THE HAVERSACK AND CREEL. 



31 



the float to lie flat on the water, and it should be sufficiently 

 well balanced as to show the slighest nibble by standing 

 upright. I have cast this float with a long line far into a 

 broad stream, and indeed this is its use. It is truly a float 

 of the Nottingham school of anglers, and a very good one 

 it is. A few spare float caps, made by cutting quills into 

 sections, and whipping a bit of waxed silk 

 round them to prevent them splitting, 

 should form part of the bottom-fisher's 

 outfit. 



The PLUMMET. This useful little 

 article is necessary to ascertain the depth 

 of the water in bottom-fishing. Mine 

 is made of thin sheet-lead, rolled into 

 the oval shape of fig. 9, a small piece is 

 uncoiled, and wrapped round the hook, 

 and then carefully and quietly let into 

 the water. Another form of plummet is 

 sold at the shops (fig. 10 ;) the hook 

 is slipped through the ring A, and the point rests on a 

 wood plug in the bottom, B. 



The PANIER BASKET, or CREEL, is usually made of wicker- 

 work ; and those elegant baskets known as "French 

 made," are perhaps the most popular. The size must be 

 regulated by the quantity of fish the angler expects to 

 capture. Damp grass is better than any other material to 

 keep the fish fresh and cool. An extra strap or two will 

 be found useful to attach the waterproof coat, extra butt, 

 or other angling impedimenta to the basket. 



A HAVERSACK of waterproof cloth, similar in shape to 

 those supplied to the infantry, is in my opinion one 

 of the most useful articles which au angler can have. It 



