FLY FISHING FOR TROUT 15 



half dam, a plank which slightly turns the stream 

 towards the bank whereon the fisherman crouches, and 

 they are rising close to the edge of this small run. 

 Overhead are some pollard willows, which, however, 

 do not much interfere with the casting. The bank is 

 slightly raised on the side from which our friend must 

 try for the fish, and he can, by kneeling behind this 

 rise in the ground, secure an admirable and much 

 appreciated shelter from the marvellously acute sight 

 of the trout. But look ! there he is again, so try for 

 him at once, while he is in the mood. There ! your 

 first cast was a trifle below him, and as you did not allow 

 sufficiently for the swirl of the stream between the 

 trout and yourself, the fly dragged somewhat, and did 

 not float properly at all. That's better and sure 

 enough up he comes. You have him ; and now mind 

 what you are about ! As I thought he is off, to 

 bury himself amongst the weeds at the corner of the 

 dam where it touches the bank under the shelter of 

 those flags. Put whatever strain you dare on him, 

 as, if he reaches the haven where he would be, you 

 will probably lament the loss of both fish and fly ; 

 the weeds are tenacious hereabouts. But it is need- 

 less to attempt to school our angler, who knows what 

 he is doing, and will surely account fur this fish if 

 any one can. And so it conies to pass that, in a few 



