MESSENGERS 305 



fish generally takes the hint, and makes a bolt ; 

 but when the wind is blowing up-stream it is by 

 no means an easy matter to get the messenger to 

 work properly, as the card is too light The 

 better plan is to snip a stout curtain-ring through 

 with a pair of pliers, and substitute this for the 

 card. There is then no mistake about it, for the 

 ring spins down the line, and, hitting the fish on 

 the nose, ensures his speedy departure. 



I need hardly add that no fisherman should be 

 without some strong tying-silk and wax. It may 

 not be required for many a day, but, sooner or 

 later, a breakage of some sort is sure to occur, and 

 then its value will be apparent. 



20 



