318 Fly-rods and Fly-tackle. 



CHAPTER IX. 



CASTING THE FLY. 



EVERY book on angling contains directions for acquir- 

 ing this art, almost universally prefaced by the statement 

 that little can be learned from them. Without calling in 

 question the advantage of practical instruction by an ex- 

 pert, still it is believed no little progress can be made in 

 its absence. 



Assuming the possession of the required implements, 

 the next essential in learning to cast without a master is 

 companionship. Thus one can rest and encourage the 

 other, and each observe and coach his friend during his 

 innings at the rod. In nothing does the old adage, "the 

 outsider sees most of the game," more directly apply. 

 Unconscious faults are instantly noted by " the coach " 

 and brought to the attention of the caster, as well as the 

 greater or less degree of success which may attend effort 

 to correct these. The innings should not exceed five 

 minutes each, for they should be made a pleasure and 

 not a toil. No very appreciable fatigue should be in- 

 curred, since tired muscles respond imperfectly to the 

 will. 



Access to water is quite unnecessary I question 

 whether it is even desirable. In the city, the house-roof 

 may be the practice-ground; in the country, any grass- 

 plot or a snow-field. Mark your stand, and measure from 

 it about twenty-five or thirty feet. There place a folded 



