26 



is one no larger than one- third of an ordinary tea- 

 spoon for the hand-line, and for rod use one even 

 still smaller. 



Artificial insects may be used in surface fishing, 

 but only the most skilful anglers should expect suc- 

 cess, as the manipulation of them requires ex- 

 ceedingly delicate service. 



I believe that the black bass will eventually be- 

 come the game fish of the country. Trout streams 

 are drying up by reason of trees being cut down ; 

 mills and factories being erected, and dams hold- 

 ing the water half stagnant during half the year. 

 This must eventually deal a death blow to the trout, 

 and even now the votaries of black bass fishing out- 

 number those of the trout ten to one. 



One last piece of advice I offer you, is to al- 

 ways reel the line carefully after fishing, as a man 

 would clean his gun after shooting. Guide it to its 

 place with the thumb, and run it from side to side 

 of the reel like cotton on a spool. This will let it 

 dry evenly and prevent all bunching and snarling. 

 It is just as easy to do this as not, and the habit 

 once gained will become a mechanical act, and 

 save you lots of trouble and time before and afford 

 you good pleasure after you begin fishing. 



