44 THE SCIENCE OF DRY FLY FISHING. 



tongue, and by a gentle pressure of this disgorger on the belly 

 of the hook, the gut being held tight by the forefinger on the 

 file, I instantly free the hook without injuring the fly by 

 any rough pressure on the wings, etc.* 



It is, however, more or less soiled by the slime from 

 the trout's mouth, so I cast it down stream and pull it through 

 the water once or twice and thus wash it ; a few flicks over- 

 head and it is once more dry and fit for work. 



We will now try the bank again on the further side ; 

 there is still no rise, but a fish, and a good one, should be 

 there. Now take the rod in your hand, keep as low as you 

 can, and try a cast. 



Don't be nervous. Imagine that you are casting your 

 fly into a plate, and that plate is close by that root over 

 there, and take plenty of time. It is not a matter of life 

 or death, and if you do make a bad cast and frighten 

 the fish, there are plenty more just above. Steady ! 

 You are forgetting your lessons in the excitement of the 

 moment ; you made your forward cast too soon and the 

 fly has fallen but half way to the spot you wished to 

 reach ; try again. Dry the fly, and now let your pause be 

 longer after you have switched the fly back so pause. Now 

 cast, well done ! Look out ! Strike ! Steady, you have 

 him, bring him out from the bank and down stream. 

 Dear ! dear ! You have, by dropping the point of your rod, 



* The lower edge of the disgorger is a lancet, and is extremely useful should the hook 

 be firmly embedded in the flesh of the trout. 



