A Dry -Fly Purist's Advice to a Beginner. 17 



copper wire exactly in the centre of the outer rim 

 of the landing-net hoop at the top a strong split 

 steel or brass ring half an inch in diameter. To- 

 an inelastic narrow webbing sling, and made to pass 

 over one's right shoulder and beneath the left 

 armpit, securely fasten a blunt-pointed hook of brass 

 or steel (a lady's stay hook is just the thing 

 required). Now kneel on the left knee, as when 

 keeping out of sight of a fish, take the landing-net 

 by the handle, bend the net hoop completely 

 doubled over by the aid of the knuckle-joint until 

 it is brought close to the handle in fact, touching 

 it. The little ring will now be in the same direc- 

 tion as the end of the handle, i.e., pointing up to 

 the sky ; take hold of said ring and handle, pass 

 the latter under and at the back of the left arm and 

 between the webbing sling to keep the handle in its 

 place and the end upward ; put the sling hook into 

 the little ring of the folded net, regulate the length 

 of the sling so that the now suspended net does not 

 touch the ground by as much as two inches. 



On standing up turn the landing-net and sling 

 rather to the back of the left hip than on it, where 

 it will rest and ride easily ; indeed, one hardly 

 knows he is carrying a net at all, but it is always 

 ready at hand and in no way interferes with one's 

 movements, or kneeling, or shouldering the creel. 

 Not before a fish is vanquished in the fight, and 



c 



