Inworrance oF Fisu-nooxs. 805 
11 12 13 14 15 
its deficiency of quality! As the quality of the hook is the 
foundation of the general results for the angler, it may not be 
a matter of surprise that I endeavor to impress the embryo 
philosopher with the importance of fish-hooks. I remember 
that, when a boy of seven swnmers, an extemporized bridge 
for carting hay was cast over a trout-brook in front of our 
dwelling, and that I baited a pin with a worm and lay down 
on the bridge, which was but a few inches above the water, 
and let the baited pin run under the bridge. In a moment 
T experienced a tremendous jerk, and pulled in my line, when 
the trout struggled, and finally straightened my pin-hook. 
Oh, what would I not have promised at that moment to give 
for a real fish-hook! The store was near by, where two 
hooks might be had for a cent, but where was the cent? I 
have never forgotten the feelings of that moment, and never 
will while life lasts. I would therefore plead for paternal 
generosity toward youths who early contract a penchant for 
angling. 
U 
