AS A FISHING GILLIE 347 



ing the following well-known rhyme he might assist 

 the memory : 



"Rods, reels, baskets, 

 Hooks, worms, flaskets." l 



With regard to the last-mentioned article, the gillie 

 would do well to see that it contained no more spirits 

 than he could safely carry home. The gillie or keeper 

 who takes a drop more than he should do lowers him- 

 self more in the estimation of his employer than by 

 anything else I know of. 



Having got to the river, the first thing to do is to 

 put up the rod, and then see that the reel fits tight, 

 and that the line is put through all the rings without 

 it being twisted round the rod. The gut cast should 

 be carefully soaked, and then fitted neatly to the main 

 line before the fly is attached. The cast and fly should 

 then be tested, and the rod handed to the angler, who 

 may then begin fishing. 



The following remarks might be overheard at this 

 time, if one were within earshot of a well-trained gillie : 

 " Cast a short line to begin with, but when you get 

 down to that ripple, let out a few more yards ; that is 



1 To modernise this old rhyme and make it so complete that it will 

 include gaff, baton, landing-nets, fly-books and cases, waterproofs and 

 luncheon, we suggest the following as being fairly comprehensive : 



"Rods, reels, and hooks, 

 Nets, bait, and baskets, 

 Gaff, baton, books, 

 Coats, lunch, and flaskets.' 



