CO 
 
 in 
 o 
 
 m 
 
BCKK E IE Y 
 
 OENERAL 
 
 
THE 
 
 COMPLETE ANGLER'S 
 
 VADE-MECUM; 
 
 BEING 
 
 A PERFECT CODE OF INSTRUCTION 
 
 ON 
 
 THE ABOVE PLEASING SCIENCE: 
 
 WHEREIN ARE DETAILED, 
 
 A GREAT VARIETY OF ORIGINAL PRACTICES 
 AND INVENTIONS; 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 ALL THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE 
 
 SPORTSMAN'S AMUSEMENT AND SUCCESS. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS. 
 
 BY CAPT. T. WILLIAMSON, 
 
 AUTHOR OF THE WILD SPORTS OF INDIA, 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED FOR PAYNE AND MACKINLAY, IN THB 
 
 STRAND j AND CUTHELL AND MARTIN, 
 
 MIDDLE ROW, HOLBORN, 
 
 1808. 
 
printed by B. McMillan, ^ 
 Bcw Strtei, Covent Garden. ^ 
 
W4' 
 
 TO ALL 
 
 TRUE LOVERS OF ANGLING, 
 
 THIS BOOK 
 
 It 
 
 DEDICATED, 
 
 BY 
 
 THEIR OBEDIENT HUMBLE SERVANT, 
 AND BROTHER SPORTSMAN, 
 
 THE AUTHOR 
 
 a 2 PREFACE. 
 
 IVI842775 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2007 with funding. from 
 
 IVIicrosoft Corporation 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/completeanglersvOOwillrich 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 THE great partiality I ever entertained for 
 the diversion of Angling, has caused me to pass 
 many a leisure hour in that agreeable pursuit, 
 and io make many observations on the habits ojf 
 Fishes in general. 
 
 These observations have been extremely useful 
 to me in my search for sport, and have often en- 
 abled me to carry home a dish of Fish, while 
 others, u) ore acquainted with the Waters, could 
 scarcely get a nibble ; or, at the utmost, had 
 taken only some Siuall fry, not worth the trouble 
 of ujihookmg. 
 
 I do not pretend to have gone over the whole 
 kingdom ; nor am I able to give " the character 
 and the course of e-cery Stream ^ "<^r can I 
 boast of having caught Fishes, '^ until I was 
 fairlj/ wearied out.^"* I have, indeed, very fre- 
 quenily been '' zeearied out'^ by the abstinence 
 of those Fishes I wished should fatigue me by 
 their vveigiit ; and many a day have 1 had a long 
 walk, under a very sultry atmosphere and the 
 biirtiien of my apparatus, as the reward of my 
 abbxduity. 
 
 a 3 Theso 
 
Vi 
 
 These nve moriifications which the best of St. 
 Peter's followers (excepting those ever- fortunate 
 authors whose trumpeters have unhappily blown 
 their last) must eve.r compound for ; for those 
 an<]^lers who aiilicipate constant success, will be 
 grievously disappointed. The sanguine dispo- 
 sition, however, which gives birth to, and nou- 
 rishes, such confident eagerness, is of the utmost 
 avail to tl^e juvenile Angler ; provided it be ac- 
 companied with sufficient patience, wirerewith to 
 counterbalance a certain hasty petulance which is 
 Tery apt to p(^p forth after long speculation at a 
 motionless float. 
 
 The want oi universal cxperiejice may, in the 
 opinion of the class above alluded to^ subject me 
 to degradation ; but without justice. Several 
 counties contain every Fish worthy the Angler's 
 notice, and can boast of many inhabitants, whose 
 skill and general knowledge would fnlly warrant 
 their becoming authors on this topic. 1 have the 
 pleasure to know, that many such character's 
 have expressed their warm approbation of my 
 Treatise, before it was committed to the press ; 
 and, that they concur with me in opinion regard- 
 ing the gross errors, not to say wilful mis-state- 
 ments, made by some who have written on Ang- 
 ling, especially where local circumstances have 
 been misrepresented in the most impudent man- 
 ner. 
 
 This is, perbaps; rather bold in me io express ; 
 
 fur. 
 
Vll 
 
 for, unhappily, it never has fallen to my lot to 
 ^' present any Hooks (o any Noble Lord ; nor 
 have I ever been '^ pressed by strangers" — (no, 
 nor by friends either) — " to favour the public 
 ^vith the result of nfy experience." But, to make 
 up for such deficiencies, I offer to my reader se- 
 veral original communications, and such a com- 
 plete arrangement of tlie subject, as cannot fail to 
 lead the Learner, and that too in a rational and 
 pleasing manner, towards the goal of Piscatorial 
 Science. 
 
 I have not servilely copied from any man ; but 
 Tvhere my experience has justified a concurrence 
 with the practices of others, I have adopted 
 them, and now, by insertion in my Volume, gi\e 
 them all due praise. 
 
 Although many versed in Ichthyology may 
 fully comprehend what is said of various Fishes, 
 and though the practised Angler may not stand 
 in want of the aid of illustration, yet 1 trust tlie 
 young Student in this Art, will not consider the 
 several Plates annexed to my Treatise as super- 
 fluous ; for even this amusement is replete with 
 finesse^ and will always be followed with most 
 success by such as have a knowledge of Mathe- 
 matics, or at least a turn for Mechanisin. 
 
 My labours were not intended for the use of 
 those who, regardless both of law and of decency, 
 trespass on the rights and properties of others by 
 nefarious practices. Nor do I wish the price of 
 
 my 
 
Till 
 
 my Volume to stand so low, as to render it acces- 
 sible to every such miscreant. It is exempt from 
 all practices unbecominfi^ the liberal sportsman ; 
 and being composed of respectable materials, I 
 could wish it never to fall into the hands of any 
 but respectabU' persons. 
 
 Such is the basis of this Work, in which I 
 may, without presumption, assert, that many 
 desiderata are furnished, and many intricacies, or 
 ambiguities, laid open. To say that my Volume 
 is complete, would be untrue; for I feel, that 
 much is still wanting which should enable the 
 Angler to command success. 
 
 T. W, 
 
 CONTENTS! 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Of the Hook, 1 
 
 Of Gut and Weed, 3 
 
 To stain Gut, or Weed, Brown, 4 
 
 To stain Gut, or Weed, of a Water Colour, 5 
 
 Of Gimp, 7 
 
 Of Horse-Hair, » 7 
 
 To make a Line of Horse^Hair, 8 
 
 How to wax your Silk, 11 
 
 Of fastening the Line to the Rod, .... 13 
 
 Of Floats, 14 
 
 Of Split Shot, and other Weights, 19 
 
 Of fixing Hooks to Lines, 21 
 
 Of baiting a Hook with Worms, 24 
 
 Of the Reel, 28 
 
 Of tlie Rod, and Reel-Line, 38 
 
 Of tlie Hidden, or Finishing Knot, 44 
 
 Of the Landing-Net, and of landing Fishes, 45 
 
 Of the Gaff, 48 
 
 Of the Clearing-Ring, 48 
 
 Of the Butt- Hook, 50 
 
 Of the Disgorger, 51 
 
 Of the Minnow-Net, 52 
 
 Of the Minnow-Kettle, 52 
 
 Of Baits, ; 53 
 
 Of 
 
% 
 
 PAOR 
 
 Of Live-Baits, . .V. ......;.., 7 77.T7. • • 6g 
 
 Of Dead-Baits^ 76 
 
 Of the Bait-Box, 8/ 
 
 Of Various Waters, gQ 
 
 Of Ground Baits, 1 19 
 
 Of Striking, and of playing a Fish when struck, . . 125 
 
 Of Pond- Fishing, 134 
 
 Of Bubbles in tlie Water, 140 
 
 Of Night- Fishing, 142 
 
 Of Night- Lines and Trimmers, 143 
 
 Of the Fish- Basket, 150 
 
 Of the Pocket-Book, 151 
 
 OJ Fishes in general^ 155 
 
 OftheSahnon, 160 
 
 Of the Salmon-Trout, 1 73 
 
 Of the White Trout, Whitling, or Sowin, 176 
 
 Of the Black Trout, 179 
 
 Of the Common Trout, 181 
 
 Of the Chedder, or Shedder, or Samson, or Gravling, 1 86 
 
 Oi the Jack, Pike, or Luce, 187 
 
 Of the Perch, 205 
 
 Of the Kel, 208 
 
 Of ihe Chub, Chevin, or Nob, 2l6 
 
 Of the Tench, 221 
 
 Of the Carp, 223 
 
 Of the Grayling, or Gray-Trout, or Umber, .... 227 
 
 Of the Bream, 229 
 
 Of the i:arbel, 230 
 
 Of tlie Roach, 234 
 
 Oft.eDace, or Dare, or Dart, 236 
 
 Of the Ruff, or Pope, 240 
 
 OftheRudd, orFinscale^ 243 
 
 Of 
 
Xi 
 
 FACE 
 
 Of the Charr, or Torgoch, 244 
 
 Of the Gudgeon, 246 
 
 Of the I'lounder, 248 
 
 Of the Smelt, 250 
 
 Of tlie Lamprey, 25 1 
 
 Of the Mullet, 253 
 
 Of the Bleak, or Blear, or Blanc, 255 
 
 Of Salt-Water Fishing, 256 
 
 Of Sea-Baits, 26l 
 
 Of Sea Fishes, 262 
 
 Of the Cod, 263 
 
 Of the Turbot, 264 
 
 Of the Haddock, 264 
 
 Of the Plaise, 265 
 
 Of the Mackerel, 266 
 
 Of the Whiting, 266 
 
 Of tlie Herring, 26/ 
 
 Of the Gar-Fish, 268 
 
 Of the Skate, 269 
 
 Of the Halibut, 27O 
 
 Of the Sand Eel, 2/0 
 
 Of the Congor Eel, 271 
 
 Of the Lobster, Cray- Fish, and Crab, 272 
 
 Of Fly-Fishivg, 273 
 
 Of Natural Flies, 284 
 
 Of Artificial Flies, 286 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Generic Description of Various Fishes, 305 
 
 Brief Hints relative to the Laws regarding Angling, 1 o 15 
 ' Netting, &c , .,,. J 
 
 TUB 
 
THE 
 
 COMPLETE ANGLER\S 
 
 VADE-MECUM. 
 
