LANDING AND BAIT-NETS, & C . 
33 
The Bait-Net is made in a similar maimer to the Landing, 
but of small size, for shrimp, minnows, spearing, or like fish. 
It should be about twelve inches in diameter by eighteen 
inches deep, with a quarter inch mesh. 
The Oaf-Hook is found to be very important in securing 
large fish after their strength is expended, and where the 
landing-net cannot be used. The hook is usually about four 
inches in length, with or without a barb ; but as the latter is 
the more safe hook of the two, it is preferred. The handle 
should be of hickory or ash, and from five to six feet in length. 
The Clearing-Ring is a useful article to the Angler in 
difficulty , (for he is not wholly infallible, and will occasionally 
have some trouble,) and as Walton says the fisher should be 
patient and not swear, his disciples, to prevent any thing of 
the kind, should avail themselves of this valuable implement. 
The most simple and useful is made of iron, or stout lead, and 
is in the form of a ring of from four to six ounces in weight, 
and about three inches in diameter, with a joint or hinge 
similar to that in the net bow before described. It is at- 
tached to a stout line, about twelve or fifteen yards in length, 
and when needed is opened, placed around the line, and sent 
down as a messenger. The reader can probably infer from 
the name, the use to which this ring is applied ; it is found 
very serviceable in removing any obstructions which the 
Angler may encounter in the enjoyment of his sport. It may 
bo well to observe here that in many cases this little appara- 
tus should only be used with the oil of “ patience,” so highly 
spoken of by Walton. 
This brings us to the last item of the materials of the An- 
gler’s equipment, which however necessarily tedious in the 
minuthe of explanation, will, we trust, be relieved by other 
more interesting, or at least amusing, parts of the Angler’s 
instructions. 
