IMPORTANCE OF FISH-HOOKS. 



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its deficiency of quality ! As the quality of the hook is the 

 foundation of the general results for the angler, it may not be 

 a matter of surprise that I endeavor to impress the embryo 

 philosopher with the importance of fish-hooks. I remember 

 that, when a boy of seven summers, an extemporized bridge 

 for carting hay was cast over a trout-brook in front of our 

 dwelling, and that I baited a pin with a worm and lay down 

 on the bridge, which was but a few inches above the water, 

 and let the baited pin run under the bridge. In a moment 

 I experienced a tremendous jerk, and pulled in my line, when 

 the trout struggled, and finally straightened my pin -hook. 

 Oh, what would I not have promised at that moment to give 

 for a real fish - hook ! The store was near by, where two 

 hooks might be had for a cent, but where was the cent ? I 

 have never forgotten the feelings of that moment, and never 

 will while life lasts. I would therefore plead for paternal 

 generosity toward youths who early contract a penchant for 

 angling. 



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