THROWING THE FLY. 175 



upon, and seeing that this is the chief obstacle 

 in the path of the beginner, and also the 

 most important acquirement of the proficient prac- 

 titioner, we think the omission a serious one. To 

 this subject we have devoted much attention, 

 particularly in the construction of new and improved 

 implements for its more ready attainment and practice. 

 It is a well established axiom that in skilful casting lies 

 the chief condition of success. " He can throw a good 

 line," is equivalent to asserting the proficiency of a 

 rodster, whether he be fly, midwater, or bottom fisher. 

 The ordinary routine cast is the first to be practised 

 and acquired by the tyro. This is accomplished by 

 bringing round the rod so as to describe a half circle 

 from over the left shoulder, and delivering it directly 

 over the right, the action emanating from the wrist 

 and elbow only. It is capital practice for the young 

 student to cast upon a lawn or any closely-cut turf. 

 Line to the length of the rod should first be delivered 

 efficiently and neatly, when a hat should be placed as 

 the receptacle of the fly ; after the distances have been 

 lengthened at intervals a tumbler may be substituted, 

 and finally a small wine glass. When these different 

 exercises have been successfully accomplished, with a 

 fair length of line, the rodster may safely try his hand 

 upon the bosom of the watery element. Lightness 

 and precision follow practice and experience. The 

 exercise of casting into a floating walnut shell is a 

 feat, the accomplishment of which, at a distance of not 

 less than a dozen yards, betokens a fair degree of 

 proficiency and precision in casting. 



