328 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 



ance it is similar to a caterpillar ; the body is composed of 

 coarse thread windings, finished over with the most gaudy silk 

 colors, and wound with silver tinsel ; the hooks, numbering 

 seven, are arranged according to the usual minnow rigging ; the 

 tail is composed of tin or bright metal, split up or bent at an 

 angle, to insure swift spinning. They are made strong and 

 durable, and then* cost is trifling : they are worth a trial. 



An odd looking hook, and to make a home-\y expression, 

 odd as the angler's notion, is used at Baltimore, Md., and 

 vicinity, called by some the Capt. Jack Thomas hook, but more 

 generally known as the Chestertown pattern. The artist has 

 endeavored to give a proper representation, see page 308, which, 

 by a careful examination, may, to an experienced eye, appear 

 sufficiently explicit. It is considered a very sure hook, the 

 advantages being its singular shape, narrow bend, and low 

 point. It is highly approved of by some of the fraternity at 

 New York for black fish angling. 



Care of Rods. When the fishing season is over, this essen- 

 tial implement of equipment should not be thrown carelessly by, 

 but be cleaned, nicely oiled, and put away in a cool place, 

 in readiness for the next campaign. The best of wood that a 

 rod can be composed of, even though it be kiln-dried, if expos- 

 ed a length of time in a dry atmosphere will shrink some, caus- 

 ing the ferules and guides to become loose. A moist atmo- 

 sphere is preferable to a dry one. When rods that have not the 

 ends covered where the joints are put together, become by a 

 day's service swelled and difficult to separate, hold the ferule 

 over a candle or lighted paper until it become sufficiently hot 

 to dry out the moisture, and the parts can be easily separated. 

 To prevent this annoyance, occasionally oil the wooden part 

 that is let in to the socket. 



