312 ROD AND RIVER 



useful when the wind is behind the fisherman, 

 inasmuch as, if the ordinary shoulder-cast is used 

 in a strong back- wind, the gut is not only very 

 liable to knot and tangle, but the fly not in- 

 frequently cracks off, and is probably seen no 

 more a serious loss at any time, but especially 

 so if the fly is an expensive one. 



If the reader will endeavour to follow out the 

 foregoing instructions to the best of his ability, I 

 think I may venture to assert that he will find the 

 difficulties of casting considerably lessened, and 

 he will also acquire a good style. By holding the 

 rod in the way I have described, he cannot fail to 

 stand upright, as he should do ; and the use of 

 a salmon-rod, instead of tending to contract his 

 chest, will serve to open it, almost as much as if 

 he were rowing. Nothing looks worse, or savours 

 more of the amateur, than when a man elects to 

 fish for salmon with his back hunched up and his 

 whole body distorted, and clutching at his rod as 

 if he had stolen it. 



One thing must be remembered. It is a great 

 mistake to fish with a longer line than can be 

 easily managed. It is even better to use a some- 

 what short line, and fish the water within reach 

 carefully and patiently, than for the sake of making 

 a long cast to slur the work. On the other hand, 

 it is never wise to dwell too long over any one 

 spot. Let the pool or reach be steadily fished 



