292 FOREIGN ANGLING LITERATURE. 



instance, erects itself with a spring, the trap-door closes, 

 and the game is thus secured. In this mode of angling 

 there is, of course, no occasion to watch the line as in the 

 common method, when it frequently happens that the 

 philosophic fisher displays no ordinary degree of patience 

 in calmly waiting for hours, or perhaps for days, in expec- 

 tation of a very fine nibble at least, if not a fierce bite. 

 The spring hook, or spring basket, if set at night, may be 

 conveniently examined the next morning, and will seldom 

 be found empty, unless fish be very scarce. 



