CHAPTER XII. 



TROUT FLY-FISHING. THE STREAM. 



Casting the Fly. Theory of strict imitation. Striking and killing a 

 Fish. Likely places, how to fish them. 



CASTING THE FLY. So much has been written on this 

 subject, that the learner who consults the authorities, not only 

 finds that " doctors disagree," but that he is bewildered with 

 what may appear to him unnecessary detail ; and he is thus 

 impressed with an idea that Fly-Fishing is a science to be 

 attained only with much study and practice. It would 

 therefore be much better to learn the rudiments from some 

 skilful friend on the stream, and afterwards read such autho- 

 rities as Chitty, " Ephemera," and Ronalds. 



As it is likely, however, that some of my readers who may 

 wish to try their hands, may not be able to avail themselves 

 of the practical instruction of friends of experience, or may 

 not have access to English authors on fly-fishing, I will, with 

 some misgivings as to my ability to profit them, describe the 

 usual manner of casting the fly, as practised by our best 

 anglers. Advising the beginner not to be ambitious at first 

 of accomplishing what he may deem a difficult feat, that is, 

 to cast a long line, but rather by patience and diligence to 

 acquire the knack of delivering one of moderate length 

 straight out and lightly; by perseverance he will in due 

 time find " how use doth breed a habit in a man." 



On a favorable day the learner, with faith and industry, 



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