264 FLY-FISHING. 



modifications ; the following, probably, is as nearly 

 correct as any: After the line is lifted from the 

 water, which is done with a quick upward motion 

 of the wrist, the forearm is slowly and steadily 

 raised until the line has described the necessary 

 curve and is extended almost directly behind the 

 angler, when a fresh impulse from the wrist changes 

 the direction to a forward one, the arm following 

 the motion until the line has nearly reached its 

 limit, when it is checked by an almost imperceptible 

 motion of the wrist, and the flies are made to drop 

 on the water gently and quivering with almost the 

 tremor of life. This is the rule when the cast is 

 down wind and unobstructed, and the breeze light 

 and equable, but in practice each cast must be 

 adjusted to the peculiar circumstances under which 

 it is made ; the force that will drive out the line in 

 a heavy breeze will not be vigorous enough if it dies 

 down at the next cast, and the line must be stopped 

 short or it wiU not extend itself; on the other hand, 

 if the wind suddenly increases to a gusty flaw, the 

 flies will be driven into the water with a splash, un- 

 less the aim is extended to exhaust the additional 

 force. If the cast is across a strong wind, the line 

 is lifted against it and makes almost a complete cir- 

 cle, and if well managed can be made to so resist it 

 that, in the roughest weather, it will go out its full 

 length and fall with beautiful delicacy. In a hard 

 blow the difficulty will be in raising the line, and at 

 times it will not be found necessary to lift the flies 

 entirely from the water before casting, as the wind, 



