44 Dry-Fly Fishing. 



if killed immediately they are caught, and carried 

 about in one's creel or fishing bag in very hot 

 weather; it also eases the burden. And for another 

 reason, it gives an angler the opportunity (should 

 the rules of a fishery limit him to only a fixed 

 number per diem) to exchange and release any 

 already captive in the net for larger ones if they 

 come to hand. The writer's new invention may be 

 described as follows : Two thin round iron rings 

 16in. in diameter are made with three equal joints, 

 one of which opens and shuts with a screw-nut to 

 fasten it. When open, one end of it is inserted 

 between the knots of a light but strong net made of 

 undressed netting thread on a ^-in. mesh and passed 

 in a line all round the upper part of it, and the 

 other ring in the same manner at the lower part, 

 both rings, when closed, fully distending it and 

 forming the drum lOin. in depth between the rings. 

 The top and the bottom of the net are then nearly 

 fiat, but the top part is made to contract gradually 

 and extend for a few inches in an upward direction 

 so as to form a neck about wide enough at the open- 

 ing to allow fish up to about 41b. weight to be passed 

 through. When in use the weight of the iron rings 

 is enough to sink it in the river, prudently at a 

 chosen spot out of the way of another rod's practice, 

 and concealed from view. A thin water cord with 

 a slip loop will serve to close the opening, and to 



