CHAPTER IX. 



HOOKS, GUT, ETC. 

 PLATE VIII. 



OOKS are manufactured of different shapes 

 or forms, and are usually distinguished by 

 the names of 



1. Limerick ; 2. The Kendal or Round- 

 bent; 3. The Sneckbend; 4. The Kirby. 

 Some Anglers consider the quality of the hooks they 

 use of but minor importance, so long as the size suits 

 their purpose ; but this is a great mistake. A good hook 

 is as necessary to the Angler, particularly the Fly-fisher, 

 as good powder is to the Grouse -shooter in November, 

 both being essential to the killing of their game. The 

 most minute attention, therefore, ought to be paid to the 

 selection of these little implements, on which success in 

 no small degree depends. They should, in the first place, 

 be perfectly tempered ; not too hard, so as to snap readily, 

 nor yet too soft, so as to bend easily ; you may generally 

 try the temper on a piece of cork, or by your thumb nail. 

 All small or large fly-hooks are best if they have tapering 

 shanks, since upon such, flies can be dressed with greater 

 neatness a quality which greatly tends to help the decep- 

 tion. The points should be fine and straight and set as 

 level as possible with the shanks, which should be rather 

 long than otherwise. With regard to the best form of 

 hook for fly-dressing, Anglers differ. The Kendal and 



