EARLY CASTING PRACTICE 45 



sense of distance, also that rarest of all golfing 

 attributes, good timing. 



So it is with casting a fly. The general 

 principles have all been enumerated over and over 

 again, but good timing is a question of feeling 

 mentally and physically. A firm grip of the handle 

 of the rod is essential, but it is a finger and thumb 

 grip. The sense of feeling conveyed to the brain 

 by a really good modern rod is a wonderful thing. 

 " Bob " always talked about his rod as of a living 

 thing of feminine gender. " She " required delicate 

 handling and intimate knowledge. It is difficult 

 to set down in so many words this actual sense of 

 intimacy with your favourite rod. 



As with the course of true love, the way by which 

 to obtain just what one wants in rods does not 

 always run smoothly. Your " lady " must not 

 only be beautiful to look at, but becomingly 

 dressed. The reel and line must suit her figure 

 in weight and proportion. You can then take 

 pleasure in her when she goes out and comes in, 

 and house her properly. She should be treated as 

 precious beyond all ordinary jewels, and guarded 

 as an irreplaceable possession. 



It has been suggested already, without any 

 intended presumption of opinion, that the seat of 

 feeling is in the fingers, and it may now be added 



