HOOKS. 9 
being equal, must evidently be that in which, whilst retaining the re- 
quisite thickness of metal at the portion subject to strain, the parts not 
so subject—that is, the shank and “ point-side”—are tapered away to- 
wards the ends. Hooks so tapered are also neater when employed for 
flies, and more convenient for general use. 
The patterns of hook which at present most nearly 
fulfil the conditions indicated by a practical application 
of the foregoing theory are the sneck and sproat-bend 
hooks; the former is however marred by two faults, the 
turning to one side of the point, and the lack of strength 
above described ; and the latter by the want of depth 
and power in the point-side, the hollowed out or 
blunted shape of the barb, and the curved or “hog- 
backed” form of the shank. Appearance, or neatness, is 
of course a matter of taste, but whatever other claims the 
sproat-bend has upon our suffrages they can hardly, I 
think, be urged on the score of beauty. The Limerick 
hook also has the disadvantage, though in a less ex- 
aggerated form than the “sproat,” of being hog-backed, 
which, as I have shown, prevents the fly swimming 
straight and even, and gives it an inclination to turn in 
the. water, like a miniature spinning-bait. The round 
and Kirby bends are very deficient in penetrating power, 
and disproportionately short in the shank as compared 
to their breadth of bend, either for appearance or use, 
more particularly in the matter of flies. 
In the pattern of hook which is now being manufac- 
tured by Messrs. Hutchinson, of Kendal, under my 
name, I have endeavoured to hit the medium between 
