I05 



into a commanding position as quickly as pussiblc. In other words, 

 to get nearly opposite the work, where the battle nuist be fought with 

 the rod moderately bent until the fish comes passively to the surface, 

 and no longer plays the game of hide and seek. At that golden 

 moment the drift down stream begins. Then, under given conditions, 

 tiie fish will probably abstain from diving until made to do so just 

 prior to taking a last farewell of his native element. 



The conditions which govern the operations from that time 

 onward, are dependent upon material circumstances. The effect of a 

 clear course in modif)-ing the conditions of trans]3ortation, is in 

 nothing so important as in the absence of trees and bushes, over which 

 the line could not be taken b}' tlie " steersman." An inordinate 

 strain consequent upon eui increased rapidity of the water is easily 

 compensated for by giving line. E.xposed boulders intervening are 

 as a mere nothing in general. On coming to one, from which it would 

 seem dangerous to haul the fish, it is advisable to slacken line. But 

 it requires an adept in these manoeuvres to guide a fish through a 

 rapid, so as to keep up a perpetual uniformity of strain ; whilst it 

 would amount to a work of supererogation to pretend to describe the 

 hundred and one policies to pursue. Suffice it to say that the lighter 

 the fish is held the better. 



On reaching the spot desired at the shallow water, the strain must 

 be suddenly relaxed, when the fish will sink to the bottom, and, if he 

 has any heart left, will wriggle into a position facing up river. The 

 angler now hastens on and wades into the water twelve to fifteen 

 yards below the fish, and takes care to get into a direct line of him. 

 All he has to do then is to hold up the rod as before, and while the 

 fL-,li, utterly exhausted, floats down to him, he winds in line so as to 



