110 SALMON ANGLING. 



ing, and such a rod is also best for holding up the 

 fish in the run, without any tendency to jerk the hook 

 from his mouth on any sudden fling. 



Indeed, the art of casting seems to depend on a 

 free motion of the body, and there seems to be a kind 

 of innate feeling, a delicacy of touch necessary to 

 throw a good line, which some may never be able to 

 acquire even by practice. And though we have 

 known instances of gentlemen having killed salmon 

 on their first start out, when they could not throw 

 a good line, it has generally been under proper guid- 

 ance and direction on a favourable day, or on pro- 

 tected water, where fish were numerous and undis- 

 turbed, and "with all appliances and means to boot.'' 

 Such instances are, of course, no way indicative of 

 superior skill in the individual. 



When the river is low and clear, then is the time 

 to prove the abilities of the angler. Then a long line 

 is required ; and great skill is shewn in making the 

 fly light like thistle-down within an inch of the spot 

 intended, say twenty-five or thirty yards from the 

 hand, and three or four at the least above and beyond 

 the spot where, from previous knowledge of the spot 

 or general skill, he knows for certain the fish must 

 lie. 



I recommend a beginner to practice throwing the 



