THE " INSTRUMENT OF SATISFACTION." 425 



when I can avoid it, but I always take the gaff when the law permits, for, 

 in my opinion, notwithstanding the prejudices of many precious re- 

 formers, we have nothing to supersede it ; and I am not afraid to add 

 that there is no one thing in Salmon-fishing whereof the uses to human 

 life are yet thoroughly understood. Facts, however, clearly point to the 

 inference that the " instrument of satisfaction " is not productive of the 

 cruelty people would have us believe ; for, on breaking away in his final 

 struggle for life, a fresh-run fish never " keeps the wound green." Even 

 in the very next pool, on the very next day, he will rise as readily as ever 

 and take the fly he wants. (See exceptional case mentioned on p. 382.) 



I hate cruelty to animals, so do all true sportsmen ; and, deeply as 

 all humane hearts would deplore the infliction of unnecessary pain to the 

 fish, the present method of "getting and securing " by means of the gaff, 

 leaves in my mind little to be desired in the matter alike of humanity, 

 suitability, and economy of time. If the fish suffer much, which is 

 questionable, for they are cold blooded creatures, is it not rather in de- 

 priving them of their native element ? But against that same, a very 

 big contra account is to be framed, and the student of angling can quite 

 depend on my vote for both catching and gaffing when he can. 



However, another weapon has recently been introduced, and of this 

 Land and Water says : 



" We commend to the notice of our readers Crawshay's improved patent fish 

 lander, of which the sole manufacturers are Messrs. Holbrow & Co., 40, Duke 

 Street, St. James's. Some of the special advantages the inventor claims, are the 

 following: (1) The fish is not damaged as with a gaff, so that no mistake can 

 possibly be made with a kelt. (2) It is much easier to use than a gaff, which 

 latter instrument inevitably requires a certain amount of practice. (3) The fish 

 once snared can be carried anywhere by the tail over sand or high rocks, and has 

 no power to kick. (4) This lander is far superior to any net, for the man who is 

 fishing can use it himself as easily as a gaff, and there is nothing for the tackle to 

 get entangled in, as with a net. This is an especial desideratum as regards prawn 

 and minnow fishing, and would save much vexation where pike have to be got rid 

 of in all cases. (5) It can be carried like a gaff, and is also made to screw into 

 any landing net handle. These are a few of the advantages of Crawshay's patent 

 improved fish lander. 



"Slip the noose over the fish's tail, behind the dorsal fin, not in front of it, and 

 a sharp jerk upwards to the full length of the wire secures the fish." 



