116 WADING. 



of tangled foliage. What a different scene is 

 now presented. One feels secure in the protec- 

 tive shadow of the stalls, while the rises take 

 place behind the footlights. 



There is no need to roam about much once 

 you have chosen a favourable pitch, as fifty or 

 a hundred yards is quite enough to allot to 

 oneself; care being taken to study the position 

 of stakes and obstacles, which, clear enough 

 now, will fade into dangerous unobtrusiveness 

 after nine-thirty, or just when the coveted 

 pounder indulges in his well chosen sucks of 

 floating flies. 



And, speaking of stakes and obstacles, it is 

 needless to add there must be no dropper. 

 Long before that time however the rise begins, 

 at first the sprats and then the better fish. 

 Some are rising in the broken or swift water, 

 which can be easily covered by remaining on 

 the bank, and are more readily attracted by 

 casting with the left hand from a kneeling 

 position ; but afterwards the shallows must be 

 approached. 



The least ripple, or up stream wave, caused 

 by stepping into the water clumsily, will spoil 

 everything, and stop each reachable ring as 

 suddenly as though you had thrown a stone in. 



Edge quietly forward step by step without 

 casting, and make your way up the current, 

 until you stand a few yards below the unbroken 

 glide of the shallow pool. Again, there is no 

 hurry. Wait and watch as quietly as an old 

 heron, keeping your best eye close under the 



