44 THE PRACTICAL ANGLER 



loop, as is usually done, it is better to fasten it by a 

 knot, as it is neater, and makes less show in the 

 water. 



There is nothing so apt to slip as gut, and there- 

 fore the knot by which to tie the threads together 

 is of some importance. The water knot is made 

 by laying the two ends together, rolling them round 

 the forefinger of the left hand, and passing one 

 thread and the adjoining end through the loop thus 

 formed ; this is called the single water-knot, and 

 is very neat, but apt to slip. The double water- 

 knot is done in the same way ; but the ends are 

 passed twice through instead of once, making a very 

 firm knot, but rather clumsy. The single slip-knot 

 is made by laying the ends together, and simply 

 knotting the one round the other ; in the right 

 direction it will hold together, but may be separated 

 by pulling the short ends. The double slip-knot is 

 so far the same ; but in knotting the threads round 

 each other, the ends are passed twice through instead 

 of once : this, if properly done, makes a neat and 

 firm joining, and is the one we always use. Before 

 knotting, gut should be well soaked in cold water. 



Hooks. The two great points to be attended to 

 in the selection of hooks are the bend, and the 

 temper and durability of the wire. Great diversity 

 of opinion exists as to what sort of bend is best 

 adapted for hooking, and in order to please every 

 one, a variety of bends are made : these are the 

 round, Limerick, Kirby, and sneck bends. The two 

 last may be dismissed at once, as they are not a whit 



