10 THE TROLLER'S GUIDE. 



is necessary the troller should know how to tie or whip on 

 the hooks himself, in case of accident, therefore I shall 

 direct him how to do it in as plain and concise a manner 

 as possible. To tie a hook to gimp, take some strong fine 

 floss silk (that sort used by whig makers is also excellent) 

 well wax the silk with shoemaker's wax, then take the hook 

 and hold it between the thumb and finger of the left hand, 

 and whip round the shank, from the bend to the top, with 

 waxed silk, then lay the gimp on the inside part of the 

 shank of the hook and whip it close and tightly down, 

 carrying your whipping till nearly opposite the point of 

 the hook, then turn back the point of your silk and 

 hold it down with your thumb, the silk will then be in a 

 loop, which you must pass or lap over three or four 

 times the end you hold under your thumb, now take 

 that end and draw it gradually until the lappings which 

 was passed over lay close and firm, and then cut off 

 the spare waxed silk ; this is called the hidden or finishing 

 knot, and will not draw. It is proper, lastly, to rub a 

 little hog's lard or suet over the whipping, which makes 

 it smooth, and also helps to preserve it. Note. This is 

 the best way I can describe tieing or whipping on a hook, 

 though, probably, not so intelligible as might be wished ; 

 but any experienced angler, or the persons keeping fish- 

 ing tackle shops, can learn the novice in two or three mi- 

 nutes how to whip or tie on a hook, which he would do 

 well to avail himself of on the first opportunity. 