 Of the Hook 
 
 ^ I ^HE nt&t object that canies under notice is tlie hook. 
 Those generally used in angling are classed under 
 ten sizes: No. 1, being tlie largest, and No. 10, the 
 smallest (See Plate I. Fig. l). They should be of good 
 steelj, of an e\en thickness all tlieir length, f»-om the 
 butt, where the line fastens on, to the chip, where the 
 barb or beard is cut out. 
 
 The point sliould be perfecdy upright, and not stand 
 out, as eel hooks ought to do ; the beard ought to be 
 prominent, but not cvit so very deep as to weaken it at the 
 place where it joins under the point. 
 
 The back of the shank is sometimes grooved horizon* 
 tally, for tlie purpose oi' whipping on the line more firmly. 
 Such are to be preferred j though a carefid person will 
 fasten his line very sufficiendy widiout such aid. 
 
 Opinions are divided as to the best form of a hook ; 
 many prefer the Kirhy, which has its point bent a little 
 to one side, so as not to stand in an upright line, parallel 
 to the stem. The faults imputed to the Kirby are, that it 
 often fails in the striking'^ and that it makes too large a 
 I Ji cut> 
 
2 
 
 cut, so as to allow the fish to get off, in case tlie liiie is at 
 any time slackened. 
 
 I confess myself to be of tliis opinion, and, from my 
 o\\Ti experience, should recommend tlie common, or old- 
 fashioned hook ; being thoroughly satisfied, tiiat I have 
 often missed of hooking fishes, which have absolutely 
 gorged my bait, in consequence of its being on a Kirhy ; 
 indeed, mathematical proof may be adduced in support 
 of its condemnation. Ho\\'ever, the majority of die 
 Kirly hooks are well made in one resi)ect, viz. in being 
 somewhat angular at the bottom of the beard, as ui 
 Fig. 2 ', whereby they fix tiiemselves more firmly ^\'hen 
 in the jaw, and do not shift about so much as semicir- 
 cular curves are apt to do. 
 
 A good hook for ivorm-Jishing ought to have rather a 
 long, than a short shank ) and tlie beard should be mo- 
 derately deep. It ought to be rather substantial, and to 
 be perfectly free fi-om rustj else it will not allow the 
 worm to glide on smoothly, but will subject it to break, 
 and to give way. 
 
 It may be proper to obser\'e in tliis place, that hooks of 
 every description are injured by being huddled together 
 in papers, boxes, &:c. \ tlie beards g^t intermixed, and 
 they either are broken, or blunted. Those esj^ecially 
 which are required for your pocket stock, ought to be 
 stuck into flannel, the same as needles are kept by ladies 
 in their house-ivives, &c. &c. 3 and if a Httle oiled, tliey 
 will be better preser\-ed from rust. 
 
 Regarding jack-hooks, eel- hooks, and such as relate 
 exclusively to any particular branch of angling, they will 
 be treated of under their respective heads, where tlia 
 modes of using them will be amply described, 
 
 Ik 
 
In tins part of the work I shall confine myself to what 
 appertains to the more common practices of hottom-Jish^ 
 ing ; by which I mean, such matters as apply to simple 
 angling, for whatever chance may present j reserving the 
 more knowing parts of my instructions, for tiie illustration 
 of tliose branches of the sport which require some expe- 
 rience and judgment, before they can be practised with 
 success. 
 
 The learner \v\l\ find the whole under tlieir proper 
 titles, besides a variety of information interspersed, by way 
 of comment, in otlier parts of the work. 
 
 Of Gut and med. 
 
 These are imported to us from abroad, chiefly from 
 China, and are invaluable to the angler. Tlie gut is 
 more transparent tlian the weed, is not so thick, nor is it, 
 in general, so round ; yet, on tlie whole, it is prefeiiible, 
 except in a tew particular instances. 
 
 Gut may be had of any degree of fineness 3 for the 
 same skein is formed of various sizes, as well as of diffe- 
 rent degrees of qualitj^j some threads being long and 
 round, while others are shorter and flatter. Ihe latter 
 are \'ery exceptionable, \\;here a clioioe can be made -, as 
 they are not only weaker, but streak the water, in moving 
 through it, and frighten the fishes. 
 
 Choose such gut as is round and smooth, of a clear 
 semi- pellucid appearance, and that is free from yellowish 
 spots, very much like iron-moulds. The best proof of 
 the strength of ^w^ is hardness : bite it, and if it resist the 
 teeth like wire, that is, does not easily give way, it is 
 good. 
 
 This should always be done when a thread of gut is 
 B 2 taken 
 
taken from the skein ; for such parts at each end as are 
 quickly bitten tlirough, and make little resistance to tlie 
 teetli, will not hold a fisli in a proper mariner. 
 
 IVeed is much thicker, and is of a duller, though of a 
 whiter appearance. At first it is very strong, but does 
 not keep so well as gut. However, where you expect 
 to find jacks and eels, it answers almost as well as gimp 
 (which see in its proper place) : it will do for perch fish- 
 ing, as also where salmon do not nm to any great size. 
 
 Choose your weed as has been directed regarding gut, 
 and take especial care to keep them botli in situations free 
 from damp 3 for if once mildewed, they are never after 
 to be trusted, though tliey may bite tough. 
 
 Many prefer their gut and weed of a water, or of a 
 light brown colour, which may be given in various ways : 
 the following are perhaps the least exceptionable. 
 
 To Colour Gut, or Jfeed, Broivn, 
 
 Isi, There is in every cock- chaffer (in some counties 
 csiiled caterpillars, in others, dumm adores, &:c.)asmall 
 bag containing a liquid, of a beautiful brown. Tliis ap- 
 plied to your gut, or weed, and allowed to dry in die air, 
 wiU give it a fine transparent colour, which may be com^ 
 pletely fixed, by dipping aftenvards into a weak solution 
 oi alam j using about the size of a hazel-nut to half a 
 pint of cold spring- water. 
 
 If you tliink the colour, in tlie first instance, too deep, 
 dilute the brown liquid with about an equal quantity of 
 alum -water, and apply it. 
 
 The great merit of tliis is, that it does not in the smallest . 
 degree tend to injure your hne. 
 
 2d, Coffee is an excellent colour^ and being always to 
 
 be 
 
be had, is particularly convenient. In a cup of strong 
 coffee, when about milk-warm, steep your gut, or weed^, 
 and allow, it to remain until you tliink it suiEcient|y 
 stained. 
 
 You must however make some allowance for the colour 
 washing out a little, by tlie line being frequently expose J 
 to tlie alternate action of the water and of the air, 
 
 3d, Rub your gut, or weed, with walnut- peels, bark, 
 or leaves, until stained to yoiu* fancy, and fix the colour 
 in alum -water. This should be done cautiously, as the 
 walnut-juice is rather corrosive. 
 
 4 th, Put about a large table- spoonful of white salt into 
 a pint of ale, or strong beer, if a little sharp the better ; 
 steep your line till coloured to your fancy. This is unex- 
 ceptionable, and makes a good brown. 
 
 To Stain Gut or JFeed, of a JFatcr Colour. 
 
 5th, Take about a tea-spoonful of common red ink j 
 add to it as much soot, and about tlie third of a tea-cupful 
 of water ; let them simmer for about ten minutes 5 when 
 cool, steep your line until it be stained to your fancy. 
 This is a very beautiful colour for the purpose, but should 
 be applied gradually, taking out your line, to examine the 
 depiii of tlie tint frequently, lest it should become too dark. ' 
 
 6th, For a pale water tint, boil a handful of soot in a 
 large tea- cupful of alum- water ; steep the line for a few 
 minutes in tlie decoction, while milk- warm j then, if the 
 colour do not please, rub your line with walnut -peel^ 
 bark, or leaf, until it answers to your wish. 
 
 7th, A weak solution of indigo in boiling water, gives 
 
 an excellent bluish tint -, but the line must be steeped 
 
 B 3 onl/ 
 
only in the cold liquid. When of the required tint, steep 
 the line in alum-wate?r for a few minutes. 
 
 Sth, The following is ah admirable recipe, but requires 
 the greatest caution. Ten drops of aqua-fortis should be 
 dropped on a piece of copper, and left in a cup, to corrode 
 f V long as it throws up any bubbles j to these add cold 
 vater sufficient to dilute the mixture to a fine pale bluish 
 £reen: in this steep your line for about half a minute, or 
 more, and you will have an excellent water colour, which 
 at the same time takes off the gloss from the gut. If your 
 line be steeped previously, for about five minutes, in alum- 
 water, it will in some measxure prevent the acid of tlic 
 mixture from penetrating so deeply, as to endanger its 
 being in any degree weakened. 
 
 p/A, I have found common walnut catsup to give a 
 good colour to gut, steeped in it for half an hour, or more ; 
 but tills tint is apt to fade : however, as it is so easily re- 
 newed, and b peculiarly excellent, I should recommend 
 it^ being adopted. 
 
 Obser\e> by a good colour, I mean that which, in the 
 common run of angling, corresponds with tlie colour of 
 the water, and renders tlie line less visible : for it should 
 l>e particularly noticed, tliat we often find the sides of a 
 stream of one colour, while the middle, or tlie current, 
 is quite of another hue j and where several waters join, 
 we rarely see tlieni all of the same transparency, or of 
 the same tint. 
 
 Some waters, owing to mineral impurities, will tinge 
 the line of their own colour, so as never after to change ; 
 a fortunate circumstance for those who continue to angle 
 in such streams. 1 have had a line so completely stained 
 
 . of 
 
cJTa reddish brown, -owing to the water being Impregnated 
 with a ferruginous cast by the till eartli, as not to be dis- 
 tinguishable from tlie stream, when immersed tlierein : " 
 but for other waters that line was totally useless, since it 
 appeared perfectly distinct for a great deptli. Under tlie 
 head of Various JVaters, the learner will find more on this 
 
 object. 
 
 Of Gimp, 
 
 This is notliing more than yellow or white wire, wolded 
 round 3. $ilk line j tlie same as what are called covered, or 
 bass strings for the violin, &rc. are made of catgut, en- 
 veloped by wire. This is intended to presence that part of 
 the line which is nearest tlie hook, from being bit asunder 
 by jacksj eels, &c. It is made of various tliickness, ac- 
 cording to tlie purpose for which it is intended, and may be 
 had either yellow or white, according to the angler*s fancy. 
 
 I prefer the yellow gimp, being convinced from expe- 
 rience, tliat it is least discernible in tlie water, especially 
 in bright weather, when I have seen the white gimp 
 glisten so much, as to be distinguishable to a considerable 
 depth. About half a yard is enough for one line : where 
 the jacks ran small, less will do. It is excellent for eel" 
 hooks J set as night- lines, as will be shewn in due time. 
 
