81 



Accordingly, I always carry with me what in many 

 places is called a c'ffin. This is a piece of lead weighing 

 about two ounces, cast in -the form of a coffin, and bored 

 through lengthwise. Through this I pass a strong piece 

 of well waxed twine, so as to form a loop; which, being 

 carried twice round the bend of my hook, hangs per- 

 fectly secure, and enables me to sound in any water 



Now the reader will observe; that this kind of lead is 

 peculiarly suitable to fishing on the ground for larlel, 

 &c. as will be shewn under that head. In the absence 

 of a coffin lead, 1 have occasionally found my. clearing- 

 ring an excellent substitute. 



Of JiJiing Hooks to Lines. 



Success in fishing, as has already been observed, depends 

 greatly on the manner of preparing the necessary tackle ; 

 above all, it is most requisite, that the hook should be 

 so attached to the line, as to keep within die smallest 

 compass, in regard to the -whipping or fastening that may 

 be practicable, with due regard to firmness. I do not 

 know any point relating to angling wherein greater neat- 

 ness is needful, than in. the mode of fixing the hook to 

 the line. 



The silk with which the whipping is to be made, 

 should be of the first quality, and for small tackle should 

 be equally fine. Black is often used, but very impro- 

 perly, it being for the most part rotten : the very dye 

 with which the colour is produced will, of itself, destroy 

 the tenacity of silk. Indigo-blue silk is perhaps as good 

 as any ; nor are the deep brown, the deep yellow, nor 

 the dark green, objectionable. 



I shall, by way of saving ; trouble, and repetition of 



words, 



