52 LITERATURE OF SEA AND RIVER FISHING. 



This rather suggests the " Pennell " bend of hook, 

 though perhaps the " angle of impact " would be a little 

 too " indirect " to suit the theory of the learned angler and 

 " ancologist," Mr. Cholmondeley Pennell. Further, ac- 

 cording to J. D., these are the qualities of a good hook : — 



" His Shank should neither be too short nor long ; 

 His point not ouer sharp nor yet too dull ; 

 The substance good that may endure from wrong ; 

 His Needle slender, yet both round and full. 

 Made of the right Iberian metal strong, 

 That will not stretch or break at every pull ; 



Wrought smooth and clean without one crack or knot, 



And bearded like the wilde Arabian goat." 



Nor does J. D. forget to give instructions, and very 

 sensible ones too, even as to the garb of the angler, though 

 he did not live in the " Cording " age : — 



" And let your garments Russet be or gray. 



Of colour darke, and hardest to descry : 



That with the Raine or weather will away, 



And least offend the fearfuU Fishes eye : 



For neither Skarlet nor rich cloth of ray 



Nor colours dipt in fresh Assyrian dye. 



Nor tender silkes, of Purple, Paule, or golde. 

 Will serue so well to keep off wet or cold." 



His descriptions of the various baits to be used by 

 anglers, and instructions in fishing for various fish, will in 

 many instances hold good in the present day. Here is a 

 picture of an angler " dibbing," or " dapping," for chub, 

 trout, &c. : — 



" See where another hides himselfe as slye, 

 As did Acteon or the fearefull Deere ; 

 Behinde a withy, and with watchfuU eye 

 Attends thel)it within the water cleere, 

 And on the top thereof doth moue his flye, 

 With skilfull hand, as if he lining were. 



Soc how the Chub, the Roche, the Dace, and Trout, 

 To catch thereat doe gaze and swimme about. 



