THE ANGLER'S GUIDE. 47 



too much to drag, but if it be of a more 

 still order, with a bottom that is uneven, you 

 need not drag so much. A reed float is the 

 best, because it is the most solid. If your 

 swim be very deep, your float must be large 

 in proportion, so that it may take a great 

 number of shots ; for if this be not the case, 

 your bait will not get to the bottom before 

 it is at the end of your swim. If your 

 swim be quite shallow, be sure you use one 

 as small as convenient, as it will be seen less 

 in the water. 



THE HOOK. 



In fishing for barbel, it is very important 

 to have hooks of the very best mauufacture, 

 and they should always be purchased at a shop 

 upon which you can depend. If they are 

 too highly tempered, they will snap, and if 

 they are not tempered enough, they will turn, 

 and in either case the fish you have hooked 

 will be lost. They should not be too short 

 in the shank, for if they are, the hold will 

 not be so firm. No. 9 is a very good size 

 for ordinary purposes, but a larger may be 

 used if you fish with graves or worms. Be 



