278 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 



beneficial to the constitutional functions of the fish, 

 that the recollections of former experiences are 

 apparently dulled, if not entirely erased. With the 

 conditions of life so at variance, there exists small 

 grounds for surprise at the issue. 



It may be as well here, prior to plunging into 

 generalities, to append an outline of the mode of 

 procedure in two-hand casting, which is due to the 

 tyro, for whom we venture to assume upon the 

 indulgence of proficients. Sea or white trout fishing 

 forms a sort of intermediate stage between trout and 

 salmon fishing proper, therefore may, with advantage, 

 be tackled prior to the latter. The essentials are : 

 (ist) Lake rod of fourteen or fifteen feet, strong and 

 moderately supple. (2nd) Winch, 3 in. or more 

 diameter, metal. (3rd) Seventy to ninety yards of 

 line, medium thickness and strength. These, with 

 the usual accessories for fly fishing in the shape of a 

 fly book replete with flies, and gaff, of which latter 

 article by the way there are well nigh endless 

 varieties, portable and otherwise. Individually we 

 prefer a good plain article, though a full sized 

 strongly made telescope metal is fairly good for use, 

 and highly convenient for travelling. A very useful 

 implement, especially for boating and loch fishing, is 

 a large, rough, and plain landing net, consisting of an 

 iron hoop, say three feet in diameter, which is con- 

 nected by means of two straightened and strengthened 

 ends of the circle of metal which are turned outwards 

 at right angles ; when flattened, these admit of the 

 hoop being lashed to a handle or shaft, temporary or 



