ITS USE. 211 



likely to capture any other fish, is brought into play in the 

 following manner : 



A number of circular holes, called Fa/car, of half-a-foot 

 or so in diameter, are cut in the ice with the Is-bill, near 

 to the edge of reeds, skirting the shores of a lake or river ; 

 and immediately alongside each of these again, other small 

 apertures, wherein to affix the Kil (Fig. 4). These are small 

 wedge-shaped pieces of wood, in the upper end of which is 

 a hole or socket, to admit of the Spo, or rod, consisting of 

 willow, hazel, or other pliant shoot, from two to two and 

 a half feet in length. 



The hook is inserted in the fleshy part of the back of the 

 bait generally a living roach, or the like and the point 

 brought out near to the back of the head, so that while in 

 the water it retains its natural position, and the barbs of 

 the hooks point backwards. After the depth has been 

 ascertained, it is sunk to about mid-water ; the line, which 

 is usually from five to six fathoms in length, is suspended 

 from the top of the rod (which is inclined towards the Vak) 

 by a small loop, or slip-knot, in such manner, that when 

 tugged at by the pike, it at once escapes, and runs off 

 freely. The portion of line remaining, is placed in coils 

 on the ice, by the side of the Vak ; or to prevent its 

 freezing, as it is apt to do in severe weather, on a sort of 

 stand. 



All being duly arranged, the fisherman stations himself, 

 as near the centre as may be, amid the several ice-holes ; and 

 when the pike seizes the bait, of which he is quickly aware 

 by the motion of the rod, he, without much manoeuvring, 

 hauls it on to the ice. 



Fifteen to twenty Angel-krokar so say those who are in 



p 2 



