222 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 



as in the " Nottingham style," of porcupine and goose 

 or swan quill combined, the upper half of the float 

 being composed of the hollow quill. This float, of which 

 I believe I was the originator, unites the advantages of 

 being exceeding strong, unconspicuous, and of giving 

 probably a greater supporting power, bulk for bulk, 

 than either of the ordinary combinations of corks or 

 quills. It can be made of any size, up to a foot long, 

 which is the best length for heavy Nottingham fishing, 

 and either to fasten with caps at both ends, or a cap at the 

 top, and a ring at the bottom. The former method has 

 an advantage in making the float less liable to slip — a 

 common occurrence which involves either a frequent 

 *' re-plumbing," or the probability of fishing at the 

 wrong depth. Even with the double caps as fastened 

 in the ordinary way, the float, especially after repeated 

 striking, is apt not uncommonly to shift its position by 

 degrees ; and in order to make this impossible I pass the 

 line round as well as through the lower cap — in other 

 words, twice through — loosening the coil when the position 

 of the float is to be shifted, and drawing it tight when it is 

 fixed in its proper place. If this method is adopted, caps 

 of gutta percha should be used instead of quill caps, as 

 the latter would wear and fray the line. 'j 



The above expedient will be found of considerable 

 practical advantage in all fishing where accuracy of 

 plumbing is essential. 



J 



