THROWING THE FLY. 119 



and arm a little, keeping them in a straight line 

 up to the shoulder. Thus you will cause your 

 fly to 'light so very gently on the water, as often 

 to leave you in doubt as to the precise spot where 

 it fell ; but which is frequently pointed out by the 

 rising of a fish, deceived equally with yourself, 

 by the sleight you have attained." This, though 

 clothed in other language, is exactly what I 

 described, as to letting the motion of the hand 

 and rod die away and discontinue by degrees, 

 after the spring in casting the line forwards : 

 and it is this gradual cessation in the movement, 

 which causes the desired fairy-like lightness. 



Herb. But you have not enlightened me 

 about the length of line to be thrown ; which, 

 from the mode in which I have heard it spoken 

 of, seems to measure the skill of the fisherman. 



Theoph* It measures the skill in casting the 

 line, but no more ; for much is requisite, besides 

 good throwing, to fill a fishing pannier. If a 

 man can throw a long line, he must necessarily 

 be able to throw well, and, most probably, will 

 catch fish ; and, to the general observer, he is a 

 good fisherman. It ensures this also, that he 

 must have fished a long time, for practice alone 

 can, in the ordinary run of hands, accomplish it 

 though many may fish for years without 

 acquiring this advantage. 



Herb. And yet it is very common to hear men 



