212 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 



— a small Dace — is of the proper size for those hooks ; 

 but by an error of the draughtsman the hooks are made 

 to hang too far below the bait. The gimp between the 

 lip-hook and triangle should be one-third of an inch less. 

 This method of fastening the gimp under a strip of skin 

 is much better both for the longevity and liveliness of 

 the bait, than the passing of a hook through its lips, 

 and on humane considerations is also to be preferred ; 

 as, whilst experiments have demonstrated that the 

 bodies of fish are capable of feeling but a very sHght 

 amount of pain, it is well known that nothing causes so 

 much suffering as any interference with the organs of 

 breathing. 



The hooks should be tied on about a foot and a half 

 of fine stained gimp, with a loop at the other end which 

 can be most conveniently attached to the upper portion 

 of the trace (composed of two or three feet of stained 

 gimp) by means of a " hook swivel" (figure 3), which 

 will also have the effect of keeping the lead in its proper 

 place. A lead of the shape drawn is neater and shows 

 less in the water than one of the ordinary bullet form, 

 and is therefore to be preferred. Both lead and float 

 should be painted of dark green, or weed tint, with the 

 same object. Green sealing-wax varnish prepared as 

 already directed will be found the most convenient mix- 

 ture. Strike very sharply the moment a fish takes, and 

 repeat the stroke (as recommended in Spinning) until a 

 violent struggle is felt. 



