Fish-hooks. 27 



barb given to this hook is generally superior to the 

 Sproat, and if its point occupied the same relative po- 

 sition in reference to the " draft-line," I should prefer 

 it; but always, be it understood, with the angle which 

 unites the bend to the shank somewhat softened off, as 

 indeed it now is in some, but not all, makes of this 

 hook. Omitting the " side rake " we should then have 

 Mr. Pennell's form, which I regret is not to be had in 

 this market. 



The O'Shaugnessy is also an excellent hook. While 

 the general form of the barb is such as to afford easy 

 penetration, its extreme point is given a slight bend out- 

 ward to insure prompt initial engagement. Many ex- 

 cellent American anglers consider this the best of all 

 hooks. 



The Barbless speaks for itself. It is quite prompt to 

 engage, requires less force than any other to imbed it, 

 and, as to holding power, is so dead sure that to my 

 mind it is almost unsportsmanlike to use it. 



Again, for the benefit of the novice we emphasize the 

 caution that he cannot be too particular as to this part 

 of his outfit. Remember it is always the best fish which 

 are lost, and absolutely eschew cheap hooks. 



During August, 1884, and since the foregoing was 

 written, a friend presented me with a couple of dozen 

 " Pennell " hooks adapted to the large flies used on the 

 trouting waters of North - western Maine. On these I 

 tied a number of flies, and gave them during the ensu- 

 ing six weeks, with others tied upon Sneck-bend hooks 

 of like size, a careful trial in that region. 



The trout of that locality may, for our purpose, be 

 divided into three classes the small, including those up 

 to one and a half pounds; the medium, including those 



