NOTES. 235 



be worn, reaching over the tops of the knee-boots, but 

 not much lower, or the wide ends get in the way of the 

 feet. A " sou'wester," with flaps over the ears and the 

 " tail " of it covering the back of the neck, should not 

 be forgotten. All waterproof clothing is cumbersome, 

 but there is no comfort in winter fishing without it, and 

 I find the only things to keep the wet really out are 

 these shiny waterproofs that run the water off. They 

 must be strong and thick, as the wear is severe. Thick 

 woollen mittens with a thumb are serviceable ; they are 

 easily slipped on or off. Do not neglect to wear thick 

 woollen underclothing in winter, as it is the greatest 

 protection from chills. A good thick " Harris " tweed 

 makes excellent clothing for fishing, but hooks stick in 

 it easily. I hear well of " Gabardine " as a material for 

 angling attire. 



As a modern bait, I can give my firm approval as to the 

 attractiveness of this lure, made in several sizes 

 by Carter and Co., 137 St. John Street Road, wag- 

 Islington. A "Wagtail" of the size for pike tail" 

 costs half-a-crown, and my opinion as to the spin- 

 bait's killing powers is so favourable that I place 

 the " Wagtail" at the head of all artificial baits 

 I have tried. It is only fair to state that I think the con- 

 struction of the bait might be improved upon. I find 

 the hooks are too brittle, and that the colour of the bait 

 dulls rather quickly. A little attention to these matters 

 is perhaps necessary. The bait is a peculiar one, re- 

 sembling a lizard as much as a fish. Lead can be 

 inserted between the strips of rubber composing the bait ; 

 soft lead wire, the best for this purpose, is supplied with 

 the baits at a small additional cost. To keep the bait in 

 better order, I sew up the sides, all down the leaded 

 part, which considerably adds to its efficacy. I find the 

 red-spotted "Wagtails " kill best. " Wagtail" is a good 

 name for it, for the tails waggle freely, and the fans at 

 the head of the bait make it spin well. In sewing up 

 the sides of the bait, take care to leave the tails loose, 

 adjusting the strips of rubber so that the tails are slightly 

 apart. These tails are coloured bright red on the inner 

 side. If the line twists at all when spinning in very fast 

 water, the fans at the head of the bait can be reversed 



