76 FISHING IN EDEN 



of their trunks, and quite different to the Dutch 

 elm with its bare, lower stem. 



In May these branches, with their characteristic, 

 rough-surfaced leaves and numerous catkins, no 

 doubt harbour a great deal of fly food, and the 

 trout in bright weather leave the deep far bank 

 to roam about under them. The morning sun 

 shines through these trees cross-wise, and down 

 the river, so that beneath them the top of the 

 water is like a dazzling mosaic of light and deep 

 brown. 



Starting at the lower end we used to fish up with 

 a short line and sideways cast under the branches, 

 and towards the bank. Occasionally an erect 

 position of the body could be kept, but, more 

 generally, the stretch had to be fished at a half 

 stoop. 



Before making a cast it was necessary to glance 

 well around, to see where it could travel free. Such 

 casts were always kept low, and flicked forward with 

 the point of the rod. When a trout was struck it 

 was necessary to hold it firmly, and to guide it 

 outwards without getting the rod jammed, or the 

 line caught in the branches. 



" Bob " was an adept in situations of this kind. 

 They were generally worth the worry and toil of 

 stooping, and more especially as sometimes, on still 



