130 THE ANGLER S GUIDE. 



Note. The preceding cuts of sniggling-rods, &c. 

 are the most simple apparatus for taking Eels I 

 by sniggling. In respect to tops for sniggling-rods, 

 some Anglers use them^ made of hickery, about six- 

 teen inches long, which consists of three pieces join- 

 ed together, with two neat brass hinges, similar to 

 those used in making folding rules -, by the aid of 

 those hinges, these tops may be formed or bent to 

 any shape most likely to enable the Angler to place 

 the worm where an Eel is suspected to lay. This 

 top is very convenient to carry, for, when folded up, 

 it will lay in your pocket tackle-book. Those who 

 use these folding tops, have them made to fit the 

 second top joint of their general fishing rod, so that 

 the same rod can be used for every kind of angling, 

 except whipping with flies. Those who prefer the 

 wire for sniggling-tops, may conveniently carry a 

 length or two in the butt of their rods. I have killed 

 many Eels by sniggling, using my walking stick for 

 the rod, after tying to the thin end of it about half a 

 yard of the said stout bell-wire : to prevent the wire 

 lacerating the worm too much, while conducting it in 

 search of an Eel, it should be blunted, or tie a silk or 

 thread round the point end, which will prevent it 

 penetrating too far in, destroying your worm. A lit- 

 tle experience in sniggling will enable the Angler to 

 select which he thinks the best among those tops 

 enumerated. 



