125 



The figures numbered i, 2, 3, 4 in the wood-cut, represent 

 the four different stages in the process of tying the Buffer 

 Knot, of which figs, i, 2 and 3 show its initiatory, and fig. 4 its 

 ultimate appearance. 



THE 'BUFFER' KNOT. 



3 



a 



The final stage, it will be observed, consists in lapping between 

 the " buffers " or separate halves of the knot. This may be done 

 either with waxed silk (the lighter the color the better) or with 

 very fine gut, previously thoroughly well soaked. 



The knot is called the 'Buffer,' because, literally, the two 

 half-knots, with their intervening lapping, act as buffers to receive 

 and distribute any sudden jerk or strain on the line. To the 

 salmon fisher, or pike spinner who uses single gut traces, this 

 knot means in all probability the saving of the loss of several fish 

 and those generally the best every season. 



MINNOW-SPINNING TACKLE. 



The cut shows a tackle which will be found equally suited for 

 spinning the natural minnow (or a small loach) either for salmon 

 or trout, and whether in running or still water. Who was the 

 inventor I do not know, but it was shown and explained to me 

 some years ago, more particularly in regard to its use for salmon 



