6 Dry-Fly Fishing. 



one's thigh ; draw the line smoothly through the 

 rings, coiling it at the same time in the palm of the 

 left hand after the manner of Thames fishermen 

 when spinning from a weir. This plan causes no 

 disturbance of the water or fish while the line is 

 being recovered ; the fly can be carried pendant at 

 the proper length, not touching the ground, ready 

 to make the next throw. And while in the act of 

 doing so, to prevent the coiled-in-the-hand portion 

 of the line from slipping (save at the critical instant it 

 is intended it should do so), hold it securely in the 

 closed palm, and taut between the line held lightly 

 under the fingers of the right hand that grasps the 

 rod. This may seem difficult for a beginner, but it 

 is a skilful and neat way of working the loose line, 

 and you also know the distance it will cover. 

 Indeed, it is almost to be classed as an accomplish- 

 ment well worth studying, and will be found of 

 great advantage if utilised more generally for dry- 

 fly fishing. 



As you move on, the distant small splash of a 

 trout in the rippled water attracts your notice, and 

 a few struggling olive -duns are dimly seen near the 

 opposite bank, and as some suddenly disappear it is 

 almost certain that fish are taking them, although 

 no rises are visible. Change your fly for an olive 

 quill, kneel, and wait a minute ere you cast ; you 

 will have no difficulty about it this time, for the 



