222 HOW TO PLUMB THE DEPTH. 



shift the float according as the depth varies, without 

 farther disturbing the water. It will even be much 

 better if this operation be performed the day before it is 

 fished, or at all events several hours beforehand. 



Pig. 32 is a lead plummet, with a brass-wire ring 

 fixed on its top, through which 

 the hook and line are to be 

 passed, and its point slightly 

 stuck into a morsel of wood 



LE!DEN PLUMMETS. dove-tailed into the bottom of 



the plummet for the purpose, as shown at a. This is 

 easily accomplished by cutting out a portion of the lead, 

 with a very small chisel, or sharp pen-knife, and accu- 

 rately fitting the slip of wood into it, when it is retained 

 by the form of the dovetail, without further ado. 



Fig. 33 is simply a ribbon of lead about three- 

 quarters of an inch broad, and 1-2 Oth of an inch thick, 

 coiled round upon itself ; and it is attached to the hook, 

 by merely unrolling a portion of the coil, inserting the 

 hook between the folds, and closing the coil again ; 

 when all is made secure. 



If one particular spot only is to be tested, the length 

 of line wetted when the latter is held strict with the 

 plummet resting on the bottom will be a correct in- 

 dication of the depth ; but in taking several observa- 

 tions (as, astronomers say), or rather soundings (as 

 sailors call them), where the depths vary, and some of 

 them may happen to be shallower than those first taken, 

 the previously wetted line cannot be relied on ; but in 

 this case, the line must be reeled in, until the tip of the 



