TACKLE IN GENERAL. 69 



torms SO important a part of the angler's outfit, is the sub- 

 stance of the worm in an immature state, and is made by 

 steeping the insect in vinegar or some other acid, a short 

 time before it is ready to commence spinning its cocoon, 

 stretching it to the required length, and securing the ends 

 until the strand is dry. It is then divested of any ex- 

 traneous substance by rubbing. It is imported from China, 

 Spain, and Italy, in hanks of a hundred strands, and sold by 

 all the tackle stores, the price varying according to its size, 

 length, and roundness. A scientific friend informed me once, 

 that he had produced the veritable article, by stretching out 

 the worms after steeping them in vinegar, and securing the 

 heads and tails in notches made in each end of a shingle. 



Gut is considered a superfluity by most rustic anglers. 

 Though not always essential, in fine angling it is indispensa- 

 ble. Its strength is astonishing, as every angler knows from 

 experience. It is almost transparent in water, when dyed of 

 a neutral tint. This color is to be preferred to any other, 

 a receipt for dyeing which will be found in another part of 

 this book. 



Leaders. — Although double gut and twisted gut leaders 

 are recommended, I have found the single, when stout, round, 

 and of the best quality, to answer every demand made on it 

 by the strength of the fish. Single gut is certainly neater, 

 and when it is borne in mind that the spring of the rod, and 

 the judicious use of the reel, contribute so much to lessen the 

 strain on line and leader, one must reasonably conclude, that 

 gut which will bear a strain of five pounds would secure a 

 fish of any size he may be lucky enough to hook. 



For fly-fishing, the gut lengths of a leader should always be 

 joined by a neat knot ; the double knot is preferable. The 

 leaders sold at the tackle stores, generally have the ends of 

 the gut secured with silk lashings, which are liable to fray 



