404. MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 
and perhaps the more novel the fly, the better it may suc- 
ceed, though there is still a considerable section of good 
anglers who adhere to the old-fashioned flies called the 
butcher, the doctor, &c.; but I fully believe that any 
slight variation or alteration from the annexed models, 
according to the contents of the angler’s stock of mate- 
rials, will be just as likely to succeed as the celebrated 
“ondine ” of Ephemera, or the new “ spirit-flies” of Mr. 
Blacker. These flies are serviceable for large brook trout 
in the larger American streams and lakes. 
THE LANDING-NET, GAFF, BASKET, &c. 
The landing-net is merely a hoop with a handle to it, 
and armed with a net for the purpose of taking the hooked 
fish out of the water, without danger to the tackle or of 
losing the fish. It is generally now made with a hollow 
handle, to take the top joints of the rod, and this handle 
screws off the ring, which is also jointed, for the conve- 
nience of carriage. 
The gaff and landing-hook are constructed for the same 
purpose. The simple hook now used, attached to a firm 
handle, inflicts the least severe wound, and is more man- 
ageable than the gaff. 
The basket or creel is slung over the shoulder by a 
belt, and is made of various sizes, to suit the probable 
amount or weight of fish expected by the angler. 
Fish-bait kettles are made of tin, with a perforated lid, 
and a handle to carry them by. 
The drag-hook is a long line of strong whipeord wound 
