2 2 , THR WING THE FL Y. 



your line must stretch backwards as far as it is in- 

 tended to be cast forward, and ample time must be 

 afforded for the fly to reach the furthest point be- 

 fore you return it, or it will be whipped off. 



Practice, however, will greatly modify the first 

 part of this rule, and enable you to get your line 

 out where rocks or trees are close behind your back. 

 Let the beginner avoid all difficulties of the sort, 

 and simply essay to throw the line clear and well 

 away from him. This he will do by a plain up- 

 and-down stroke, the spring of the upper portion 

 of the rod being brought into play. The knack 

 once acquired, any degree of excellence may be 

 obtained by practice, and, so far as I know, by no 

 other means. Teaching is of no avail, and I, there- 

 fore, abstain from attempting it. 



