the right hand is first, the rod is brought 

 in a horizontal sweep to that side, and then urged 

 sharply in an opposite direction, by which means 

 the fly and line are pitched far to the left side, 

 the latter touching the water first, the former 

 alighting on it last. Pitching the rod, line, and fly 

 in this way, is done by a motion not unlike the 

 way a cricket-ball is pitched by a round, over- 

 handed throw, or not very unlike the way a stone 

 is " skewed " on the surface of the water to make 

 what boys call " ducks and drakes." The winch- 

 line falling first on the water makes the duck, and 

 the casting-line and fly falling farther ofl" make 

 the drake. In casting under-handed, with the left 

 hand grasping the rod above the winch, the rod 



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