404 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 



and perhaps the more novel the fly, the better it may suc- 

 ceed, though there is still a considerable section of good 

 anglers who adhere to the old-fashioned flies called the 

 butcher, the doctor, &c. ; but I fully believe that any 

 slight variation or alteration from the annexed models, 

 according to the contents of the angler's stock of mate- 

 rials, will be just as likely to succeed as the celebrated 

 " ondine " of Ephemera, or the new " spirit-flies " of Mr. 

 Blacker. These flies are serviceable for large brook trout 

 in the larger American streams and lakes. 



THE LANDING-NET, GAFF, BASKET, &c. 



The landing-net is merely a hoop with a handle to it, 

 and armed with a net for the purpose of taking the hooked 

 fish out of the water, without danger to the tackle or of 

 losing the fish. It is generally now made with a hollow 

 handle, to take the top joints of the rod, and this handle 

 screws off the ring, which is also jointed, for the conve- 

 nience of carriage. 



The gaff and landing-hook are constructed for the same 

 purpose. The simple hook now used, attached to a firm 

 handle, inflicts the least severe wound, and is more man- 

 ageable than the gaff. 



The basket or creel is slung over the shoulder by a 

 belt, and is made of various sizes, to suit the probable 

 amount or weight of fish expected by the angler. 



Fish-bait kettles are made of tin, with a perforated lid, 

 and a handle to carry them by. 



The drag-hook is a long line of strong whipcord wound 



