240 THE SCIENTIFIC ANGLER. 



bearing of the situation, with a view to so presenting the 

 lure as to leave nothing wanting in skill and judgment 

 upon the part of the rodster. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



ABOUT HOOKS. 



CRIPPLED HOOKS ; THE OVER-BARBED HOOK ; DEFECTS IN TEMPER, 

 ETC. ; THE LIMERICK : KENDAL-SNECK ; CARLISLE ; KIRBY ; 

 THE "SWAN" BEND; THE NEW EYED HOOKS. 



In a country which takes the lead in piscatorial pur- 

 suits, 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 

 to our suggesting any improvements in detail, we intend 

 calling attention to a few very common defects in hooks, 

 as generally constructed, to which may be directly traced 

 much unnecessary loss and disaster. 



The excessively bony nature of the mouth of most fish 

 has frequently a very trying effect upon the hook; there- 

 fore, any little deficiency in its make, or manner of con- 

 struction, leads to untold evils. In order to render our- 



