246 THE SCIENTIFIC ANGLER. 



equal pressure to each. If this is done at all evenly the 

 long-shanked hook will quickly pierce the substance, 

 making a clean incision ; meanwhile the attitude of the 

 remaining hook scarcely admits of any impression being 

 made at all, a perfectly flat surface being presented from 

 the tip of the point to the end of the barb, which effect- 

 ually prevents any incision. 



Most of the various forms or bends of the hooks now 

 in use were introduced before the advent of the present 

 century. Of these, however, there have since been many 

 modifications and variations. One of the oldest bends is 

 the "Kirby,"the originator, Charles Kirby, having lived 

 and flourished in the seventeenth century. In the third 

 edition of an old book on Angling, published in 1700, 

 entitled, " The Angler's Vade Mecum," a copy of which 

 we are pleased to be able to say we have in our possession 

 the following quaint advertisement appears appended 

 to the preface : 



"At the Sign of the Fish, in Black Horse Alley near 

 Fleet Bridge, liveth Will Browne, who maketh all sorts 

 of Fishing Rods, and selleth all sorts of Fishing Tackle ; 

 also Charlie Kirby's Hooks, with Worms, Gentles and 

 Fly's ; and also the East India Weed, which is the only 

 thing for Trout, Carp, and Bottom Fishing, first being 

 well soaked for half-an-hour before you use it in water, 

 being of a brittle nature, if not moistened before used, 

 and then proves so strong and fine, of a water-colour, 

 that it deceives the Fish, much more than Hair or Silk. 

 Note That Kirby's Hooks are known by the fineness of 

 the Wyer and Strength, and many Shops sell Counter- 

 feit for his, which prove prejudicial to the User. The 

 true Kirby's are to be sold by Will Browne and nowhere 

 Else." 



Kirby's hooks, however, have long since been discarded, 

 except in perch and such like fishing. Another hook that 

 used to be greatly in vogue was the "Staple bend." 



