22 



words, always suppose the hook to be fixed to, or as it 

 is termed, mounted upon, gut ; regarding the choice of 

 which I have before made mention. 



Observe, that every thread of gut is rather thinner at 

 one end than at the other ; and, that such thin end should 

 always be appropriated to being attached to the hook : by 

 this means the line is made a little taper, especially if 

 the finer threads of gut be selected for this purpose ; and, 

 that those which are thicker be made, according to their 

 degrees of fineness, to form the second, third, and fourth 

 links. Beyond that number it is seldom needful to have 

 die line composed of gut, at least for lot torn -Jishing, if 

 the gut runs to 16 or 18 inches in length. 



The different lengths or links of gut are to be tied, as 

 already directed in treating of horses'-hair lines, with 

 water- knots, and the end of the knots are to be tied 

 down in the manner therein detailed. This is of great 

 importance, on account of the thickness of the gut, 

 which cuts die water very much, especially as it is on a 

 part of the line so much under die fish's notice. 



The first diing to be done is, to whip the gut four or 

 five times round, at that part which will come into con- 

 tact with die butt of die hook, by which, but for this 

 precaution, the gut would soon be cut through. Bring 

 the part of die gut thus guarded against the inside of the 

 buttf so that one or two laps of the whipping may remain 

 clear above the hook : take two more turns with your 

 silk, drawing it very tight, and taking care to keep the 

 gut on the inside j for in whipping, it is apt, unless held 

 firmly in its place, to pass round to the side, or perhaps 

 to the very back of the hook. 



Now, take about half an inch of stiff hog's- Iris tie and 



lay 



