CHAP. V.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 109 



back that part of your line which was slack when you did put 

 your hook into the Minnow the second time ; I say, pull that 

 part of your line back so that it shall fasten the head so that 

 the body of the Minnow shall be almost straight on your hook ; 

 this done, try how it will turn by drawing it across the water 

 or against a stream ; and if it do not turn nimbly, then turn 

 the tail a little to the right or left hand, and try again, till 

 it turn quick ; for if not, you are in danger to catch nothing ; 

 for know, that it is impossible that it should turn too quick. 

 And you are yet to know, that in case you want a Minnow, 

 then a small Loach or a Stickle-bag, or any other small fish that 

 will turn quick, will serve as well. And you are yet to know, 

 that you may salt them, and by that means keep them ready 

 and fit for use three or four days, or longer ; and that of salt, 

 bay-salt is the best. - 



And here let me tell you, what many old Anglers know right 

 well, that at some times, and in some waters, a Minnow is not 

 to be got, and therefore let me tell you, I have which I will 

 show to you an artificial Minnow, that will catch a Trout as 

 well as an artificial fly ; and it was made by a handsome 

 woman, that had a fine hand, and a live Minnow lying by her : 

 the mould or body of the Minnow was cloth, and wrought 

 upon or over it thus with a needle ; the back of it with very sad 

 French green silk, and paler green silk towards the belly, shad- 

 owed as perfectly as you can imagine, just as you see a Min- 

 now ; the belly was wrought also with a needle, and it was a 

 part of it white silk, and another part of it with silver thread : 

 the tail and fins were of a quill, which was shaven thin ; the 

 eyes were of two little black beads, and the head was so shad- 

 owed, and all of it so curiously wrought, and so exactly dis- 

 sembled, that it would beguile any sharp-sighted Trout, in a 

 swift stream. And this Minnow I will now show you ; look, 

 here it is : and if you like it, lend it you, to have two or three 

 made by it, for they be easily carried about an Angler and be 

 of excellent use; for note, that a large Trout will come as 



