PANNIER, WEIGHING MACHINE, &c. 63 



pannier, few improvements, that I am aware of, have 

 recently taken place. More attention perhaps, than 

 formerly, is now paid to its shape, which has been con- 

 siderably elongated, the depth reduced, and the curve 

 behind increased, so as to fit close to the back of the 

 wearer; but in point of material, no changes have 

 occurred. It is essential to the enjoyment of the trout- 

 fisher, that this part of his equipment be kept always 

 clean. During summer, a few handfuls of moist grass, 

 or a wet cloth will aid, both to effect this object, and to 

 preserve, until the expiry of his day's sport, the fine 

 tints and fresh appearance of the fish captured. 



The angler, for his own satisfaction, ought to provide 

 himself with a patent spring weighing-machine. This 

 instrument is now made so small, that it can be carried, 

 without giving any inconvenience, in one's waistcoat 

 pocket ; at the same time, it will indicate the weight of 

 fish captured with great exactness. 



As a general advice, in concluding this chapter with 

 regard to tackle, the angler, before committing lines 

 and flies to his box or pocket-book, should always take 

 care that they are properly dried ; for which purpose it 

 is recommended that he dispose of them about his hat 

 or hat-band, on changing his tackle or leaving the river. 

 He ought also, especially if it be a salmon one, and, in 

 consequence of rain, soaked to the centre, to unwind 

 his line from the reel or winch, and lay it up, in loose 

 coils, over the back of a chair or peg, until thoroughly 

 freed from moisture. Mixtures of hair and silk will 

 retain the wet much longer than lines manufactured of 

 hair alone, and in consequence, they will rot more 

 readily, on the above precaution being neglected or but 

 partially acted upon. 



