FLY-FISHING IN MAINE LAKES. 213 



an art it certainly is, my gentle reader. I have yet 

 to see the scholar who could acquire proficiency in 

 painting or sculpture from books alone, or the offi- 

 cer who could manoeuvre his brigade or regiment, 

 even though he could repeat Upton's Manual from 

 cover to cover. Practice you must have, with your- 

 self at one end of the rod and a trout at the other. 



But I can give you some idea of what imple- 

 ments to select for your outfit. First, the rod. A 

 hexagonal split bamboo, eleven and a half feet in 

 length, of three joints, with German-silver mount- 

 ings, and weighing about ten ounces, is my favorite. 

 Such an one may be had of the maker, Mr. B. F. 

 Nichols of Boston ; price, I think, with extra tip 

 and case, twenty dollars. He also makes them 

 heavier and lighter. These rods having stood the 

 test for six years, and having received both at home 

 and at the International Fishery Exhibition of 1883 

 medals of high honor, are, both as specimens of 

 beautiful workmanship and durability, well worthy 

 of the high praise which has been bestowed upon 

 them by their fortunate possessors. 



You should always carry a second rod in case 

 of accidents. It is a good plan to change your 

 rods in fishing, resting them as it were. Do not 

 stand them on end when not in use, but lay them 

 on wooden pins prepared for that purpose : they 



