THE SPEY CAST. 345 



Angler's right side. The point of the rod has described, we will suppose, 

 the outline of an ovoid athwart the river, just on the right side of the 

 Angler. If the point of the rod had left some mark to indicate the track 

 pursued, the figure would appear to a spectator stationed in the water 

 above or below to range between east and west. 



The due formation of such figure and the effect it produces on the 

 line will probably involve the student in complicated embarrassments 

 more difficult to surmount than any that he will experience. The whole 

 cast, in this instance, must be made quickly ; and, although difficult, it 

 still appeals irresistibly to the Fisherman because no other means of 

 commanding a fish in such awkward situations are forthcoming. 



To introduce that one " brilliant exception " to which I formerly 

 alluded, I would first remark that, in passing from quiet to rapid waters, 

 we find it necessary to make the fly strike the surface in a different place 

 altogether. 



The instant the fly-end of the line is placed on the surface in a rapid 

 it is swept away out of the position by the torrent, and to meet the case 

 the fly must strike the water, not beside us, but at a spot five to seven 

 yards above us. It is in rapids only that, during the thrash-down, the rod 

 almost hits the fly as it rides past the Angler in the air up-stream, heed- 

 lessly, yet under perfect control. This is practically equivalent to saying 

 that the thrash-down takes place sooner than usual certainly somewhat 

 before the fly alights. It is so, and consequently this variety of the " Spey " 

 is also made quickly ; and in obedience to the quickened movement of 

 the rod in its backward course, the fly travels further up the water before 

 reaching the surface. But this is not detrimental to the proceeding. On 

 the contrary ; for in working its way round the rod keeps pace with the line 

 with mathematical precision, and so the whole business is materially 

 simplified. We also find that in making the thrash-down there seems to 

 be less need for the delaying influence of the water, yet we know that it 

 has occurred, not necessarily by an instantaneous act of the mind, but by 

 the constant co-operation of the rod and line, detected by the sense of 

 touch at the time being. From these facts the student probably com- 

 prehends how much easier it will be for him to learn the Spey cast in 

 rapids than in quiet waters. 



