48 ANGLER'S EQUIPMENT. 



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 better adapted for hooking than the ordinary 

 round bend, and are much more difficult to bait. 

 The main point, as we have already stated, being to 

 hook a fish, the round bend appears to be the best 

 adapted for that purpose. It is an error to suppose 



