THE POINT AND BARB 39 



Ease of penetration, as I have already sug- 

 gested, is a subordinate consideration, being 

 very largely dependent on the sharpness of 

 the point (which should always emulate the 

 needle) and the gradient of the barb (which 

 should always be an easy one). But prompt- 

 ness of engagement and deep penetration are 

 of primary importance, and I am inclined to 

 think that these two essential qualities in a 

 hook are almost entirely governed by the 

 direction of the point, and therefore by the 

 size of the angle of impact, which, in my own 

 opinion, should not be less than 20 degrees, 

 or exceed 45 degrees. 



Whatever the general shape of the hook 

 may be, I think that a point turned slightly 

 out i.e., away from the shank is a distinct 

 advantage. This must not, of course, be over- 

 done, and it should always be checked by 

 reference to the angle of impact, which, by 

 the way, is very directly influenced by the 

 length of the shank, as well as by the direction 

 of the point a fact which is demonstrable on 

 any hook.* 



* Ceteris paribus, the angle of impact increases in size 

 as the shank decreases in length. 



