80 OF TACKLE. 



and the other pulled until the gut breaks at the 

 weakest part. This operation may be repeated 

 with the best portions, until they snap with 

 considerable resistance. Then the ends may be 

 reversed, and the operation proceeded with as 

 before, until the last remaining piece is deemed 

 strong enough for its office. This sacrifice of 

 the bad portions will not appear extravagant, 

 but the contrary, when it is considered that the 

 loss of a whole or large part of the foot-line, 

 with a fly or two, and perhaps a fine Trout, may 

 be the consequence of an undue weakness exist- 

 ing in any part of it. After all, fineness is not 

 to be sacrificed to strength, in Fly-tackle. 



The selected lengths of gut must now be 

 steeped in water, and tied together with the 

 gut-knot, and the strongest must be provided 

 with a loop, whereby it may be attached to the 

 line. This should be done in such a manner, as 

 to be able to detach it again readily : which is 

 efiected by having a simple knot at the end of 

 your reel-line. 



Hook. 



The Hook requires particular attention. It is 

 a trial of temper to discover that one has made 

 a good fly upon a bad hook ; but to lose a good 

 fish in consequence is still more provoking. 



The Kendal or Sneckbend hook (see fig. 40, 



