APPENDIX ON FISHINQ-TACKLE. 331 



a double gaff-hook has been invented, which differs from the single 

 hook in being furnished with a cutting instrument, on a lateral hinge, 

 at the back of it, by which weeds and even boughs may be severed. 

 It folds up securely. 



In concluding this paper on hooks, we think it may be convenient 

 to give such illustrations as we have at hand of gorge, snap, salmon, 

 and other hooks, baited in the usual manner ; the figures will speak 

 for themselves. See Plates 3, 4, 5, of Angling Apparatus. 



FLOATS. 



Floats differ according to the nature of the water fished in, the kind 

 of fish angled for, and the state of the weather ; and are commonly 

 made of cork, reed, wood, or quills. In deep and rapid streams where 

 the line has to be much shotted, and especially where live bait is used, 

 CORK FLOATS are the best. These are made of all shapes and sizes, and 

 are variously fitted with swan, porcupine, or goose quill, or with wood, 

 made waterproof. For trolling they are generally merely bored. They 

 should swim critically true, and not project unnecessarily above the 

 level of the water. 



Reed floats are sometimes used in fine fishing for roach and dace in 

 deep waters, on account of their lightness and buoyancy. They are 

 made of pieces of reed or cane, cemented in the manner of a telescope, 

 and require to be carefully stopped at the joints. But they are liable 

 to crack and get water-logged. 



Plugged floats, or single quill floats, with wood ends, are the most 

 common and the cheapest ; but when well made (which they often 

 are not) they are very durable and convenient. (See Plate 2 of Angling 

 Apparatus, fig. 4.) Although goose-quill floats, when properly prepared, 

 seem to answer the purpose fully, yet the SWAN-QUILL obtains a general 

 preference. 



The double quill or tip-capped float, called also the patent taper quill 

 float, is a great favourite among professed bottom-fishers, particularly 

 for roach and other fine-biting fish, as carp, tench, &c. (See Plate 2 of 

 Angling Apparatus, fig. 5, but our representation of it is not thick enough 

 in the centre.) It should be thick in the centre and taper at both ends ,' 

 the central portion being made of the largest swan-quill, graduated with 

 lesser swan-quills, the ends fitted with goose-quill, and sometimes 

 ivory or tortoise-shell. Its advantages are that it sinks at the slightest 

 possible nibble, enables you to strike with greater precision than a 

 plugged float, and, owing to its form, disturbs the water less than any 

 other kind. 



The Porcupine quill, merely used with caps, is a very universal float, 

 and for fine fishing in still waters is as good perhaps as any. As a 

 general rule, the smaller the float, the fewer the number of shot, and 

 the finer your bottom tackle, the greater will be your success. 



