202 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 



when that measured swing is given. Observe 

 the varying tactics resorted to when called for in 

 varying circumstances, and yet above all the efficient 

 mode of handling the hooked fish while it makes 

 determined efforts to free itself from the tiny thread 

 so recently ignored, and to avoid the necessity of a 

 premature move to other parts of the stream through 

 undue disturbance of the water. Upon the other 

 hand the inexperienced grayling fisher's awkwardly 

 managed line is planted splashingly upon the bosom 

 of some tranquil pool or still deep the collar, which 

 owing to its dryness, and left to its own wayward 

 course, dancing and dangling in its aerial flight, becom- 

 ing hopelessly entangled (as it inevitably must) the 

 instant it nears the water, causing a break larger than 

 the bold rise of a heavy fish ; all these signs make 

 the presence of their owner known and appreciated, 

 both upon the banks and beneath the surface of the 

 water. 



Fly-fishing at twilight and afterwards is prohibited, 

 and justly so, in some districts. The deadly nature 

 of the practice presents no recommendations to the 

 true sportsman; nevertheless, where the water is 

 over-run with excessively large fish, whose acquired 

 wariness prohibits them from surface feeding during 

 the day, they may with perfect honesty of purpose be 

 legitimately extracted at such times as they may 

 deign to dine. The cast for night fishing should not 

 exceed two yards, the gut being of medium thickness, 

 though round and without flaw or blemish. One fly 

 is ample to fish with, though upon a moonlight night 



