PRACTICAL ESSAY. 



137 



Before gut can be knotted with safety, it should be well moist- 

 ened, otherwise it will crack. The cut shows some of the ways in 

 which knots can be made, and the tyro can try which he can tie 

 the neatest. To attach the droppers, make a knot at the end of 

 the link, and if the cast is tied by the knot shown in Fig. i, you 

 have only to push the knots apart and insert the knot of the dropper 

 between them, and then draw them together again. 



Fig. i. Fig. 2. 



Fig. 3- 



You now have to throw your line on the river where the trout 

 are. I quote from a little handbook of mine on fishing as under : 

 " Make your first trials with a short line, gradually increasing the 

 length as you become more proficient. First wet the cast in the 

 water to take out the curls, then taking the rod in the right hand, 

 just above the reel, wave it gently backwards towards the left or 

 right shoulder (both ways should be practised) until the line is well 

 stretched out behind, then bringing it back, describing somewhat 

 of a circle in the air with the point of the rod, switch it rapidly 

 forward, checking the motion before it becomes horizontal. This 

 ought to pitch the line straight out over the water, and the motion 

 being suddenly (but not too suddenly) checked, the flies should fall 

 on the stream before the rest of the line. This latter perfection 

 cannot always be attained ; but it is well to try for it, as the slight 

 splash made by the line will, in clear water, startle the fish before 

 the flies fall. Every motion should be made quickly, but not 

 harshly, or you may jerk your flies off. Nothing but practice can 

 make you perfect in fly-fishing. A single day in the company of an 

 expert will teach you more than the most diligent reading. When 



