220 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 
as in the “Nottingham style,” of porcupine and goose 
or swan quill combined, the upper half of the float 
being composed of the hollow quill. This float, of which 
I believe I was the originator, unites the advantages of 
being exceeding strong, unconspicuous, and of giving 
probably a greater supporting power, bulk for bulk, 
than either of the ordinary combinations of corks or 
quills. It can be made of any size, up to a foot long, 
which is the best length for heavy Nottingham fishing, 
and either to fasten with caps at both ends, ora cap at the 
top, and a ring at the bottom. The former method has 
an advantage in making the float less liable to slip—a 
common occurrence which involves either a frequent 
‘‘re-plumbing,” or the probability of fishing at the 
wrong depth. Even with the double caps as fastened 
in the ordinary way, the float, especially after repeated 
striking, is apt not uncommonly to shift its position by 
degrees ; and in order to make this impossible I pass the 
line vouzd as well as through the lower cap—in other 
words, twice through—loosening the coil when the position 
of the float is to be shifted, and drawing it tight when it is 
fixed in its proper place. If this method is adopted, caps 
of gutta percha should be used instead of quill caps, as 
the latter would wear and fray the line. 
The above expedient will be found of considerable 
practical advantage in all fishing where accuracy of 
plumbing is essential. 
