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CHAPTER XVII. 



ABOUT HOOKS. 



CRIPPLED HOOKS ; THE OVER-BARBED HOOK ; 

 DEFECTS IN TEMPER, ETC. ; THE LIMERICK ; 

 KENDAL-SNECK ; CARLISLE ; KIRBY ; AND 

 THE " SWAN " BEND ; THE NEW EYED 

 HOOKS. 



IN a country which takes the lead in piscatorial 

 pursuits, and whose improvements serve as the 

 type and pattern for other nations, constant progress 

 should at least be made, and improvements achieved 

 in order to retain the position gained. If there is one 

 thing more than another, in this branch of industry 

 that we excel in, it is the manufacture of our hooks. 

 These are in general use upon the continent, in the 

 colonies, and everywhere where the angling art is 

 practised.* It will, therefore, be readily conceded by 

 all who have devoted attention to the subject, that 

 more attention is due to this important item in the 

 angler's equipage and in our national commerce, than 

 has, of late years, been bestowed upon it. Previous 



* There is scarcely a single hook manufactory anywhere outside 

 England, and what few there are in the United Slates, do not meet a 

 tithe of the home demand. 