 Of Horse- Hair, 
 Tliis is not often to be had of a good quality. The best 
 is taken from those tails that have been frequently cut ,* 
 V hereby the hairs become much stouter, and far mora 
 elastic. Choose that which feels stiiF, free from inequalities, 
 and is ratlier smooth tlian rough. Some hair is angular, 
 and never works well into a line -, for which purpose it 
 cannot be too round. 
 
 8 4 The 
 
8 
 
 The hair from the tails of mares, being commontj 
 u-etted by their iirine, is in a measure rotten j neither do I 
 consider it to be, naturally, and abstracted from that im- 
 perfection, so firm and so durable as horses' hair. 
 
 The manner of making lines of horses' hair, will be duly 
 aiKl amply described. They may be stained in any of the 
 modes already pointed out; but, to free them from grease 
 and oilier impurities, should be previously washed in a 
 very weak sohition of lime in w^ater, or a strong one of 
 whiting in stale beer. 
 
 To make a Line of Horses' Hair. 
 
 Take three or four hairs of nearly equal lengtli and sub- 
 stance (for there is great choice in that respect), and tie 
 tiiem in a common knot, observing tliarlialf the butts and 
 half tlie points be respectively together ; tlie butts being 
 the part w here they are pulled or cut from the animal, ara 
 tiie tliickest ^ the Imrs taper from tliem to their points. 
 
 The due inversion of one-half tlie cumber of hairs, or 
 as nearly so as odd numbers may admit, will cause tlie 
 length of a link thus made, to be equaUy tliick in every 
 part 5 whicli would Viot be tlie case, were all the butts 
 and all the points together; whence tlie line would be 
 weaker at the joints tlian elsewhere. 
 
 If, indeed, an additional hair is progressively given to 
 every link, tlien all the points shovild be together, and 
 should join to the next lower or thinner link ; but such a 
 line would soon acquire too much thickness. 
 
 Having knotted the hairs togetlier, take a quill, and after 
 cutting away both the featlier end, and the soft part which 
 was in the skin of tlie goose,, plug up one end with a piece 
 6f cork, having in itj¥ sides three or four very small nicks* 
 
ft 
 
 or grooves} so that each hair may pass through the quill, 
 and by the side of the cor Is, with some httle resistance. 
 
 The knot, which will thus be on tiie outside, beyond 
 tlie cork, sliould be turned round between the finger and 
 thumb } by which means the hairs, coming like so mAny 
 rays from tlie edges of the cork, will begin to twist in the 
 most regular even manner, and will be gradually drawn 
 tlirough. 
 
 The person twisting the hah's should be careful to ob- 
 serve when tlie further ends of the hairs are about to come 
 through tlie grooves, which he may easily perceive, and 
 should then grasp what he has twisted close to tlie cork 5 
 then drawing out the residue, tie the ends, as in the first 
 instance : but, in order to keep tlie twists correct, he 
 should, as he proceeds, pass the Une round his hand^ so 
 as to coll it up in a small ring. 
 
 This being done, he should lay evpry length, so soon as 
 made into a coil, in a cup of water, to let it soak -, after 
 about half an hour, some of the hairs will probably snarl, 
 or appear to gatlier, or shrink, in tlie twists. The lengths 
 in which such snarls appear must be untied, and be twisted 
 3! second time, after the hair has been dried. 
 
 This process will all be seen in Plate T. where^ in 
 Fig. 3, A, is the quill, B, the cork plug, c, tlie knot, aiid 
 d, d, d, d. the several hairs which form the length, or link, 
 passing through tlie quill > being pressed tiiereto, at equal 
 distances, by the cork. 
 
 Any number of hairs may be tlius twisted far better tlian 
 in the common way, and as regularly as by any machine : 
 though some on a good plan, are sold at the tackle- shops. 
 As the grooves may be made so as to allow twists of two, 
 three, or four hairs each, to pass, Hnks may be made of 
 ' b5 any 
 
Iff 
 
 any thickness, by twisting together, either in twos, tlflrees, 
 or fours, any number of hairs of which they are respec- 
 tively to be composed j precisely as tlie best kinds of hard 
 roj^e are manufactured in strands, formed of smaller 
 strands, and each of tlie latter having an equal number 
 of threads, or yams. 
 
 The number of Unhs to be rrjade, must depend on the 
 intended lengtli of tlie line : in general, twehe feet will 
 be found an ample stretch ; especially if tlie foot-length, 
 tliat is, the tliree or four links nearest the hook, be mad^' 
 of gut J which is far preferable to horses* hair, in ever)'- 
 respect. 
 
 It will ordinarily be found, that four hairs are best for 
 the bottom hnk, it gitt be used below it; and that the 
 addition of one liair in the thickness of every, third link, 
 is full sti'ong enough for any purpose. 
 
 The links are to be joined by what is called a water' 
 knot ; this is \ery secure, and is easily made in the fol^ 
 lowing manner : let the two ends tliat are to be joined, 
 Jap over about an inch and a half, without untying tlieir 
 end knots -, tlien, in the same way tliat you would make 
 an ordinary knot, so tie tiiese, taking care to pass tlie parts 
 of both lines together, and then draw tight at each of the 
 four ends. This forms the tvater-kjwi. See Fig, 4> 
 Plate I. 
 
 Before you cut away the t\vo little ends, on each of 
 which is a knot, whip tliem down well, for about a 
 quarter of an inch on each side tlie water-knot, finishing 
 on each side with a hidden tie, that runs under the whip- 
 ping for three rounds at least ; so that it never can fail but 
 from the decay or cutting of the silk. 
 
 Having done this, pass a piece of quill between the ends 
 
 and 
 
11 
 
 and d.e lin?, and \% ith a sliarp pen-knife, cut down through 
 tiie ends, about the thickness of your thumb-nail distance 
 trom the whipping, so that the ends may come off clean : 
 tiie piece of quill ser\^es to prevent die knife from cut- 
 ting your line. 
 
 Scissars are bad on these occasions, unless, indeed, 
 tlieir points be very fine j in which case they are soon 
 spoiled} their thickness always raises the end, in some 
 measure, whereby either the cut is uneven, or tlie wliip- 
 ping is a little strained : the latter is a great fault ; for the 
 ends of the water- laiots cannot be tied down too firmly. 
 
 If you warm your cobler's wax, and rub it round once 
 or twice, taking care to do it with tlie direction of tlie 
 whipping, it will give a slight coating to your work, and 
 make it much neater ; it will sene to prevent little fibres 
 from rising out of the silk, which, by cutting the water, 
 scare the more cautious kind of fishes. 
 
 How to IVax your Silk, 
 
 Simple as this operation may appear, there is yet some 
 art in doing it completely and equally. The fine silk used 
 in whipping on very small hooks, and in making files, 
 will not, liov.'ever good of its kind, bear to be roughly 
 used ; nor will it, indeed, if taken singly, bear the ope- 
 ration of being passed with the requisite degree of force 
 between the wax and the thumb. 
 
 Take, therefore, several equal lengths of your silk, ob* 
 serv'ing to reject all that appear knotty or gouty, for they 
 always make clumsy work, and pass them, fk one iody^ 
 between your thumb and the wax, v.hich should be pie- 
 viovisly spread thinly on a piece of strong ^Iioe-leatlier, as 
 stiff as CcUi be had. 
 
 ' B () Pass 
 
12 
 
 Pciss them several times, until yon fee!, by their re** 
 sistance, tliat their surfaces are completely coated with 
 the wax : separate tliem, and upset one- half tlie number, 
 so that what was at bottom before may come to tlie top -, 
 then pass tliem again several times, until they resist 
 strongly. 
 
 3y this means, eadi tliread will have received a good 
 portion of wax, which will require to be levelled, so as to 
 make the whole equally strong and durable. 
 
 Now fasten one end of each tliread, separately, to a 
 pin, nail, table-screw, cushion, or whatever may be at 
 hand, and rub it lightly, but quickly, with a piece of 
 white glove-leather, or any other such soft substance, 
 until the thread may appear to be uniformly coated j if 
 the wax does not seem to be tliick enough on tlie thready 
 rub on a little more in this position,' for it is by far the 
 safest in which a single thread can be waxed ; and finish, 
 again with the soft leather. 
 
 I have been more particular in the detail of this part 
 of the process than many may tliink requisite ; but all good 
 anglers know, that on the niceness of whippings, knots, 
 &:a their sport materially depends. • I cannot repeat too 
 often, that highly- finished tackle will always attract more 
 fish than such as is clumsy, or is carelessly used. 
 
 The loops which ought to be at each end of every line, 
 except; such ends as, for want of gut, weed or gimpy are 
 fastened to the hook, should be well whipped, so' as 
 to keep tlie ends close down ; thereby to prevent their 
 hitching with other parts of the tackle, and to render 
 the motion of the hne through the water less perceptible. 
 
 There is a kind of line made for catching small baits. 
 Usually called a minnow-Unv, ' This should cppsist of 
 
13 
 
 about two feet of fine gut, at tlie bottom of which, a 
 very small hook, about No. g or 10, should be very 
 neatly affixed. At about six inches above tliat hook, set 
 on one or more shot, according to the strength and deptii 
 of your waters 5 tlien at equal distances, say four or five 
 inches, fasten the tliinnest, whitest, hog-bristles you can 
 obtain, tying them well on, at their middles, to your gut- 
 line. At each end of every bristle, have a small hook, as 
 at bottom. 
 
 Thus you may have three, five, seven, nine, &:c. 
 hooks on your line, none of which will interfere with the 
 others j the bristle always retaining a certain stiffness, and 
 never so far relaxing as to snarl or twist on your line. 
 With such tackle you may catch minnows, loaches, Lull-' 
 heads, gudgeons, bleaks, &"e. for the supply of your 
 dipping apparatus, and for your nig kt- lines. 
 
 Of fastening the Line to the Rod. 
 
 When a reel is used, you have only to make a fasten- 
 ing to the loop at the top of your line, by means of the 
 line which, coming from the reel through the rings affixed 
 to the rod, goes tlirough an eye made of wire^ or of -metal, 
 at its top. 
 
 Pass tlie reel-line through the loqp, and tie it with only 
 a single- loop draiv-knot. So that by pulhng at the end 
 of your reef-line, you disengage your hair-hne with the 
 utmost ease. 
 
 But, in case you do not use a reel, pass the loop at 
 the top of your line through the eye at the top of your 
 rod, so far as to aUow your putting the lower end of your 
 top- joint tlirough the loop -, then draw the line back again 
 through the eye, and all w^iU be secure and neat. . 
 
