234 NOTES ON THE MONTHS FOR FLY-FISHING. 



more successful. Mark how carefully he measures 

 the distance requisite to reach the rising fish, which 

 now forms the focus upon which his entire attention 

 is fixed. He is evidently a more than ordinarily 

 skilful fly-rodster. Observe how carefully he keeps 

 away from the river's edge, casting dexterously within 

 an inch or two of the rising fish." 



"Is he not rather circumspect in his use of the rod?" 

 " He is casting the live fly, and that careful swing 

 round from the left to the right is absolutely requisite 

 to retain the fly upon the hook. Were not due care 

 and caution paid to this the fly would continually be 

 flipped off, and nothing but bare hooks presented to 

 the fish. It must not be forgotten that 



' Though gudgeons strike 

 At the bare hook and bait alike, 

 The wily trout regardless lie, 

 Till art like nature sends the fly.' 



The rodster before us is an adept at this particular 

 branch of the art of fly-fishing. His rod is very 

 pliable, as is necessary ; and providing his gut and 

 tackle are of the finest description, he will do some 

 execution before night-fall." 



Whilst we have been taking observations the fish 

 have turned out from their hidden haunts and 

 sheltered nooks, attracted by the ever-increasing 

 show of May flies, which flutter upon the surface of 

 the water. Without waiting to see the luck of our 

 ideal rodster, we hasten onwards until our favourite 

 swim is reached. Here the tackle is speedily 

 arranged, fine double hooks mounted back to 



