36 ANGLING 



Having now mentioned the principal matters con- 

 nected with rods, and tackle generally, it is proper we 

 should say a word or two on the modes of using them, 

 or, perhaps, more fitly, the mechanical art of angling 

 itself. 



It must always be borne in mind that the gentle art is 

 an imitative one. It is best learned by looking at others 

 fishing, and making accurate observations from what 

 experiences teaches. This must ever be the grand 

 school for the angler. All that books on the subject 

 can do, is to lay down such general rules as may guide 

 the understanding in the use of instruments, and keep 

 young beginners from falling into egregious errors at 

 the commencement of their career. Most anglers have 

 begun to frequent the rivers when young ; and youth in 

 general is the aptest time for learning many things ; but 

 persons considerably advanced in years may soon render 

 themselves respectable fly-fishers by paying a little atten- 

 tion to it, by going a few times with a person who is 

 himself acquainted with the art. We have taught three 

 or four gentlemen the amusement who had never before 

 thrown a single fly into the water, and they were, in 

 point of age, full fifty, or even more. The chief matter 

 is the desire to learn. "Where this exists in any great 

 vigour, and proper means be adopted, success becomes 

 almost certain. 



The two leading points connected with fiy-fishing for 

 salmon and trout are the casting of the flies, and the 

 acquirement of that peculiar knowledge or tact which 

 enables the skilful angler to recognise, at a glance, those 

 parts of a river or stream where such kinds of fish are 

 likely to lie during particular parts of the day or season. 



One of the first maxims a learner should fix in his 

 mind is, not to have , too long a line. He should not 

 attempt too much at once. To acquire the steady and 

 efficient command of the rod is a vital matter. To 

 throw long lines steadily and lightly is an art which 

 can only be acquired by considerable practice and 

 observation ; therefore a learner should never feci dis- 

 couraged should his progress in this angling accomplish- 



