82 SALMON AND TROUT. 



socket D, in which it hangs suspended only by balance. By 

 a sharp forward and then backward jerk of the net, which 

 he now holds in his right hand, the length of the handle is 

 doubled, and the total length of the net extended to four feet 

 ten inches, of which three feet ten inches are represented by 

 the handle and one foot by the net (vide fig. 3). 



This, having regard to the various requirements already 

 indicated, is the most perfect indeed, the only perfect net, 

 that I am acquainted with ; but the sole credit which I can 

 claim to myself in the matter, is acting the part of mediator 

 and bringing the two opposite ends of the invention into pro- 

 portion and juxtaposition. 



The advantage of a net of this sort, especially when wading 

 in the middle of a stream, either when fly fishing or worm 

 fishing, can hardly be over-estimated ; and for every sort of 

 fishing where a net is required it will, I feel quite satisfied, be 

 found to give as complete satisfaction to other anglers as it 

 has done to myself. The weight of the net and handle is 

 fourteen ounces. If it should show the least sign of being 

 top-heavy when in position under the shoulder, the addition 

 of a small piece of lead at the bottom of the handle will adjust 

 the equilibrium. 



In fishing for grilse, or sea trout, or pike, when fish do not 

 run over five pounds, and, indeed, even if of larger size, a gaff 

 may be substituted for the net, and the same handle and car- 

 rier will answer equally well for this purpose also. In cases 

 of heavy fish a more powei ful and solid gaff handle is desir- 

 able. This, of course, presents no difficulty when, as is usually 

 the case, the salmon fisher is accompanied by an attendant 

 who carries both the weapons and spoils of war. But should 

 it happen that ' Donald ' is ' too late ' and that the salmon 

 fisher has to depend on himself for gaffing his fish, a large gaff 

 with a handle only a few inches long, and a knob at the end 

 that he can slip into his coat pocket, will be found most con- 

 venient. Some time is, of course, required in killing a fish 

 under such conditions, as he must be brought within arm's 



