AND HOW TO CATCH THEM. 113 



hooks, loops, chop-stick ends, &c. Take of shell lac 

 half an ounce, naphtha two ounces, mix, and allow the 

 gum to thoroughly dissolve in the spirit ; keep tightly 

 corked for use, and apply when required with a small 

 camel-hair pencil, which should be secured with a 

 small stick to the bottom of the cork, when it will 

 remain soft, and be always at hand when wanted. 



Knots and Hitches. 



Some of the most useful will be found described in 

 the accompanying woodcuts, and some little time should 

 be devoted to learning them, as they are at all times 

 important to the fisherman. 



The " clove" hitch is the most secure knot for fasten- 

 ing anything to a round stick, such as a mast or tent 

 pole. 



The " bowline " knot is one in universal use among 

 sailors and fishermen, as it forms a loop which never 

 draws, and is the most convenient loop to tie when 

 a slip-knot is wanted, which is at once formed by 

 passing the free end through the loop. 



The " timber " hitch is by far the most convenient 

 mode of securing stones to the ends of lines, or making 

 fast anything for lowering where an easy means of 

 casting off again is desirable. 



The " gut " knot * is the one usually had recourse to 



* The gut should "be always freed from flat or curled ends by 

 cutting them off, and soaked in warm water, or held in the 



