54 



lying fairly straight and in a direction of the lay-bye, it may be taken 

 for granted that the thrash-down might have been effectually made 

 with comparative ease. If, on the other hand, the line is found to 

 incarvate, it denotes that the rod has curved inwardly instead of 

 having pursued a direct course. 



The rod barely declines outward in ascent, nor inclines inward 

 in descent ; m fact, the closer it keeps to the course tal<en in raising 

 it, the straighter, the lighter, and further will the line be laid on the 

 water afterwards. 



The only exception to this golden rule is brought by the wind 

 when it blows down-stream. This condition, unfavourable to a 

 degree, necessitates the otherwise objectionable semicircular sweep 

 of the rod, the radius of which depends on the strength of the breeze. 



When the wind is in that direction, the fly is very liable to be 

 snicked off. 



There is, however, another and perhaps a safer alternative ; that 

 is, to use a second fly, or " dropper," attached three feet or so above 

 the tail fl)'. We hold strong reasons for using one fly only, and never 

 recommend two. To begin with, it is less amateurish, but after all 

 is said and done it is a pure matter of sporting sentiment. 



Finally, if the rod is properly furnished with small upright 

 revolving rings, the length of a cast may be considerably increased 

 by what is known as " shooting " line. A previous description of the 

 process seemed to please friends so much, that the following account 

 of it may be appreciated by others. 



The feat consists first in the angler drawing from the winch the 

 length of line required ; and, while doing so, making and jilacing 

 coils of it, one by one, between the point of the forefinger and thumb 



