DIBBING CONCLUDED. 161 



raised, keep the bait in motion just over and upon 

 the surface, by gently raising and lowering the 

 top part of the rod, and drawing it to and fro ; 

 and if you see several fish, cautiously guide your 

 bait to the largest ; play it a little, an inch or two 

 above the water, by gently shaking the rod ; then 

 let it drop just before the fish." Mr. Elaine says, 

 (f When a fish has well taken the bait strike 

 smartly, and to prevent its floundering from 

 scaring away the remainder, it is advisable, if the 

 tackle will allow of it, that the hooked fish be im- 

 mediately drawn away, or even lifted out. If the 

 angler be on the top of a high bank, or if his fish 

 be very large, this cannot be done ; but he must 

 content himself with guiding it with his rod and 

 line to some distance, and then landing it ; which 

 done, he had better try another spot, until the 

 disturbed fish be again assembled." 



I place this chapter immediately after those 

 connected with artificial fly-fishing, for I consider 

 it only as an occasional substitute, necessitated by 

 locality and the state of the water and weather, 

 for the other branch of our art. He who has be- 

 come accomplished in the practice of that superior 

 branch, will quickly become an adept in the 

 gentle exercise of angling with the natural fly, and 

 other living insects. 



M 