 If 
 
If there be no eye at the tip of your rod, the best 
 mode is, to fasten at that part a strong piece of reel -line, 
 so as to leave about six inches wherewith to make tlie 
 draw-knot, the same as if it were the end of a reel-line. 
 
 Of Floats. 
 
 The principles on which oxoxy float should be made are, 
 first, tliat it should sustain the weight of tlie shot and 
 bait J second, tliat it should pass easily under water %^'hen a 
 fish bites ; third, tliat the part above the water sliould not 
 be t6p-hea\y. 
 
 The absence of any one of tliese requisites renders the 
 float useless. For, if it cannot sustain the appended 
 weights, it must sink, and cannot be a float ; if it does 
 not yield freely to tlie smallest effort of tlie fish to take 
 the bait down, it will not only fail to indicate tlie time 
 for striking, but it will so far oppose the fish as to cause 
 alarm, and consequent disappointment. 
 
 If your float does not stand erect, you never can judge 
 of the depth of water, nor can you draw youi- line tight 
 enough to be in readiness to strike, at tlie moment when 
 the fish may have taken tlie bait into liis mouth. 
 
 A float should always be suited to tlie \\'ater, and to 
 the Ivind of fish you are in pursuit of. Tlius in a 
 strong water, where many shots must be on your line so 
 as to sink it to a due depth, and to keep it upright, a cork^ 
 float will be requisite 5 likewise in fishing with Hue I ait, 
 as will hei*eafter be shewn. 
 
 Where tlie water is quiet, a (jtiill float, proportioned to 
 ks depth, and to the weight of the hook, bait, and ap- 
 pended shot, will always prove superior. 
 
 Where the water is shallow, and tlie current^ triflings 
 
 your 
 
15 
 
 your fioat cannot be too delicate. All tliat is required is^ 
 that about three quarters of an inch should appear above 
 the surface, and tliat half an inch should be white, so 
 as to appear distinctly, towards the twilight especially, 
 when coloured objects are not so conspicuous. 
 
 I ha\'e always had most success when using a short, but 
 very thick, sivan-quill fioat, witli a white top and a 
 i*ed cap, made of about a quarter of an inch of krger 
 quill, or of very thin horn, dyed in red uik, or in a de- 
 coction of logwood and alum. 
 
 Douhle-^uill floats, that is, such as have no ivire 
 plugs, are made by joining two quills, of equal diameter, 
 on a wooden plug, which is first smeared with tar, and 
 passes about half an inch, or more, up each quill. 
 
 The two small ends of tlie quills thus form tlie two 
 ehds of the float ; and, in order to prevent the admission 
 of water, should be ranmied with a piece of the stem ctf 
 thQ same quills, which, going in at tlie larger ends before 
 they are affixed to the plug, by being pushed up to- 
 wards the points, will effectually prevent any water from 
 penetrating, if tlie quiUs be in otlier respects sound, and 
 free from cracks, as ought to be duly insured. See Fig. 5, 
 Plate!, 
 
 All douUe-quill floats are provided with two caps, one 
 for each end, to keep the line to tliem : they should 
 be well whipped in the middle, wliere the quills should 
 join very nicely, and should fit ver}' stiffly upon the plug. 
 
 Single- quill floats are made of one swan or goose 
 quill, in the bottom, or large end, of which, after the 
 ,small end has been duly stopped, as above directed, a 
 plug made of beech^ lime^ or deal, should be neatly, but 
 
 tightly. 
 
 %f 
 
16 
 
 tightlj, fitted; being first smeared with tar^ or heated 
 coblefs wax. 
 
 The other end of the plug, which should be about one- 
 third the length of the quill beyond its insertion, sJiould 
 taper to about the thickness of a very large knitting- 
 needle. 
 
 The plug should be well whipped at both ends, to pre- 
 vent its splitting or swelling ; and, in the small end, a 
 little brass tail-ring should be inserted. To make this 
 tail-ring, turn a piece of thin brass wire once roared the 
 small end of a goose -quill ; tlien twist the ends regularly 
 together with a pair of small plyers, or with your finger 
 and thumb ; cut away all tliat may exceed about half an 
 inch of twist, and liaving, with a very fine awl, or with 
 a large pin. made a hole up the small end of the plug, 
 insert tlie twisted end of tlie tail-ring, which will screw 
 into the hole, and remain perfectly tight. 
 
 The other, or upper end of the quill, must have a 
 cap, which will be found more firm and durable if 
 whipped round in its middle, about five or six times, 
 with some well-waxed silk. See Fig, 6, Plate I. 
 
 It is not amiss to have a douhle- plug float, when you 
 fish in places where you are very often under the neces- 
 sity of shifting the depth between your float and your 
 hook. These are made the same at loth ends as floats 
 are in general at the bottom ; so tliat you have no quill - 
 loop on the top part, but instead of it, your line runs 
 through a brass ring set in w^ood, whereby only the 
 centre of tlie float is of quill. This answers well when 
 fishing for gudgeons, roach, &e. ; but must be put 
 into the water gently, lest it should change its place. 
 See Fig. 7, Plate I. 
 
17 
 
 Corhfloats are made, by boring a piece of perfectly , 
 sound cork, widi a hot wire, through its middle. The 
 best kind is tliat called velvet- cork, and may be known by 
 its beautiful smoothness, and the absence of those rotten 
 vacancies to which the common kind is subject. 
 
 •Having perforated the cork, smeai* the inside, while 
 hot, with tar 3 then pass it down a well-finished double' 
 quill float, until the joint of the plug within, tlie quill x^ 
 hidden : about an inch of the quill should remain un- 
 covered at the upper end. 
 
 After the tar has cooled, and fixed the cork to the 
 quill, witli a veiy sharp penknife, having rather a long 
 blade, pare away the lower two-thirds of the cork to a co- 
 nical form, so as to taper down nicely to the plug. Then 
 pare away the superior third part of the cork up towards 
 the quill, so as to be conical the other way. 
 
 When you have made the surface of the cork very 
 smooth, and rounded off the e^ge^ made by the junction 
 of the two cones, put the float into a bucket of water, 
 first hanging a small weight to the tail-ring', and if it 
 does not swim quite upright, trim away fi'om the under 
 part of the l^ighest side until you find it answer well^ 
 After it is dry, varnish it over with a litdo kighly-drying 
 linseed' oil, or with a litde turpentine varnish, either of 
 which can be had at the oil warehouses in any quantity. 
 
 If you wish to p^nt your float, which is preferable if 
 the cork be faulty, it is easily done, by mixing a little 
 colour with either the oil ox the varnish. Hang the float, 
 when finished, by the tail-ring to dry in a current of air, 
 but not in the sunshine. See Fig. 8, Plate I. 
 
 Observe, that a cork- float will be more or less buoyant, 
 la proportion to th$ thickness of the cork at the junction 
 
 Of 
 
18 
 
 of the c^e$ \ that is to say, at its greatest diameter. Jt 
 is proper to iiave them of various powers, so as to ans\^^er to 
 every occasion. 
 
 J have found excellent service from the use of a lamb's 
 bladder a» a float, especially ^^•here 1 had the wind in 
 my back, and ^yished to keep my bait far out in the water. 
 It is usually a good deal agitated by tlie breeze, arid plays 
 the bait to advantage j but can only be used where the 
 waters are clear from weeds, &c. 
 
 In the use of live baits, the bladder is of the greatest 
 utility; and even with a dead bait, especially a pater • 
 noster^ is far superior to a cork-float. 
 
 The inconvenience of carrying a Lirge jack-float is well 
 known to all anglers ; whereas, the bladder may be emp- 
 tied at pleasure, and can even be stowed away in a pocket- 
 book. 
 
 I have frequently, when the wind has been strong, let 
 out nearly my whole reel-line, and tlius sent my bait 
 into places I could not have reached by any other means. 
 
 Several gentlemen, eminent in the sporting world, have 
 used the bladder to great advantage, especially on large 
 lakes in which jacks abounded. The bait being fastened 
 to a proper length of line, and suspended to a large ox- 
 bladder, is set ott' from the windward side of the water; 
 whence, if no concealed impediment should obstruct its 
 progress, in due time it reaches tlie opposite shore. 
 
 Sometimes, however, different currents of air, or casu- 
 ally variable puffs, will retard its progress, and keep it 
 nearly centrical. 
 
 In this state it offers the bait to the largest fishes, 
 some of which usually attack it in its way, and, by 
 tugging sharply, soon hook Uiemselves : itis amusing to 
 
 sea 
 
19 
 
 see the efforts of the fish thus caught 5 the bladder is 
 pulled under, and appears at intervals often at remote 
 parts, but gradually shews its powers over the self- 
 exhausting fish, and ultimately riding triumphant j the 
 ,fish being unable to draw it under water, and often 
 coming to the surface so completely exliausted, as to be 
 lifted out without the power to escape. 
 
 Some call this kind of float, ihe fox- hound -j otliers, the 
 flying'Jloat : the former is, I believe, the most general 
 designation 3 but the latter is certainly the most applicable. 
 
 Of Split Shot, a?id other Weights. 
 
 The usual sizes of shot for fixing on lines are, from 
 swafi'Shot down to No. 4 of the patent mode of register- 
 ing. They should be split about tliree-fifths tlirough with 
 a chisel, which makes them gape sufficiently to admit 
 any line of ordinary tiiickness. When the line is put into 
 the slit, pinch tlie lips of it together with a pair of plyers, 
 if at hand, as you can then see what you do 3 other\vise, 
 press them between your teeth. 
 
 It is proper that tlie line should pass, as nearly as may 
 be practicable, down the middle- of each shot, and that the 
 slits be w^ell closed j else they will rip the w^ater, and 
 hitch the line, as well as weeds, ^c. 
 
 The depdi of still \^'ater may be easily ascertained by 
 yoiu" line, if one or two good sized shot are on it, with- 
 out any other weight. As your shot are generally about 
 nine inches from the bait 3 if you shift yQ\xc float until it 
 just reclines a little, you then may be sure that the shot 
 touch tlie bottom 3 consequently, the intermediate space 
 between them and the broadest part of your float, is tlie 
 measure of tlie water at tlie spot where you sounded it. 
 
 It 
 
a) 
 
 It is very necessary to correct an eiTor which, to my 
 surprise, has crept into most books of instruction. They 
 generally state, tliat "when your float stands upright, 
 you are off the bottom." Now tliis is by no means the 
 case j for your Jloat may just have water enough under 
 it to keep the lowest shot touching tiie ground, while it 
 may be kept erect by tlie others above it. 
 
