APPLICATION OF SINKERS. 183 



picion on the part of the fish. In applying sinkers, it 

 is better to use several small shot pellets, than one or 

 two very large ones ; as by adding or removing one or 

 two of the small shots as occasion requires, the weight 

 on the line can be more readily and accurately adjusted 

 to the force of the current, than when large ones are 

 used. And I should advise no one to grudge the trouble 

 of altering the number of his sinkers now and then, as 

 he falls in with differences in the depth and rapidity of 

 the stream, if the water be 'likely, and the fish taking. 

 This can be accomplished in a few seconds, by inserting 

 the edge of a knife into the split of the shot, and press- 

 ing it open ; and one or two can be as easily applied 

 again when required. I need scarcely say that it will 

 be of little avail to stand like Patience on a monument, 

 over a still deep, with a line shotted heavy enough for 

 rapid streams, when it will only lie uselessly buried in 

 the mud at the bottom, perhaps till the end of time, 

 before a chance fish come that way. On the other hand, 

 to fish a strong stream with only one or two pellets, and 

 allow the bait to be carried high over the heads of the 

 fish with the velocity of greased lightning, will be 

 attended with the same result. I can assure the sports- 

 man that any little trouble he may incur in this respect 

 will be amply rewarded, as in many well-fed rivers the 

 fish are too independent and indolent to stir six inches 

 from the spot they lie upon for the most tempting bait 

 that can be offered to them ; hence the only chance in 

 such cases is to cause the bait to roll almost into their 

 very jaws, or as near to them as possible. 



