that it requires not the aid of philofo- 

 phy to decide which color is entitled 

 to the preference. 



The choice of hooks being a matter 

 of fome confcquence in preventing difap- 

 pointrnents after you have raifed a filh; 

 the flaple, or fnake bent, and kirby 

 bent, having each their partifans, 

 who with equal warmth contend for 

 the preference ; I muft advife you never 

 to chafe a hook whofe point ftands 

 outward, as it will often fcratch a fifli 

 without laying hold, confequently you 

 lofe him; for after being pricked, ex- 

 cept a grayling, he will not rife again 

 within two or three hours. If the ma- 

 nufacturers of the ftaple bent hooks, could 

 be perfuaded to make their points fome- 

 what fhorter, and the barbs a trifle wi- 

 der, than they generally do, they would 

 then, in my opinion, claim a decided 

 preference, 



I am, Sir, 

 Your's, &c. 



R. S, 

 LETTER 



