66 



use force enovigh to extend the line half the distance ; and in the 

 " Spey," merely use enough to drop the fly beside you. 



(Note that you are obviously intended to understand that, but for 

 the early influence exercised over the line by the thrash^lown, the 

 portion that " visits " the water beside you would remain in it.) 



It must, however, be admitted that the question of force puzzles 

 people in general. But from this standing conundrum, wliich, like the 

 Socratic dialogues, raises a problem incapable of any positive solution, 

 we turn gladly to observe that in Spey casting tlierc arc t:co 7lui_vs, 

 that the operation begins with as little delay as possible, af/cr the rod 

 is elevated, (shown in Illustration i); and, that the rod does not 

 descend below an angle of forty-five degrees until completing one of 

 the two down-casts. 



Of the two ways, process A, for example, necessarily compels a 

 rather long length of line to run along the water beside the fisherman 

 all at once. Process B, allows a very small portion to do so — not 

 beside him, however, but higher up the ri\-cr. A, is practised in 

 steady, flowing waters ; B, in fast, rough waters. But if the untried 

 hand desires to excel in the cast, it is most important t/nit he sJioiild 

 first read and thonvi^i^^hfy dij^rst all there is to do and ho:c' to carry 

 it out, and not until then should he practice till he masters, both right 

 and left handed, the process A, ivhen he may apply himself steadily and 

 actively to the course of operations in !>. 



These words are emphasised by reason of certain observations 

 not uncommonly made on verbal description. 



" Oh! I shall never understand it. It can't be expLnined." 



" Nonsense, )'0u won't take the trouble to grasp wlint is said." 



" Well, you talk aboul the line on its imvard journey, and say 



