THE SALMON. 103 



as difficult of mastery as the corresponding science 

 of trout fishing. The rod, being long and compara- 

 tively heavy, must be held in both hands, which are 

 changed occasionally so as to alternate that at the but, 

 and teach the angler to cast over either shoulder. The 

 line is lengthened to the proper distance, is raised with 

 a springing jerk, swung out straight behind, and then 

 again cast forward with the same springy motion. The 

 work has to be done with the tip, which, except in cast- 

 ing against the wind, must be kept as elevated as possi- 

 ble. The stiffer the rod the more command the angler 

 has over his line in avoiding the rocks and making the 

 best of awkward places ; but this is counterbalanced by 

 the disadvantages of excessive weight and a stiffness in 

 striking that frequently breaks the casting line. A rod 

 will cast four times its length beyond the tip ; one of 

 sixteen feet, therefore, will cast sixty-four feet of line, 

 ordinarily abundant ; and although one of twenty feet 

 will cover sixteen more feet, unless it is made of cedar it 

 is uncomfortably heavy. A cedar rod would be perfec- 

 tion, but it is not to be trusted in the hands of a 

 bungler. 



When there is any current, and it is rare to take 

 salmon elsewhere, the fly is cast across the stream and 

 allowed to swing over the fish, which invariably lie with 

 their heads up-stream. When a salmon intends to rise, 

 he generally separates himself from his companions and 

 waits till the fly approaches to the precise distance that 

 pleases him. Then 



" Strike for your altars and your homes," 