 While in tliis state, your bait, together with all the line 
 between it and the shot, ky on tlie ground! Hence 
 it is ob^-ious, tliat, after having found the deptli at which 
 your Jloat beguis to recline, it is necessary to draw it down 
 your line, just as far as tliere is distance between the upper- 
 most shot and the bottom of your hook. 
 
 By this means your bait will just tail upon tlie 
 ground, and be peculiarly acceptable to many fishes, 
 especially roach and gudgeons, and eventually to bar- 
 lei, &c. 
 
 Strong currents often require very powerful weights to 
 sound with. Many use round balls, perforated through 
 their centres ; but they do not pack well, are apt to roll 
 at the bottom, and, in many instances, ^e not sufficiently 
 ponderous to give a true perpendicular. 
 
 The ordinary plumb, sold in the turned cases, which |g 
 only a roll of tliin sheet-lead, is not amiss in weak cur- 
 rents, and applies aptly to the line, which it envelopes in 
 a sufficient degree ; but in some parts of rivers, where tlie 
 waters run impetuously under banks, and in bends where 
 there are deep holes formed by tlie rapidity of the 
 stream, they are inadequate to the purpose. Besides, in 
 my opinion, an angler should endeavour to divest him- 
 self of every thing superfluous, and, if possible, to make 
 one thing do two offices. 
 
 Accord* 
 
SI 
 
 Accordingly, I always carry with me what in many 
 places is called a cffin. This is a piece of lead weighing 
 about two ounces, cast in -the form of a coffin, and bored 
 through lengthwise. Through tliis I pass a strong piece 
 of well waxed twine, so as to form a loop; which, being 
 carried twice round the bend of my hook, hangs per- 
 fectly secure, and enables me to sound in any .water 
 
 Now tiie reader will observe; tliat this kind of lead is 
 peculiarly suitable to fishing on the ground for barbel, 
 &c. as will be shewn under that head. In the absence 
 of a coffin lead, J have occasionally found my clearing* 
 ring an excellent substitute. 
 
 Of Jijcing Hooks to Lines, 
 
 Success in fishing, as has already been observed, dej^ends 
 greatly on tlie manner of preparing the necessary tackle 5 
 above all, it is most requisite, that the hook should be 
 j>o attached to the line, as to keep within tlie smallest 
 compass, in regard to tlie whipping or fastening tliat may 
 be practicable, with due regard to firmness. I do not 
 know any point relating to angling wherein greater neat- 
 ness is needful, than in the mode of fixing the hook to 
 the line. 
 
 The silk with which the whipping is to be made, 
 should be of the first quality, and for small tackle should 
 be equally fine. Black is often used, but very i^ipro- 
 perly, it being for the most part rotten : the very dye 
 with which the colour is produced will, of itself, destroy 
 the tenacity of silk. Indigo-blue silk is perhaps as good 
 as any; nor are the deep brow^i, the deep yellow, nor 
 the dark green, objectionable. 
 
 I 5hall^ by way of saving >troiible, and repetition of 
 
 words. 
 
ss 
 
 words, always suppose the hook to be fixed to, or as it 
 is termed, mounted upon, gut j regarding the choice of 
 which I have before made mention. 
 
 Obser\-e, that every thread of gut is rather thinner at 
 one end than at the other 5 and, that such thin end should 
 always be appropriated to being attached to tlie hook : by 
 this means the line is made a little taper, especially if 
 the finer threads of gut be selected for this purpose ; and, 
 that tliose which are thicker be made, according to their 
 degrees of fineness, to form the second, tiiird, and fourtli 
 links. Beyond that number it is seldom needfid to have 
 tlie line composed of gut, at least for lottom -fishing, if 
 the gut runs to 16 or 18 inches in length. 
 
 The different lengths or links of gut are to be tied, as 
 already directed in treating of horses'-hair lines, witli 
 water 'knots, and the end of the knots are to be tied 
 do'wn in the manner tlierein detailed. This is of great 
 importance, on account of the thickness of the gut, 
 which cuts tlie water very much, especially as it is on a 
 part of the line so much under tlie fish's notice. 
 
 The first tiling to be done is, to whip the gut four or 
 five times round, at that part which will come into con- 
 tact witli die butt of tlie hook, by which, but for this 
 precaution, the gut would soon be cut through. Bring 
 the part of tlie gut thus guarded against the inside of the 
 but<t so that one or two laps of the whipping may remain 
 clear above the hook : take two more turns with your 
 silk, drawing it very tight, and taking care to keep the 
 gut on the inside 5 for in whipping, it is apt, unless held 
 firmly in its place, to pass round to the side, or perhaps 
 to the very back of tlie hook. 
 
 Now, take about half an inch of stiff hog' s-lristle and 
 
 lay 
 
23 
 
 lay it at tlie back of your hook, leaving about the fourth 
 part out, pointing upwards, and a trifle higlier tlian the 
 top of tlie butt. 
 
 This done, proceed to whip on both tlie gitt and the 
 Iris tic ', tlie former within, the otlier at the back of the 
 hook, for about six or seven rounds more of tlie silk, and 
 then make a half- hitch knot, by which your work will be 
 kept iirmly in its place, while with your knife you pare 
 the Iris tie and the gut botli tliinner. towards their lower 
 points ; so that as you tvhip on towards the bend, they 
 may lay flatter, and render the wliipping less heavy in 
 appe^arance as you proceed. 
 
 When you come within about three rounds of the 
 quantity of whipping requisite to conceal the due quantity 
 of giitf which ought never to reach more tlian half 
 way down tlie shank of the hook, or, at least, not lower 
 than opposite to the point, make a change in your pro- 
 ceeding, by finishing with tlie hidden or inverted hnot, 
 hereafter explained -, taking especial care to draw the se- 
 veral rounds firmly into tlieir places, by compressing them 
 altogether between your finger and tliumb, turning the 
 hook at the same time w ith your other hand in the direc- 
 tion of your whipping, so that all is brought smootli and 
 close : next, draw your silk very tight, and cut it away 
 by means of your sharp pen- knife and quill, or on tlie 
 front edge of your thumb-nail. 
 
 If these directions are implicitly obeyed, the fastening 
 will be firm and neat: a little tar, lightly and evenly 
 applied over the whipping, and left to dry, is of great 
 use, as it effectually keeps the fibres of the silk down, 
 prevents corrosion^ and causes the worm to slide on much 
 
 easier 
 
S4 
 
 easier than it would do if all tlie whipping were left 
 bare. 
 
 it is necessary to point out, tliat tlie liogs-lristle is put 
 on solely for the purpose of supporting tile worm, when 
 it has l;een drawn above tlie shank of the hookj down 
 which it woulci be apt to recede but for this precaution. 
 
 For very Iirge, heavy, loh tuorm tackle, sometimes two 
 Iris ties are necessary y in which case, one should be a 
 little above the otlier, and the upper one may be whipped 
 down to the gut, at about a quarter of an inch above 
 the butt of the hook ; not higher, as it would occasion 
 tlie worm to ride too high, so tliat the fish would be apt 
 to bite above the bend. 
 
 The taper manner in which die lower part of die 
 whipping is done, tends gready to facilitate the threading 
 of the worm up to die top of the shank ; for by this 
 means, die orifice in die worm*s head is gradually dis- 
 tended, so that less force is required to pass it over the 
 Iristle, I sometimes grease the whipping. 
 
 When, from want of attention to this precaution, the 
 ■whipping terrainates abrupdy, forming a kind of step at 
 the bottom, it is very c^fficult to thread the worm be- 
 yond it 3 and, at all events, subjects it to be much disfi- 
 gured, which renders the fish very shy. 
 
 Of Baiting a Hook with Worms, 
 The bait should always bear a certain proportion, in its 
 Mze, to the hook on w^hich it is to be affixed ; and, indeed, 
 we for the most part find, that fishes with small mouths 
 prefer baits of a more delicate description, than die 
 more bulky and the more voracious. 
 
 The 
 
25 
 
 The roach, tlie dace, tlie gudgeon, and various others, 
 all delight in small, well-scoured, bright-coloured worms \ 
 while the 5a /mo«, the ^row?, thej«c^, the perch, the eel. 
 See, are better enticed by a large bait, they not being so 
 remarkable for daintiness as the lesser classes. 
 
 The carp is peculiarly fond of a small clean bait ; and, 
 tiiough it grows to a good size, as does the chub, yet is 
 more easily caught with a moderate -si zed blood-worm, 
 tlian with one of a larger size, or of another kind. 
 
 Perhaps the barbel may be an excepfion to this obser- 
 vation J for it has by no means a large mouth, yet is it ex- 
 tremely greedy of a large bait, which it delights to suck at. 
 
 It is not very easy to fix a rule which should govern 
 in all instances ; but it may be tolerably correct to state, 
 that (witli the exception of those large worms called 
 lobs, of which mention will be made when treating of 
 baits) the worm should rarely exceed one length and a 
 half of the whole measurement of the hook, going round 
 •with die curv^e, or bend, from butt to point. 
 
 Very thin wiry worms do not answer well, as they 
 shew the hook, and do not allow fishes -^to take tlie bait 
 into their mouths, so as to compress tlieir tee^i, nor even 
 4heir lips, without feeling the metal. 
 
 Short, fat, elastic worms, which at times can stretck 
 otit to a great length, and which wridie much, are by far 
 tlie best. 
 
 Where fishes do not bite freely, or where, as is often 
 the case with carp, tench, and roach, they take hold only 
 of the pendant part of tlie worm, and seem to try how far 
 they may proceed in safety, it is best to have only one 
 worm, which should be little mcarc thaii long enough to 
 -cover the hook. 
 
 c la 
 
In such cases, too, the hook should be carcfull}- pitt in 
 as near as possible at the mouth of tlie worm, so as to afford 
 210 means for making experiments, as fiiih are often apt to 
 do when shy, or daint}^, by pulling at any little hanging 
 point tliey can get at. 
 
 I have sometimes seen fishes amusing themselves, in 
 picking at the head and tail of my bait ; causing my float 
 to be incessantly in motion, though not one would take 
 the bait fakly into its mouth ! 
 
 I'his shews with \^'hat care a hook must be baited ; for 
 if any part of it can be seen, or felt, especially die point, 
 no fish will approach it. 
 
