Ocular Demonstration recommended. 59 



give you an advantage, and never let your shadow fall on 

 the water you are fishing. A little practice of the kind 

 above described will be of great use, because, if it is essen- 

 tial for a shooter to practise before he begins his sport, 

 in order that he may be able to bring down his birds in 

 good style, no less requisite is it for an Angler to follow 

 the same rule, in order that he may fish well. 



I advocate the striking of fish in angling for the rea- 

 son that when one takes the fly, or bait, he naturally 

 closes his mouth upon either, and, if he be immediately 

 struck, will as suddenly and securely be hooked; and 

 this is the very best reason why the qualifications of 

 quickness in eye and hand are so essential to a Fly- 

 fisher. 



Any one will find that, by making a rounder and lower 

 throw with a heavier casting-line, he will be enabled to 

 project it against a moderate wind ; remembering that 

 in a wind he is to keep the point of his rod closer to the 

 water, to prevent the line being blown out and carried 

 up by hurried gusts. I am aware that little can be 

 gained from mere description ; therefore, if possible, let 

 the learner go out with a good Fly-fisher, and observe 

 him closely after reading the instructions here laid down ; 

 he will thus be the better able to understand and apply 

 them. 



Undoubtedly great skill is required to make your line 

 fall lightly on the water, which in all cases it ought to 

 do. Therefore the best way I can suggest is to throw 

 out your line as to an imaginary object, about a yard 

 above, or perpendicular to, where you wish it to drop, 

 and, when it is cast out straight at that point, to let it 

 fall softly and naturally, as it will do by its own weight. 

 This is partially accomplished by raising the point of your 

 rod gently and just before the flies come on to the water. 

 When they light thereon, shake your rod-top with a kind 



