THE BUPFEE-KNOT. 



37 



diagonally, and is released by unhooking the end of the sling 

 under the angler's left arm. In Fig. 15 is shown a capital gaff 



The Oaff Closed, 



The Oaff partially Extended. ^ 



Fig. 15. Gaff with Point-protector, Telescopic Handle, and Sling. 



fitted with this arrangement. It has a point-protector, working 

 on a hinge, which is quite out of the way when the handle is 

 extended. It is the invention of Mr. Basil Field, and is made 

 by Henry Bawcombe, of 2a, Victoria Street, 

 HoUoway Road, London. If an ordinary 

 gaff is used, the angler should be careful 

 to keep the point covered with a piece of 

 cork, or he may receive a nasty wound. 



Knots and Fastenings. — The only knots 

 used by the pike-fisherman which I need 

 mention are: First, one of those used for 

 joining the lower portion of the tackle to 

 the running line, which is, I trust, clearly 

 explained by Fig. 16; second, a knot by 

 which lengths of gut can be joined to- 

 gether. The best knot for the purpose is, 

 I think, the one designed by Mr. Chol- 

 mondeley-Pennell. It is called the " buffer 

 knot," and is an improvement on a much 

 more ancient affair. Fig. 17 shows the knot in all its stages. 

 The binding is, of course, done with very fine, well-waxed silk, 

 or, which is perhaps better, very fine gut. The gut should 



Fig. 16. Knot for 

 Fastening Gimp 

 OR Gut to Running 

 Line. 



