88 SALMON AND TROUT. 



Without occupying space by discussing the merits and 

 demerits of various nets, handles, and net carriers which do not 

 fulfil these requirements, let me proceed at once to describe a 

 combination which does so. Icall it a 'combination' because 

 the net is the invention of Messrs. Hardy Brothers, and the 

 handle and carrier that of Messrs. Williams, Great Queen 

 Street, Lincoln's Inn. 



The net, as will be seen by the engraving (fig. i), consists 

 of two side pieces, made of flexible wood, and these when 

 stretched to their proper dimensions, and so held by the 

 brass socket into which the right-hand side slips, are kept 

 at the regulated distance by a cord stretched between the 

 two upper points. The net itself as all nets should be, 

 in order both to keep them from getting rotten, saturated 

 with water, or entangling the tackle is made of fine oiled, 

 that is, ' dressed ' silk. It will be readily seen that the 

 shape of this net favours its being carried in the position 

 I have indicated, namely, under and behind the left arm for 

 which purpose, however, it is necessary that it should be 

 limited in size, the limit being about 14^ inches between the 

 projecting ' horns.' But this allows ample space for netting a 

 fish up to 2 or 3 Ibs. or, at a pinch, even more. The net 

 engraved has a width of i foot, and is suitable for lighter 

 fishing. 



The handle, with the net and suspending cord complete, are 

 shown in the engravings (figs. 2 and 3), where also the other 

 dimensions of the net are given. In fig 3, A represents the net ; B, 

 the top connection ; C, the net-screw working in ferrule E on net 

 handle ; D is a loose movable metal band held by the projecting 

 rim, F (in later models moved up to c), out of which it slips easily ; 

 and G is the exterior or lower half of the handle, into which the 

 upper half telescopes. Weight of handle and net figured, fourteen 

 ounces. Should the net show the least sign of being top-heavy 

 when suspended, the addition of a small piece of lead at the 

 bottom of the handle will adjust the equilibrium. 



When the net is to be used the fisherman grasps it at E, and 

 pulls it at once out of its socket D, in which it hangs suspended 



