THE CAST. 103 



The rings must be in a right line with the winch, and the 

 line should run easily through them. The winch and 

 rings should be on the under-side of the rod ; and for the 

 first attempt, the line should not be longer than the rod 

 itself. The beginner may now make his first cast. 



To do this easily and gracefully the rod must be grasped 

 lightly by the right hand, just above the winch, where it 

 will balance properly. The thumb should be straight 

 along the upper part of the rod, and slightly bent, so that 

 the fleshy part of the thumb alone presses on the butt. 

 The upper end of the rod should point towards the left, 

 and the right elbow should be kept close to the side, free 

 from constraint, and the body in an easy posture. Take 

 the tip of your line, or, if armed, the bend of the hook, 

 between the forefinger and thumb of the left hand. You 

 are now supposed to be on the river's brink ready for your 

 first cast. Take it easy. If you are flurried, you will fail. 

 By the motion of your right wrist and forearm, bring the 

 rod round to the right, with the point slightly lowered ; 

 and as the line gets taut, let go the hook, point the end of 

 the rod backward ; let it describe an irregular horse-shoe 

 curve, and then cast it forward by a flinging motion of the 

 wrist and forearm. The line will double back as the point 

 of the rod is lowered, the end of the line will be carried 

 forward, and fall lightly on the surface of the water. As 

 the line goes forward, raise the elbow, and carry your arm 

 forward to guide the line, but not so strong as to check 

 the fly. In all probability, to the great chagrin of the 

 young fisherman, splash will go the line into the water, 

 ^nd probably the end of the rod with it. 



Our young Walton should not despair, but .strive to avoid 

 this drawback. He will best do so by keeping the body 



