1 68 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 



and wariness have developed amongst the denizens 

 of the liquid element in a degree quite proportionate. 

 The well educated inhabitants of the classic streams 

 of the Midlands and of the south, the former clear 

 from the limestone district of the Peak, and the 

 latter pure from chalk districts, require no small 

 proficiency and tact to secure even moderate sport 

 generally ; nevertheless the accomplished fly-fisher can 

 usually manage to bag a respectable dish, even under 

 circumstances adverse to sport. On the other hand 

 we have a multiplicity of trouting streams and brooks, 

 especially .those north of the Tweed, whose fish are 

 in a manner unsophisticated, and comparatively 

 unacquainted with the wiles of man. Amongst these 

 the young student will do well to make a selection on 

 commencing operations. The adept at flying for 

 trout, when at work in real earnest upon the banks 

 of a well-stocked stream, is a striking figure, 

 exemplary of the true fisherman. The gracefully 

 erect though expectant attitude, the latter assumed 

 upon the delivery of the fly, the slender pliable rod, 

 the long floating line and gossamer gut, combine 

 to constitute an ideal angler. Before entering fully on 

 the details of the subject, we would jot down a few 

 brief instructions for the special benefit of the novice, 

 who, aspiring to proficiency, must be prepared to 

 acquire experience at some cost; and our object is to 

 reduce that cost as much as possible. 



The first consideration that should engage the atten- 

 tion of the tyro is throwing or casting ; and after that 

 has been well practised and a ten or twelve yards cast 



