FLY-FISHING. 395 



is supposed to be the angler, and, as we are looking 

 down upon him from above, it represents his hat. The 

 dark line, a b c, is the curve described by the tip of the 

 rod in the backward and forward movements of the cast 

 back over the left shoulder, and forward over the right; 

 while the dotted curved line, d e /, is the approximate arc 

 described by the tail-fly, leaving the water at J, and alight- 

 ing, by a lengthened cast, at /. 



By studying these diagrams in connection with the in- 

 structions given, the theory and mechanical principles will 

 soon be mastered by the novice. He should then, by as- 

 siduous and patient endeavor, make a practical application 

 of these principles, and become tolerably proficient in cast- 

 ing the fly, before he attempts to venture near the haunts 

 of the Bass. 



But various ways of casting come into play at certain 

 times, and under peculiar circumstances; and the rod will 

 be held more or less to one side or the other, or more ver- 

 tically, as -particular circumstances or emergencies demand. 

 For the novice must remember that there are trees and 

 bushes, and rocks and winds, to contend with in fly-fish- 

 ing; and, moreover, as he becomes proficient, he will 

 choose his own style of casting, for no two anglers cast 

 the fly exactly alike. 



However, all methods of overhead casting are but varia- 

 tions or modifications of the mode just described; and 

 the particular circumstances calling for them will natu- 

 rally suggest their necessity, use, or advantages to the 

 angler as he becomes more expert, and gains in knowl- 

 edge by practical experience. It is hardly necessary, 

 therefore, or even advisable, to allude more particularly 

 to other ways of overhead casting, as it would, in my 



