148 DRY-FLY FISHING 



soil confers invisibility. The rod, when not in 

 actual use, should in such a case be carried point- 

 ing downstream. The left bank is equally good 

 for those who are ambidextrous. If, owing to 

 depth of water and absence of any foothold, such 

 a procedure is impracticable, then it is necessary 

 to conduct the stalking from the top of the bank 

 or from the opposite side. In most cases we select 

 the former. 



By crawling along about a yard from the edge, 

 one may approach so closely to feeding trout as 

 to be able to observe their every movement and 

 very exciting it is to see a big fish daintily select- 

 ing its food. The rod, however, is a source of 

 danger. If the ordinary overhead cast is used, 

 the scaring of the trout is almost inevitable, but 

 the underhand cast, in the execution of which 

 the forward movement of the rod is stopped when 

 it points out horizontally across the stream at 

 right angles to the bank, will very frequently 

 produce the desired result. Much practice is 

 required with this cast, before one can lay with 

 unfailing regularity a fly on a given mark ; but 

 perfection in the art is a valuable possession, worthy 

 a large expenditure of time and trouble to acquire. 



The great trouble often experienced, the losses 

 incurred, in attempting to land trout caught under 

 unusual circumstances should be considered as 

 adding to the excitement of the sport. We have 

 known of anglers who leave certain corners un- 

 tried, because they are deterred by the difficulties, 

 or convinced of the impossibility of bringing a 

 trout to the net. They should solve each pro- 

 blem as it arises, and the first is the hooking of the 



