2 THE SALMON FLY. 



With reference to this general statement, it may be said that, 

 principles engendered in truth are indestructible things, and, like hardy 

 plants, grow wherever you take them : whereas mere " rules-of- thumb " 

 have but the lowest vitality and will not survive transplantation. 

 Possessed of the former, the Fisherman is equipped with knowledge 

 applicable for new ground and for new conditions. The untried, indeed, 

 just stimulates his skill and enhances his pleasure. But " rules-of- 

 thurnb," whatever returns they may yield within the limits of familiar 

 waters and ordinary conditions, generally prove, elsewhere and otherwise, 

 a source of perplexity, delusion, or helpless dependence on others. 



To the remark that a good deal of this book might appear to some 

 to wear the garb of "rule-of- thumb," the reply is, that it must be so with 

 regard to much that is technical and mechanical. Yet even here the dry 

 bones may become clothed with living texture, when their reason and 

 purpose are given with them ; when, in other words, we fall back on the 

 underlying principles. 



In advocating " system," I must guard against the supposition that 

 I am about to offer a complete scheme of Salmon-fishing. All I can do 

 is to point to the need of some further light, and offer my modest 

 contribution at whatever its worth may be. Dare I hope that it may be 

 the nucleus for the valuable experience of other Anglers and the seedling 

 of a great consistent " system " ? 



A complete " system " is probably beyond any man's power, and is 

 certainly beyond my own. I must, therefore, warn those who would put 

 my doctrines to the proof, that they must adopt my practice in its 

 entirety. This caution applies emphatically to the style of rod I recom- 

 mend. As I make clear hereafter, " casting" is not performed by the rod 

 alone, but by the rod and line taken together. So that to use such a rod 

 with any other "tackle" than that described as best suited to it (I am not 

 referring to the back-line), can only end in failure to display its good 

 qualities and its utmost powers. 



To plead for " science " in Salmon-angling is to plead for " system " 

 (system in knowledge as well as system in action), for science is but 

 another name for systematised knowledge. In vain will some, even of our 

 older hands, ejaculate " Blow ' science ' in fishing ! " The concentrated 



