146 THE SCIENTIFIC ANGLER. 



Peak, and the latter pure from chalk districts, require 

 no small proficiency and tact to secure even moderate 

 sport generally ; nevertheless the accomplished fly-fisher 

 can usually manage to bag a respectable dish, even under 

 circumstances adverse to sport. On the other hand we 

 have a multiplicity of treating streams and brooks, espe- 

 cially those north of the Tweed, whose fish are in a 

 manner unsophisticated, and comparatively unacquainted 

 with the wiles of man. Amongst these the young student, 

 on commencing operations, will do well to make a selec- 

 tion. The adept at flying for trout, when at work in 

 real earnest upon the banks of a well-stocked stream, is 

 a striking figure, exemplary of the true fisherman. The 

 gracefully erect though expectant attitude, the latter as- 

 sumed upon the delivery of the fly, the slender pliable 

 rod, the long floating line and gossamer gut, combine to 

 constitute an ideal rodster. Before entering fully on the 

 details of the subject, we would jot down a few brief in- 

 structions for the special benefit of the novice, who, as- 

 piring to proficiency, must be prepared to acquire expe- 

 rience at some cost ; and our object is to reduce that cost 

 as much as possible. 



The first consideration that should engage the atten- 

 tion of the tyro is throwing or casting ; and after that 

 has been well practised and a ten or twelve yards cast 

 can be neatly made, he may essay striking and playing. 

 Dace or Perch in the summer months afford ample scope 

 for the acquirement of these accomplishments. It is the 

 determined will to succeed that attains its object ; and 

 when the resolve is once taken there is the immediate 

 response of the will to the perceptive powers seen in the 

 discernment of a rise, and at once, and without delay, 

 the quarry is successfully struck. Well do we remember 

 our first take with the fly ; filled with the ardor natural 

 to youth we were foolish enough to resolve to effect a 

 capture prior to quitting the river's brim. All the day 



