th some split swan shot, to be used
in case of a very clear day, when it is desirable to sink line and
minnow below the surface. Also be provided with tackle--some mounted on
gut and some on gimp--for spinning natural minnow; and we know of none
better or more deadly for this purpose than that of which an
illustration is given on next page. It is very simple, and seldom misses
anything.

[Illustration]

The large hook is put in at the mouth of the minnow, and the point
brought out at a little above the tail--thus giving the minnow the
proper curve for spinning. One of the smaller hooks is put through
_both_ lips of the lure, to close the mouth and to keep the bait in
proper position, while the other is left to spin. Some advocate the use
of par-tail as a spinning bait; but as it is not right to kill par at
all, we omit any directions for its use. We have drifted into the
subject of LURES almost unconsciously. If you wish to use natural
minnows, see that they are neither too large nor too small--about two
inches long is a good size--and that the belly is silvery. It is better
to instruct your boatman to have a supply ready against your arrival at
the loch, as sometimes it is as difficult to catch minnows as to catch
any other fish. However, we believe that the want of them is so well
supplied by the phantom minnow, that little or no harm is done though
they are not to be had. And when the handling and bother of using live
bait is taken into consideration, we think that most folks will prefer
the artificial lure. The phantom we consider the very best of all the
imitations; and the troller should have them in different colours and
sizes, from Nos. 1 to 7. The hooks attached to the larger sizes should
be mounted on gimp, as in trolling for large fish--and especially for
_salmo ferox_--no risk should be run of the mountings giving way. Tin
boxes, divided into compartments, for holding the minnows, are very
convenient, and are to be had at most tackle shops. A spoon-bait is also
a splendid deception, and should not be awanting. A tackle-maker's
catalogue will tell the reader of many other "spinners;" but if he
cannot catch fish of all kinds with either a natural or phantom minnow
or a spoon, it is not the fault of the lure; and he may try anything
else he fancies, and come no better speed.

CHAPTER VI.

DUTIES OF BOATMAN.

Very little requires to be said in this chapter regarding boatmen, as
when the angler get