EXTRA "PURCHASE" CASTS. 281 



This we have already alluded to ; * the longest 

 distances are attained by it. The motions of the rod 

 and line are precisely the same as in the case of trout 

 and grayling fishing. You raise your length of line 

 from the water upward and backward in the usual 

 way, but deliver forward in a direct line, a little under 

 the back line, ere the fly quits the water. This cast 

 may be effected either from the right or left sides 

 it is as well to acquire both methods the same 

 individual is seldom equally proficient in the two, but 

 it has an easing effect on the muscles to exchange 

 and exercise in different postures, which is a considera- 

 tion often important. The usual dexterity called for 

 in fishing a clear, well-fished southern trout stream, 

 may be of use here in salmon and sea trout fishing. 

 The many magnified conditions of sport may render 

 more strength necessary, but mere blustering and 

 purposeless whizzing and whirling of the tools is 

 scarcely exemplary of the artistic proficient in any 

 branch of angling, not excepting salmon fishing. 

 The experienced skater glides gracefully, rapidly, and 

 well-nigh silently over the frozen surface of the water, 

 whilst the awkward " scuttler " flusters and flounders 

 in his energetic wayward course, clumsily cutting up 

 the smooth surface of the ice to the general detri- 

 ment ; so with fly and bait casting, as a rule, the 

 more successful fisherman will expend less muscular 

 power in delivering a long line than will the less 

 experienced a much shorter one. This qualification 



* See throwing the fly, pages 175-80. 



