KNOTS. 317 



loop. It is merely forming a couple of Staffordshire 

 knots, the one being knotted on to the other. This 

 knot is invaluable in cast making, as it may be 

 opened without loss of time (by drawing the two 

 knots apart) when it is desired to exchange the fly. 

 A little practice with a piece of twine soon leads to 

 the acquirement of the knots most commonly in 

 use amongst inland anglers. The " bow-line " knot 

 forms a loop which never draws ; it is sometimes 

 used for attaching the droppers to a cast not made 

 with the opening knot above described. The " bow- 

 line " is also formed on the lines of the well-known 

 Staffordshire knot, as one end of the gut, or other 

 substance forming the knot alluded to, is brought 

 back and re-inserted in the open bow of the knot, 

 the other end is then threaded through the second 

 loop thus formed, the dropper if knotted to prevent 

 slipping is inserted in any part of the knot prior to 

 its being tightened up. If no knot is used upon the 

 gut of the dropper, it is threaded through twice or 

 thrice, and is tightened as before, and all is secure 

 with very little show of a splicing place. 



The ordinary " slip link," or catch, is another 

 useful knot by which the " bob " flies may be secured. 

 It is most convenient, owing to its simplicity, and the 

 rapidity with which the operation may be accom- 

 plished, without severing the cast. It merely consists 

 of a bowed loop or link, threaded by yet another 

 link ; the first being drawn tight, leaves the second 

 loop open for the knotted dropper, which is inserted, 

 the cast being pulled at each side of the knot to bed 



