CHAP. IV.
Instructions relating to Corks, Flotes, &c.
TOuching your Flotes order them in this manner; Take the closest Cork you can get, and with a sharp Knife pare it very smooth about, which for size and form is left to your Judgment, it being only to shew you when and how the Fish are at your Bait; the lesser it is so much the better in this respect that it will not frighten the Fish away, then with a hot Iron bore a Hole through it, and therewith put a Goose-Quill of a fit size for the Cork, which must be fitted with regard to the proportion of your Line, and that again to the strength and dimensions of the Fish you design to take with the Line, as before noted in the second Chapter. The small end of the Cork must be towards the Hook, the Quill must be pegged into the Cork, and so your Line into the Quill, which you may raise or let down as you see cause.
Your Flotes are made of Mascovy-Duck Quills, or Swans-Quills which are held the best for Still Water; but the flat and round Flotes are esteem∣ed the best.
When your Cork is gently drawn under Water then strike and not with too smart a Jerk, but on∣ly to fasten your Hook, and then draw with an even touch according as you see cause. If your Tackling be strong, and your Fish large, you may be the bolder; but to go securely to work, never let the Fish feel the strength of the Line, lest he Snap it off; but hold him gently under the Rod, and let him tire out himself, which he will soon do by Eight, or Ten Plunges, and then you may draw him gently towards you; if you be too hasty you are not a good Fisher, for this Recre∣ation requires great Patience, Industry, and Vigi∣lance.