ANGLER'S EYE. 105 



tised likewise in casting, so as to relieve the right arm 

 when tired, but it is by no means essential to success. 

 Avoid the coachman's twist or jerk, or away will go your 

 end-fly with a crack. Your motions should be easy, grace- 

 ful, and precise, not sudden, harsh, and violent. 



The anglers eye must next be acquired. The line must 

 not only be thrown well, but with precision and accuracy. 

 The best method of practice is to have a mark in the water, 

 and endeavour to throw below it, above it, beyond it, on 

 it, and on different sides of it, until you can do what you 

 wish with tolerable precision. You should practise throw- 

 ing the line where obstructions exist, until you can avoid 

 their entanglements and difficulties. Watch the movements 

 of an old angler under difficulties, and endeavour to imitate 

 them. In the compass of this little manual, it is impos- 

 sible to give more than general directions approved by prac- 

 tice, showing what errors to avoid, and what course to pursue. 



I presume at this stage of proceeding the beginner is 

 anxious to try his hand with a fly at the end of his casting- 

 line. If he had one before, he would have lost it again and 

 again. He may take a large single fly, tied at the end of a 

 length of gut, and loop it to the end of his casting-line. 

 This is the tail fly, or stretcher, and with it you may prac- 

 tise until the rising of a fish shows you in the most pleasing 

 manner that you are becoming proficient. Do not, how- 

 ever, be too anxious to emulate the old gentleman above 

 you on the stream, who has a " cast " of five or six flies, 

 which he manages so deftly. Wait till next season before 

 you proceed beyond a single " dropper," as each additional 

 fly is called. Your casting-line may be lengthened from 

 two to three yards, which will be found a very convenient 

 lensrth for a single-hand rod. 



