4T 



pole, for such are always getting out of order : the more 

 they are used, the more will the screw become loose, 

 and be the source of much inconvenience ; and if the 

 frame be not often taken off, the water will rust the 

 screws and fix them. I always use either a fixed frame, 

 or any occasional pole I can pick, and to which it is 

 lashed by means of the ends being left like parallel straps 

 for that purpose j or I use a neat little net and frame, 

 made with a hinge in the middle, and fixing, by means 

 of springs, into a plug about six inches long, in the same 

 manner as bits are fitted into whimbles. 



The plug is brass mounted, and is made-taper, so as 

 to fit for about four inches into the top of my rod-butt. 

 Hence, when a fish is completely exhausted, I slip off 

 my lower joint, and fixing in the plug, am provided 

 with a capital landing-net. 



When the borders of the water admit of large fish 

 being landed without the help of a net, it is proper to 

 exhaust the fish so completely, as to occasion his laying 

 on his side, and to allow you to draw him gently towardi 

 the shore ; where, taking advantage of some gradually 

 shelving part, if possible clear of weeds, or some little 

 inlet not deep enough t0 float him, you may slide him 

 along until you find he cannot flap about with his tail, 

 in such manner as to strike at your line, which many 

 kinds of fish will do, in a very forcible and artful manner. 



Keep your rod rather tight in your right hand, and with 

 your left finger and thumb, either take hold of the fish 

 at the eyes very firmly, or, if not too large to grasp, you 

 may take him up, by a firm gripe, close behind the gills. 



I have occasionally taken very large fish out, by watch- 

 ing for their opening their gills, when, quickly inserting 



my 



