SILKWORM GUT, KNOTS, LOOPS, &C. 



259 



tying and looping, all of which have their advocates and 

 contemners, but it will be well to remember that in all modes 

 of tying, the simplest in construction, and freest from angles 

 and abrupt turns, is the best ; all turns should be made round and 

 not short and quick so that one strand cuts the other. This 

 doctrine holds good not only in regard to our subject matter, 

 but also to the tying or putting together of any stiff substance. 

 The best knots in use amongst anglers are sailors' knots, which 

 afford the simplest and surest modes of rigging any line. 



One of the simplest, and most secure is the double knot, 

 made by passing the ends around each other after the manner 

 of the common knot, but twice instead of once. For leaders 

 or loops gut can be tied together at the ends, as in the draw- 

 ings. The ends need not be whipped down, but can be cut 

 close off, as they are perfectly secure, and not liable to break. 



The double and single water knots for tying lengths of gut to- 

 gether are approved by some, and are made after the following 

 manner : 



the single is found to be sufficiently secure, and being smaller 

 and simpler, is more used than the double. 