 I have frequendy remarked tlie effects of doubt and of 
 apprehension, in lishes of various descriptions, when any 
 part of niy hook has been bare. They have come to it in 
 a balancing manner, and either shy'd off, or retreated tail 
 foremost, or they have appeared to be smelling to the 
 •bait, but throwing up bubbles of air to the surface. 
 
 lliis may be a thousand times witnessed in clear wa- 
 ters, where all their motions are perceptible : I have in 
 general found it to be a very bad omen. Fishes rarely 
 discharge air in tliis manner, except \^'hen in fear, or in ' 
 difficulty, or when in the humour not to bite. 
 
 Ifthewormis properly threaded on the hook, so as 
 completely to envelope it, and to have die tail about an 
 inch pendant, lapping over into the bend, few hungry fish 
 will reject it. In this mode of putting on the bait, less 
 opportunity is given for tugging at any part, w hile it is 
 giicady in favour of hooking any fish diat may bite 
 fairly. 
 
 As a single worm is the more certain bait, so is a double 
 bait^ consiisting of two worms^ more alluring, especially 
 
 to - 
 
4:0 all tlie ravenous tribe j therefore, for such it is parti* 
 •ciilarly eligible. It is applied thus : 
 
 Put the hook into tlie nioutli of tlie largest of two 
 worms, and tliread it for about a third its lengtli j then bring 
 out the pointof tire hook, and slide the w^rm up, so as 
 to be kept above tlie bend, and with its tail hanging down 
 in a line with tlie shank. 
 
 Then thread .tlie smaller w^orm, which should be parti- 
 cularly clear and high-coloured, until its head comes up 
 the shank a little above tlie tmn of tlie i>end, ^and is overr- 
 •iapped by the tail of tlie first worm, so^iat no part of tlie 
 hook can be seen : he sure to bring the second worm 
 M'ell on, and before you throw in (which should always 
 be done as gently as possible, letting your line down 
 -quietly into the water up to. the float), turn its tail in, so 
 as to hang down betw^een the point and the shank, as be- 
 fore directed, when speaking of a single bait. See Fig. g, 
 Plate I. 
 
 It is highly improper to let tlie iail project outwards 
 from the point of tlie hook j both because it is liable, by 
 its own weight, and by die motion inseparable from such 
 a position, to work the point through its upper side ; and 
 because it ofiers tlie opportunity, which iish in general are 
 cunning enough not to let slip, of ripping the bait away, 
 «o as to bare tlie hook down to tlie bottom of tlie bend. 
 
 Until I -found this to be frequently die case, I used to 
 
 protmde the tail in this objectionable manner, diinkingit 
 
 would teiTipt die fishes to bite; it certainly did so, hxit 
 
 die few I caught were, nine in ten, hooked in the eye, 
 
 . or i^i some exterior. part, and were tiie result of chai.ce, 
 
 - not of skill ! 
 
 When v^orms are too small for the hook, ihey ^iwnk 
 - c 2 up 
 
up to notliing in appearance, and do not lure tlie fishes 
 to bite J on the other hand, when tliey are too large, so 
 much of them hangs down, that it is a chance if the fishes 
 ever bite above the point of die hook 3 widiout which, wc 
 cannot reasonably expect the bait to be so far in tlieir 
 mouths as to ensure tlieir being struck, 
 
 A very little practice, under the foregoing directions, 
 will suffice to give tlie young angler a competent idea of 
 the due proportions, and render the practice of die pre- 
 cautions offered to his adoption perfectly habitual. 
 
 He may dien venture to promise his friends a dish of 
 
 fish ! provided he takes a suitable day, and proceeds to a 
 
 good water. 
 
 Of the Reel 
 
 The reel is a most important aid to the angler, enabling 
 him to suit the length of his line to the circumstances of 
 die moment, whedier arising from die depdi or breadth 
 of die waters, and to controul the exertions of powerfiil 
 fishes, by its serving out such an increase of range as 
 tends to burthen them, while the angler commands a 
 greater scope of elastic power. 
 
 This is deducible from raadiematical principles, which 
 prove, that the more remote the power is from diat on 
 which it acts, so does its force decrease in proportion as 
 the distance is augmented. 
 
 Hence, admitting that the tackle be iinn, and diat the 
 man holding the rod be, in the first instance, stronger . 
 than die fish which is hooked^?; die latter must be disad- 
 ,vantageously situated, wlieit Obliged to move a great ex- 
 tent of elastic line, fastened to an elastic rod, and those 
 governed by one capable of giving to bodi the utmost 
 effect : for, by relaxing a litde during the moments of 
 
 exerted 
 
^ 29 
 
 exerted strength on the part of the fish, he renders its 
 efforts of little avail, and, in the end, is sure to weary it 
 into a state of complete exhaustion ! 
 
 But the line on the reel is not to be used indiscrimi- 
 nately 5 for there may be a great variety of situations, 
 such, for instance, as dipping for jacks with a dead bait, 
 in narrow waters, overhung with bushes, and replete with 
 strong spreading weeds, where the reel is more used for 
 the purpose of short eJiing than for lengthening tlie line. 
 
 If, indeed, a person sitting in a boat not at anchor, in 
 the midst of an extensive water, clear to the bottom, were 
 to hook a fish requiring some management, he might, 
 without much hazard, give out the ivhole line from his 
 reel (though even then it would be prudent to reser\ c a 
 few turns, in case of a sudden spring or jerk) 5 for there 
 would be no risk of getting entangled, or of having the 
 line cut, by means of friction against boughs, or other 
 incumbrances. 
 
 But, under the ordinary circumstances of locality, 
 whereby we consider the angler as situated on the bank of 
 a stream, and obliged to cq^^ f/2 among bushes, rushes, 
 weeds^ and dead wood, both above and in tlie water, tlie 
 management of a short line is assuredly less difficult tiian 
 tliat of one longer tlian the rod. 
 
 From tlie former, unless tlie fish be so powerful as to 
 negative all the skill of the angler, success will generally 
 reward his efforts. Whereas, when a fish is allowed to 
 run among docks, hay -weeds, piles, stakes, vessels attached 
 to wharfs (or even at liberty), and to entangle the line among 
 pendant boughs, or concealed sunken branches, his being 
 brought to land may, ninety- nine times in tlie hundred, be 
 more fj^rly attributed to chance tlian to good management ! 
 c a Some 
 
30 
 
 Some reels have sliding siops, which, if it were pos- 
 sible always to keep m their proper places, would be less 
 exceptionable : such, ho^vever, rs seldom the case 3 and> 
 for my own part, I have always fountl it less inconvenient 
 to have a reel without any stop, than to recur to that sup- 
 posed convenience on every occasion. Wlien I had reels" 
 with stops, I lost many iislies that couM not have got away 
 otherwise. 
 
 The multiplying reel is of particular advantage in some 
 situations 3 for when, as often occurs, a large fish, that 
 has ran out a great length of line, suddenly darts towards 
 the angler, or towards some point teeming witli embar- 
 rassments, it is an object to shorten tlie line vrkth all pos- 
 sible celerit}', so as to keep the fish under controul. 
 
 A slack line, exclusive of its subjecting the hook to re- 
 linquish its hold, like a slack rein in riding, rarely fails to 
 produce inconvenience j nay, it is well known to all ex- 
 perienced anglers, that nothing is more dangerous than 
 lo give up that afes<^.hite comnwnd, which causes a due 
 exertion on the part of tlie lisi), and urges htm to those 
 strnggics which terminate in his complete submission. 
 
 On ordinary occasions, a common reel is adequate to 
 every intention : it should be of a middling size, and should 
 carry about 30 or 35 yards of line, capable of suspending 
 a weight of 12 or 14 pounds. When we exceed such a 
 size of reel, and such a tliickncss of line, we begin to feel their 
 weight, which then becomes more tiresome tlian useful. 
 
 The reel should be put on so as to be under the rod, 
 with the winch, or handle, on tlie right side, as it pre- 
 sents itself fairly to tlie hand in that position. 
 
 All who carry the reel above the rod, have to bear up in 
 perpetual opposition to the eflect of its weight, it acting as a 
 
 lever i 
 
31 
 
 htet \ for if a rod, having a reel on it, be left to balanee 
 itself, it will invariably, and with some quickness, be 
 carried round, so that the reel gets underneatli. Hence it 
 is obviously the easiest, as it is in many respects the most 
 convenient mode, to fasten the reel on below the rod. 
 
 The multiplying reel possesses eminent superiority iir 
 respect to the quickness with which it ser\^es out, or take;? 
 m, your reel-line. Of tliese there are two sorts, viz. one 
 with tlie crank, or winch, hi the centre of tlie box ; the 
 ctlier with it removed from the centre. The former ia 
 best, both because the multiplying powers may be consi- 
 derably increased by a double action, and because die 
 handle is much less susceptible of injury 3 besides, it is far 
 more commodioudy situated, 
 
 Eeels which fix on with springs and screws, made to 
 slide on the rod, and to grasp it firmly at any part where- 
 they may be required to become stationary, are very con- 
 venient, they being so easily affixed or removed. But 
 they are apt to scratch the butt, and should therefore be 
 lined. I have found it best to wold tlie flat ring all round 
 with half-twisted worsted ; which, being soft, both saves- 
 tlie butt from being defaced, and, by its great elasticity,, 
 easrly fits to any part. Your ring may tiius be made to 
 answer to almost any rod. 
 
 In many places, those who fish for sedmon, and other 
 large fishes, for want of a reel, nail a piece of stick, about 
 five inches long, across the rod, at about a foot above 
 where the lower hand grips it. On this they wind the line, 
 forming a figure of 8. It should, however, be understood-, 
 that such persons use verj^ strong tackle, and rarely think 
 of giving more line than happens to be out when the fish 
 takes the fcj, Ilie extra lengtli of line thus v/ound, 15 
 c 4 more 
 
39 
 
 more for the purpose of accommodating the lengQi of the 
 line to the extent of the water. See Fig. 9, Piute VI. 
 
 Some drive in two tenterhooks, pointing outwards, at 
 about a foot -distance, on the butt of the rod^ this answers 
 very well for jack-Jishing j as the angler can, by thi^ 
 simple contrivance, always give line enough for the fish 
 to run with the bait to liis haunt. For the same reason, 
 it answers well enough in dipp'mg j but where fine tackle 
 is used near tlie hook, it requires some expertness to clear 
 the line off from the tenters fast enough to prevent danger^ 
 See Fig, 8, Plate VI. 
 
