SALMON ANGLING. 109 



is a point which can only be gained by practice, even 

 with the best rod ; but when once learned, it is done 

 with little comparative exertion. And besides that, 

 in casting a good deal depends on a finely balanced 

 rod, yet as much depends on being accustomed to the 

 use of any particular one. I have seen a fisherman 

 in daily use of a rod so heavy and unyielding, that 

 any person else could hardly suppose it intended for 

 the purpose, and yet I have stood amazed at the 

 length of the line the owner would throw with it, from 

 the mere force of habit, whilst he in derision would 

 pronounce a fine soft springy rod " a mere ^wattle." 

 A stiff rod requires great force and quick motion in 

 bringing it back to give the requisite impetus to the 

 forward throw, while one of an opposite description of 

 make, from its tendency to yield, requires a very slow 

 motion to bring the long line fairly round with it 

 and communicate just the necessary quantum of force 

 to impel it again outward. Of course a medium is 

 best ; and if we cannot possibly have a perfectly 

 equalized spring from hand to top (which, like per- 

 petual motion, it may be impossible to produce), then 

 let the stiffest part of the rod be about its middle, the 

 rest of it softening below and above to the extreme 

 top. 



Practice with such a rod will make the best throw- 



