286 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



whose energies and resources have been directed in this 

 peculiar channel for nearly two hundred years; and, as 

 might be inferred, as between the hooks of the first-class 

 makers, there is but little choice, so far as quality and 

 workmanship are concerned. 



There is no implement of the craft that is so universally 

 kept in stock at the small stores and shops throughout the 

 country as the fish-hook ; and these hooks, as a rule, are 

 of very inferior quality, as might be inferred when we take 

 into consideration their cheapness, notwithstanding the 

 fact that they must net the dealer at least fifty per cent, 

 profit, or he would not sell them. 



While the average angler is inclined to use heavier rods, 

 and stronger lines, than are actually necessary, he does not 

 seem to be so much impressed with the importance of 

 strength in a fish-hook, but accepts those of the small 

 dealers mentioned, with a blind faith that a hook is a 

 hook, and that one is as strong as another, if of the same 

 sized wire ; and, morover, he recognizes but two forms of 

 hooks, the Kirby, or side-bend, and the straight, or more 

 or less rounding-bend. 



Now there are no fallacies so great as these, for the hook 

 is of the most vital importance to the angler, and he should 

 obtain the very best to be had, both in form and quality. 

 Fish-hooks, in themselves, being of so comparatively small 

 a price, it is the most insane idea of economy to purchase 

 any but those of the very best quality. The most approved 

 form of bend and barb, should also be taken into serious 

 consideration. 



The highest grades of English hooks, like English gun- 

 barrels, are thoroughly tested by causing them to sustain a 

 strain, twice or thrice as great as they are usually put to 