 The flat wheel, used in some parts of France, appears 
 to have many advantages ; but, from its size, is obviousl)? 
 inconvenient, when considered as part of a portable ap- 
 paratus. It is merely a wheel of turned wood, neatly cut 
 out in the middle, so as to render it as light as circum- 
 stances may admit (some are made of wicker-work on that 
 account), fixed by a fine pivot to the butt. The wheel is 
 deeply grooved around its circumference, like a pulley, 
 for the reception, of fciie line. Two tenters, .pointing 
 towards each other, are driven into die butt, just be- 
 yond tlie edges of the wheel, to keep it fiat in its place. 
 
 The wheel may be of any moderate size, but rarely 
 exceeds six inches in diameter, and is turned by means of 
 a neat peg screwed into the wheel, at about two-tliirds 
 distance from the pivot to the edge. 
 
 It is obvious, tliat a wheel of six inclies diameter will, 
 at one turn, give or take in a foot and an half of line, 
 which is more than any of our brass reels, even when 
 the barrel is nearly full, can do in three turns. 
 
 The reel should be opposite to that face, or side, of ih^ 
 rtd^ which is furnished with rujgs from the reel up to ih^ 
 
 tip. 
 
S3 
 
 tip. These are intended to direct the'L'ne tlirongli the 
 ring at the summit, so as to make it keep close to the rod 
 all the way (\^^hereby it is not allowed to hang about in a 
 loose manner), and to give to every part s due bend. 
 
 I'he rings should be rather numerous than scanty, espe- 
 cially on the thinner parts ,' for, the closer tlie line is kept, 
 tlie greater are the angles it makes between any two con- 
 tiguous rings, and consequently, the more equable is die 
 bend tliroughout every part of the arch described by a 
 rod when in a state of exertion. 
 
 When the rings are too disfcmt, they frequently tear 
 out, or the rod snaps in the too long interval between 
 them, which is thuij obliged to bear more tlian its due 
 proportion of the stress. 
 
 The following scale will, perhaps, be found as good as 
 any that can be devised. Place your first ring at twQ 
 inches and a lialf from that on tlie tip of the rod. Now 
 the inches on most i*ulers being divided into eight equal 
 parts, in the above distance there will be twenty equal 
 spaces, each equal to the eightli of an inch. 
 
 Let every succeeding space be increased by the addition 
 of one-fiftli of the measure of its preceding interval. 
 
 Thus, tlie uppermost intei-val being twcnty-erghrh3> 
 one-fifth of that added to itself, will give twenty-four 
 eighths {i. <?. tliree inches) for the second interval. 
 
 I'hen, for tlie tliird interval, take twenty- four eighths, 
 and its fiftii, which is nearly five-eighths, and its measure- 
 ment will be about twenty- nine eightlis, or something; 
 more than three inches and a half. 
 
 The fourth inten^al will be twenty -nine, added to its- 
 fifth, say six-eighths, which gi^ e a total of three inches 
 gnd tliree-eightiiSa 
 
 ' e 5 This: 
 
This scale \\\\\ be about equal to tlie due resistance irk 
 every part of the rod. ObseiTe, that the lowest joint, or 
 btttt, of your rod, supposing it to consist of four parts^ 
 each about three feet and an half long (which is an ex- 
 cellent lengtli), will require only one ring. If it be placed 
 very close to your reel, you may carry your line through 
 it from the under part of tlie reel j but in general it is best; 
 as your Ihie winds over the barrel of tJie reel, to carry 
 it over the bar that is on tiie side nearest to the first ring ; 
 •whereby it will run more freely, there being less friction. 
 
 The rings should all be moreable, so as to lay flat \^-heii 
 not in use, except that at the tip, which should be fbrmed 
 of a substantial piece of bra3s--uire, carried twice round*, 
 and then lashed firmly down, one end of tlie wire going 
 down each side of tlie whalebone top for about an inch 
 and an half: tlie parts of the wire under the whipping 
 should be previously flattened, either by a hammer, or by 
 a file, so as to lay close and neat. 
 
 ' Observe, - that if tlie wire were doubled only once upon 
 any round form, such as a quill, or small pencil, it would 
 be nothing more than a staple y whereas, by carrj^ing itr 
 twice, it forms a perfect circle, and on every side pre*« 
 sents an even surface : a matter of great importance, on 
 account of the various directions the line is subject to take 
 after passing through tlie ring. 
 
 The unfitness of all barrel- reels for packing, and tlie 
 total impossibility of including" one in a pocket-book, 
 caused me to turn my mind to considering, how far some 
 expedient might be hit upon, answering in a more com- 
 pendious manner, without losing sight of tlie main object* 
 
 The fixture of a cross stick on tlie butt, or of tenter^ 
 hooks into it, though obviously simple, were inadmis*- 
 
 grjbje. 
 
B5 
 
 sTble on several accounts. However,, the principle of the 
 former gave me the hint, and led to my first invention 
 fFig. 10, Plate 1,), which consists merely of a flat plate 
 of brass, cut into tlie form there described. 
 
 The line winds round the centre part between the four 
 points a, b, c, d, where the plate may be less than a 
 quarter of an inch in tliickness ; but it grows gradually 
 tliicker as it approaches the ring, which may be half an incb 
 ip breadth : the circle should be equal to the part of tlie 
 rod you would apply it to, making allowance for the wold- 
 iiig, which is put on the rhig to prevent its chafing the rod. 
 
 The lengtli (i. c breadthwise) of such a reel,, may be 
 three inches and an half at the broadest part, and about 
 an inch and three quarters from the upper edge of die 
 ring to tlie top. 
 
 The increase of tliickness towards the riiig will not be 
 objectionable, when we consider that the line will give the 
 other, or flatter part of the reel, at least anequal.diameter. 
 
 I have since improved upon tiiis reel, by causing it to 
 move on a pivot rising from the ring,, which is thus inde- 
 pendent of the w'/«r/ ; the pivot, or spindle, goes through 
 the bottom^ and top of tlie frame, and is i^rs^ettedj at eaclfc 
 upper corner of the whirl is a stud, cased: with a move- 
 able cylinder moving round tlie stud, V/iiich ser>'es as a 
 handle, or v/inch, wherewith to turn the whirl, uheit 
 winding up. See Fig. 11, Plate h 
 
 It is worthy of remark rn tliis place, tliat the quantity 
 of line given or received by a harr el-reel y is very unequal;, 
 When tlie barrel is nearly fiill, it is at. its greatest power; 
 ©f augmentation or of diminution;, but as it gradually 
 empties, it keeps losing in proportion, till it scarcely 
 winds, or supplies any eificient quantity of line. 
 
 c (5, ^is. 
 
S6 
 
 This defect is by no means so considerable in ^flat-reel^ 
 which cannot, in any one turn, eitlier receive or furnish 
 less than doul le the length of its own widtli, tliough it cer- 
 tainly augments in power as the line accumulates upon it. 
 
 The multiplier without doubt remedies the inconveni- 
 ence alluded to, so far j^s relates to bringing in a large? 
 portion of line 5 but the defect in the principle renjains 
 the same 5 it btkig obvious, that a revolution round tlie 
 bare axis, cannot draw in near so much as a revolution^ 
 round tlie barrel, when nearly filled with line. 
 
 This evil' is incurable in any barrel-reel, but may be 
 palliated, by making such a reel as may be capable of 
 winding the line up much faster than the multiplying- reel 
 BOW in use 5 which, kowever, does some tiling, because 
 it gives nearly three turns of tjie barrel for one of the 
 ■winch, the tooth- wheel turned by tlie latter having 
 twenty- eight teeth, whereas the barrel- wli eel which it 
 acts upon, has but ten. See Fig. I, Plate II. 
 
 The space allowed for tlie machinery in the case, at ths 
 end of a multiplying-reel, is capable of being put to better 
 purpose 3 but even if rather more than the space ordinarily 
 given were requisite, it would not be of any moment. 
 
 Nor is tliere any reasonable objection, in my mindy 
 against the force that may be reqtiisite to turn more com« 
 phcated machinery 5 for tlie pov^'er of a man over such a 
 trifling resistance as would thus be created, is by no 
 means worthy of calculation, especially when, as in my 
 plan, the winch is brought into the middle, so as to 
 aUow the erank greater depth, 
 
 Tjle 2d Fig, in Plate II. exhibits my improvement oa 
 ttie multiplier, by which the barrel is turned a trifle morj^ 
 
 THAN KINB TIMES, BT OKA TURN OF THE WINCH I The 
 
 leading 
 
37 
 
 leading wheel A, lias h\'enty-eight teeth, and the sma?^ 
 counter- wheel B, has but nine •, consequently, tlie latter 
 v/Hl be carried round tliree times by one turn of A, which 
 is fixed to the winch : the extra, or twenty- eightli tooth, 
 on the leading wheel, is added merely to prevent the 
 teeth of the two wheels from always falling into the same 
 places in their revolutions, which would in time create 3 
 false movement, as is kno\\'Ti to all mill-wrights. 
 
 Now, the counter- wheel B, is fixed on tiie same square 
 arbor with C, anotlier wheel with twent)^- eight teeth > 
 which, being carried round with C, turns the small 
 wheel D, having only nine teeth, making it revolve three 
 times for every turn taken by C. 
 
 The wheel D is fixed on the square end of tlie barrel, 
 and consequently winds th« line j which, as the wiieels 
 A and D move tlie same way, must wind in the same 
 direction as the winch moves, i, e, with the sun wlieo 
 taking in, and against it when running off. 
 
 The wheel A being fixed to tlie winch, is supported 
 exteriorly by the end- plate 5 but, at the other side, is kept 
 in its proper situation by means of a gudgeon, moving ia 
 a round socket made in tlie centre of the little \\ heel D, 
 or, rather, in the centre of the barrel axis. 
 
 As both A and D move the same way, tliere is less 
 friction within the socket above described, than would be 
 the case were they to turn oppositely. This reduces the 
 friction from ten to eight, i. e. one-fiftli. For the sake 
 of strength, though the large wheels may be of brass, the 
 small ones should be of steel. 
 
 With regard to tlie ratchet and spring used in tlie 
 ordinary multiplier, it will be unnecessary in my com' 
 pound multiplier) because the work will steady itself 
 
 suifici- 
 
38 
 
 sufficiently to prevent tlie winch from flying round 
 without controul. 
 
 I trust, that all who are in any degree conversant with 
 mathematics, or who understand tlie ordinary maehineiy 
 of clock-work (of which tliis is a branch), will at once 
 decide on the superiority of my invention, both on ac- 
 count of its increased action, and the motion being 
 brought from the side into tlie centre. 
 
