STATE OF THE WATER. 95 



the scientific Thames and Trent style, which is to stand 

 at a weir or waterfall, and dexterously work the bait 

 in the surging boil of water, near and far away, a 

 fifty yards cast being deemed nothing at all wonder- 

 ful ; but distance is not of so much importance as is 

 a thorough command of the line, which should be 

 gathered by the disengaged left hand, so that no 

 slack hangs about anywhere. To acquire the art of 

 casting should be the first care of the rodster, whether 

 he aspires to bait or fly. When able to pitch the bait 

 fifteen or twenty yards, and from wrist motion to 

 gently insert into water in a way that will not have 

 the effect of disturbing the feeding fish, he may con- 

 gratulate himself on having acquired the leading 

 qualification requisite to become an adept in the 

 spinning art. 



The water that happens to be nearest the rodster 

 should be fished first, afterwards the centre and 

 opposite sides, and lastly, the obscure and more 

 secluded spots to get at. There the best fish are to 

 be taken. The parts usually to be preferred are the 

 heads and tails of streams ; the few yards of turbulent 

 water at the head of the stream being generally the 

 most productive. 



The speed at which the bait is drawn should 

 be graduated in accordance with the state and 

 colour of the water. For instance, in the event 

 of the water being thick and turbid, a much slower 

 motion should be given to the bait, just sufficient 

 to spin it, in fact. The bait, whether natural or 

 artificial, should work freely at the slightest pull in 



