78 BLANK DAYS. 



dropping back as though the object were not 

 worth the effort of opening his mouth. 



At intervals a distinct blade like stroke of 

 the tail and a snap would occur, showing how 

 very carefully the floating food is scrutinised 

 and appreciated. 



Bearing this experience in mind, I would 

 repeat that it is best as a rule to wait and 

 watch for at least five minutes. But at the 

 same time there is no need to go too close, and 

 failing the sight of any dimple in the water- 

 difficult indeed to see if there is a dancing 

 light a trial cast must be made. Repeat it 

 foot by foot up the run, not omitting the 

 extreme sides under the projecting willow bushes 

 or brambles. On many and many occasions 

 this cast at random will be successful. The fly 

 disappears and you have tightened and struck 

 the fish before being aware of it. He bores 

 down hard, you hold him perhaps almost too 

 firmly, and he comes to view with a quivering 

 jump a clear foot out of the water, and seems 

 to shake in the air. Lower your rod point of 

 course, to lessen any resistance and prevent his 

 falling athwart a taut line; which is what he 

 may have done before to another angler. 



But I am forgetting this is a blank day, a 

 day of disaster. You hook the fish indeed and 

 he gives a sidelong leap on the surface, a 

 convulsive squirm, and your fly almost strikes 

 you in the face. We all know the feeling : 

 take it as read; and pass up and on to the 

 still water above the run. 



