460 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 
much higher than before, the tyro will require additional 
aid from his guondam friend. This is known to all 
salmon-fishers, inasmuch as these fish frequent very differ- 
ent parts of the same river in a low, and again, ina high 
stage of the water ; and the flies also will require consider- 
able modification, according to these changing elements. 
There are, however, some general rules which may be of 
service, though they by no means apply in all cases. 
Thus, large rivers usually require larger flies than small 
streams, which latter will more often be successfully fished 
with a gaudy but comparatively small fly—that is, if the 
water is not too clear. The fish, generally lying at the 
bottom, will scarcely be attracted from the depth of a 
large river by a small fly, whilst if it is too gaudy, they 
are scared by its colors when they rise near the surface. 
Again, in small streams salmon seldom take any fly, 
except when the water is rather discolored, and in that 
state a dusky or dull one is not sufficiently attractive; and 
when the same condition of water exists in the large rivers 
a gaudy color will also be preferred. The size of the fly 
is of course an index to that of the hook, which is its 
foundation. Beyond these imperfect hints little aid can 
be given to the tyro, and he must learn by experience in 
his own person, or from that of others, the peculiar rules 
applicable to each locality. 
The casting is generally from the left shoulder, back- 
wards; after which the line is steadily and rather slowly 
brought over the right shoulder, with the rod held in both 
hands, and its point directed upwards and backwards. It 
is then brought forwards with an increase in speed and 
