182 THE TROLLER S GUIDE. 



concise a manner as possible : — To tie a hook to gimp, 

 take some strong fine floss silk, (that sort used by wig- 

 makers is also excellent,) well wax it with shoe- 

 makers' wax, then take the hook and hold it between 

 the thumb and finger of the left-hand, and whip 

 round the shank, from the bend to the top, with 

 waxed silk ; then lay the gimp on the inside part of 

 the shank of the hook, and whip it close and tightly 

 down, carrying your whipping till nearly opposite the 

 point of the hook ; then turn back the point of your silk, 

 and hold it down with your thumb, the silk will then 

 be in a loop, which you must pass or lap over three or 

 four times the end you hold under your thumb ; now 

 take that end and draw it gradually until the lappings 

 which were passed over lie close and firm, and then 

 cut off the spare waxed silk : this is called the hid- 

 den or finishing knot, and will not draw. Some 

 Anglers rub a little hog s lard or suet over the whip- 

 ping, which makes it smooth, and also helps to pre- 

 serve it 5 but a little good oil- varnish, or liquid tar, is 

 superior. This is the best way I can describe to tie 

 or whip on a hook, though, probably, not so intelli- 

 gible as might be wished j but any experienced 

 Angler^ or the persons keeping fishing-tackle shops, 

 can teach the novice in two or three minutes how to 

 whip or tie on a hook, which he would do well to 

 avail himself of the first opportunity. 



