504 PRACTICAL LESSONS IN THE GENTLE CRAFT. 



:ally of any use for angling in such a water, and for this 

 specified class of fish they are of course indispensable. I 

 recollect, many years ago now, when my passion for the 

 river-side and the " contemplative man's occupation " was 

 just as keen, if not more so than now, I had an impression, 

 and I find that young anglers of the present day indulge in 

 the same idea, that fish can only be found in the middle of 

 a river or pond, or so near thereto as one could throw out. 

 Thus I used to perch myself on the extreme edge of the 

 bank, completely forgetting that fish could see me when I 

 could not see them. As a consequence the bag was nearly 

 always lighter at night than in the morning. Now it is 

 different, simply because I reflect, and reflection and the 

 caution that naturally accrues, is in. my view the great 

 secret of success. To return to the rod : let it be of cane, 

 light and handy, 12 feet in length and fitted with upright 

 rings, moderately stiff and well balanced. Always avoid a 

 rod that is top-heavy. The winch and one can hardly 

 improve upon the Nottingham reel for "reel work" 

 should be capable of holding sixty or seventy yards of fine 

 plaited Derby silk line ; some prefer a twist line, I don't, 

 while the finer the better if the operator has a light hand, 

 and can hdld a " big 'un " tenderly. Besides which, a fine line 

 requires a far less heavy bullet than a stout one another 

 advantage and these requisites obtained, one is ready, 

 so far as rod and line are concerned. Now for the leger 

 bottom ; this is an important item, for upon it much of the 

 desired success is likely to attend. Choose it of the 

 finest and roundest natural gut, a yard in length at 

 least (I use them a yard and a half), and always have a 

 length of gimp fitted to them for the bullet to work 

 upon. Other accessories are entirely unnecessary, and 

 the less foreign matter one has, the better. At any 



