CONCLUSION. 463 



the circumference meets its attachment, and, in order to allow of a new 



net being put on easily, without the necessity of the delay of whipping 



usually incurred, I always have 



my net hook made unclosed at 



that point opposite the insertion 



of the spike in the handle. In 



this wise, in fact (Fig. 88). 

 The net itself is best made 

 of a plait dressed pike 

 line, preferably dressed 

 after made into a net. 

 I prefer this material 

 because it is not easily 



wetted through, and its Fl - & NBT RING. 



knots and materials are hard, thus being more or less impenetrable 

 by hooks. It is astonishing how seldom one has to waste half an 

 hour in extricating one's triangle if such a net be used. For 

 ordinary twine nets boiled oil is a good dressing. The net ought 

 to be well dried after the application by hanging in a warm, dry 

 situation. In every case let the angler observe never to put his 

 net away wet, as it soon heats and rots. 



A gaff is sometimes very useful in both pike and salmon fishing, 

 though I prefer in each case the landing net. It simply is a well- 

 tempered steel hook, with a sharp unbarbed point, which should 

 always be protected when not in use by a cork or some other 

 appliance. Its design ought to be regulated by the principles I 

 have laid down before as to the manufacture of fish hooks that 

 is in relation to the desirability of the direction of force being 

 the same as the angle of impact. 



Tackle boxes are made of all sizes, shapes, and patterns. I 

 would advise the reader to endeavour to get his made of sheet 

 brass, and so ward off the annoyances of rust and the consequent 

 deterioration of tackle. It is impossible to make a choice of such 

 contrivances as either tackle boxes, creels, or fish bags, but I may 

 say, in reference to the latter, that I have never found anything 

 so capable of holding and carrying small or large quantities of 

 fish like the somewhat ugly ordinary carpenter's tool basket. 



I have omitted to describe a figure, the useful disgorger (Fig. 

 89). It is made of bone or wood ordinarily, and of the former 

 I prefer it. It should be long not less than ten inches, and then 



FIG. 89- it is suitable for all fish. The cut annexed shows it. A 

 GEB. good stout knife, with a corkscrew and tweezers combined, is 



