BARBEL AND BREAM. 63 



but there is another system formerly very generally 

 practised by Thames anglers, and which is in some 

 sense the speciality of Barbel fish- 

 ing. This is termed " legering," or 

 " leger-fishing." The tackle con- 

 sists of a large hook, say No. n, 

 whipped on to two lengths of very 

 strong picked gut and attached 

 to the running line, which is again 

 passed through a flat oblong lead, 

 of the shape and usually of about 

 the size of that figured in the en- 

 graving. The lead is prevented 

 from running down the gut by the 

 junction knot, but otherwise works 

 freely up and down the line. No 

 float is used, and the bites are 

 distinguished by the touch. 



The bait being cast to the desired spot, the 

 running-line is kept stretched tolerably tight be- 

 tween the point of the rod and the lead, which of 

 course rests on the bottom. A few slight twitches 

 indicate a bite, and a decided tug the moment for 

 striking, which is important should be done 