 Of the Rod, and Reel' Line, 
 
 Although we see ver}' large fishes taken frequently, by 
 means of such wands as do not tlireaten much destruction 
 among tlie inhabitants of the water, yet, next to the line, 
 the rod is an object of particular consideration. It is tmly 
 surprising to see many, who rate tliemselves among tlie first 
 ©rder of anglers, neglect the due appropriation of this 
 part of their apparatus, not only to their lines, but to the 
 jnode of fishhig, and to tlie extent of the stream, &c. 
 
 Thus we sometimes see a Jly-l'uie tlirown from a stiff 
 rod, perliaps a ponderous machine of l6 or 1,7 feet in 
 Jengtli, adequate to the strongest salmon, when probably 
 nothing but a few dace, or gudgeons, are to be found I 
 Yet the line att^hed to such a rod, is often found to ter- 
 minate in a single hair, which is a matter of gi'eat pride 
 among a certain class of anglers ! 
 
 The distinction between a bottom-iod and a j^^-rod'is, 
 i^minally, known to all ; but many use them \ery indis- 
 criminately. Each, however, is appHcable only to tlial 
 Hiode of angling from which it derives its designation. 
 
 The bottom-rod' never can cast a fly-line v/ell^ that }:5>- 
 to any intended spot witli ease, and with such lightness^ 
 that even the angler himself, who }vno^vs- his exact inten-f 
 
 tion« 
 
S9 
 
 tion in point of locality, can scarcely perceive his fly alight 
 upon the surface. 
 
 On the other hand, the^^^r-rod is so extremely elastic 
 (being formed so, that, when lashed like a carman's whip, 
 the tip will nearly swing round to the butt), that it caa 
 scarcely drop a line into tlie water steadily, and cannot 
 possibly strike smart and true, as a good bottom-rod doey. 
 
 I have heard much of making rods by tlie aid of com- 
 mon country carpenters, and have had several so manu^ 
 fictured ; but, thougli I certainly did once possess 2l jfly^ 
 rod exquisitely true, and, indeed, all that could be wished 
 for, yet it was one of about seven or eight so obtained" 3 
 all the residue were very, very bad ! 
 
 My rods were neitlier one thing nor the other, and had 
 a fair claim to tlie ludicrous title of " Captain- lieutenant,"* 
 given by butchers to calves when they are too old for veal; 
 and too young for beef t 
 
 None of the rods m qiiestion cost me less tlian five 
 shillings in money to the carpenter, for his wood and his 
 trouble. Then I had to purchase and to apply the rings, 
 with their staples ; to weld, and to varnish, and to pay for 
 brass sockets^ the spud, ferrols, screws, &e. &:c. before 
 my rod was complete ; so tliat on the whole, not one rod 
 cost me less than ten or eleven shillings. 
 
 Now, as I could purchase an excellent fly-rod for six- 
 teen, with brass sockets (wiiich never sweJl so as to be 
 difficult to separate, nor wear so as to become loose), I 
 liad not much reason to boast of my management in em-» 
 ploying a village artist, 
 
 A Lot torn-rod ahoxild be about fourteen feet in lengthy 
 divided into four equal pieces, joined by brass ferrols, and 
 with brass jsockets^ as above stated^ 
 
 Thl3 
 
This lengtli will not debar the rod's being kid along tlie 
 back of a coach-seat. But there are otlier rods made more 
 compact, being in j( ints, each about two feet in lengtli^ 
 thus forming a tliick shoit bundle, which on occasion prove* 
 extremely convenient, especially for packing in a box. 
 
 The ordinaiy top of a botfom-rod should be moderately 
 supple, and strong enough to bear a weight of nearly 
 three pounds appended to the hook. But there should be, 
 besides, a spare top, of about two- thirds the length of that 
 described, which being intended for trolling for trout, 
 jacks, &:c. must be firm, and not veiy pliant 3 it should 
 bear a weight of four pounds. 
 
 In dipping and troltingy you will occasionally find the 
 wire loop at the Jtop of your rod rather weak : m.any use- 
 a metal ferril, M'hich*, being made very light, fits on to a 
 «pare top-joint, very short and stiff 3 it is ri vetted on, so as^ 
 to remain firm. On its tip, a small metal plate is set on 
 at right angles, playing round tlie tip as on a pivot, or, if 
 you please, fixed hai'd down. This plate projects to the 
 side about half an inch, and is perforated to the size of a 
 small pea, serving as a fixed ring, and being very substantiaL 
 
 The 3d Fig. in Plate 11. will give a full idea of tliis 
 kind of tip. I used one for several years, and found it 
 ansv^ er every purpose ; besides that, it cut and chafed my 
 line far kss than die wire tip. On the other hand, it is 
 rather more likely to get a turn of the hne round it, there- 
 fore requires some additional caution in its use. 
 
 Such a rod will sel4om fail to strike true, and to bear 
 any fish that may be hooked, provided it be kept straight, 
 and that the rest of the tackle be appropriately strong. 
 
 It is necessary to point out in this place, that a rod 
 should always be put into the canvas bag after use,, 
 
41 
 
 and be laid horizontally on tliree hooks, nails, &c. or on 
 a shelf, or be hung up. 
 
 Notliing hurts a rod more than leaving the joints all 
 separate and loose, or setting tliem up in a comer. Their 
 own weight will cause tliem to swag, and so change 
 them, that when the rod is put together, it will be crooked 
 in every joint : such will never strike true ! 
 
 Some rods are kept together, when laid by, witli three 
 or four leather bands. When this is done, care should be 
 taken, before the bands are slipped on from the small end, 
 to turn all the line-rings inwards, else they will obstruct 
 the bands, and perhaps be themselves torn away. 
 
 A Jiy-xod is intended solely for throwing out a fine 
 line, \^ith one or more artificial flies at its end 5 while the 
 ^'o//o?n-rod is exclusively appropriated to fishing with a 
 float, or fox trolling, roving, &:c. of which proper notice 
 wiU be taken hereafter. 
 
 The peculiar delicacy required to throw out a line, so 
 that the flies, if tliere be more than one upon it, should 
 fall into the water without appearing to disturb its surface, 
 and which can only be acquired by patient practice, 
 evinces how accurately every part of the rod used for this 
 purpose ought to be tapered, so tliat no one of its joints, 
 or parts, should, by its disproportionate strength or weak- 
 ness, affect the action of the whole, and cause it either 
 to throw with too much violence, or so feebly as to de- 
 mand additional exertion, whereby precision and deli- 
 cacy are generally over- ruled ! 
 
 Fly -rods are much smaller, in all respects, ih:m ground^ 
 rods. As tliey are used with one hand, lightness is of the 
 utmost importance. With regard to the manner of 
 tiirowing the line, it is bejst to reserve tliat for its proper 
 
 place^ 
 
i2 
 
 place, viz.iinder the head of ^3/-;^5Ai//^5 a copious sub-^ 
 ject, if detailed in tliat ample manner some authors are 
 partial to, but ^v}lich I shall endeavour to bring into as 
 small a compass as due explanation may admit. 
 
 The lowest joint of a rod should be sufficiently heavy 
 to forma comfortable balance in tlie hand, when held at the 
 usual length from the T3utt. For this it is not \tvy easy 
 to establish any particular rule 5 but tliere is the less occa- 
 sion for so doing, when we consider that each person has, 
 for the most part, recourse to nearly the same position, and 
 that a very trifling remove of the hand will establish the 
 equipoise : or, as hereafter shewn, the butt may be leaded. 
 
 The common practice of hollowing out the inside of the 
 lowest jomt, is not admissible in light brittle wood ; though 
 in the heavier kinds it may be allowed^ for the convenience 
 of carrying a very short, stiff top, applicable to jack- fishing, 
 &c. where tlie waters are foul, or the fish run very large, 
 in either of which cases, an ordinary top might be endan- 
 gered. 
 
 This spare top is kept in by a brass screw, with a large 
 projecting head^ which should always be put in when the 
 spud is not in use. 
 
 The joints of a rod should he marked in some manner,, 
 either by dots bored into the wood, or by notches filed 
 in the ferrils, serving to shew when the whole are in a 
 proper direction 3 so that the rings through which the 
 reel-line passes may always be straight, without which 
 precaution, the line could not run freely^ and would^ 
 besides, be subjected to much friction. 
 
 The spud at the bottom of the rod is, in the absence of 
 more proper implements, a very passable make-shifi for 
 digging up worms, &c. \ but it should not be roughly 
 
 used^ 
 
*3 
 
 wsed, else the angler will lose the convenience it affords 
 of fixing his rod in banks, &c. so as to ease his hand^ or 
 to allow his attending to other tackle. 
 
 The KEEL-LINE ought to be very strong, yet not so 
 thick as to encumber the reel, or to be chimsy and heavy, 
 after passing the tip, when, if not very compact, it will 
 be subject to much agitation from the wind 5 and, if wet, 
 will prove extremely unpleasant, more especially when, 
 in ily-fishing, much of it should be let off from the reel. 
 
 Silk certainly makes a good line, that is, when twilled, 
 as in bobbins. Raiv silk is also remarkably strong, and, 
 in my opinion, more so than when -divested, by di"essing, 
 of its natural harshness, which being occasioned by a 
 resinous coat on every fibre of the material, seems to 
 render it less penetrable to the water, whereby it is 
 probable the line is better preserved. 
 
 The pleasantest line to throw, especially to any dis- 
 tance, is that made of hair, it being extremely light, and 
 far more elastic than silk. It is not, however, quite so 
 strong, even when new, and is much more liable to perish. 
 U wound wet, without the precaution of leaving it to dry 
 in the air, in a very few days it will get a kind of mildew, 
 which is a sure indication of approaching rottenness. 
 
 It is far better to leave your line out, even during a 
 heavy shower of rain, than to wind it while wet upon 
 your reel -, it will soon dry in the air, or in any mode- 
 rately warm place : but be careful never to put a hair line 
 to dry near a fire ; for though it may not be scorched, it 
 ^vili dry unequally, and cause some of the hairs to con- 
 tract, whereby tlie stress will be unequally borne, and, 
 consequently, the strength diminished : further, a snarled 
 line never runs well through tlie rings on the rod. 
 
 I haiv<3 
 
44 
 
 I have always made a rule of fixing my rod upright, 
 without the house, and of allowing as much line to hang 
 from my rod as would fioat in the wind, or that could 
 be freely exposed to the air, without the danger of being 
 entangled by persons walking about, &:c. 
 
 Whatever may be tiie material that composes the line, 
 it should be woven, and taper, so as to be light in action, 
 and of due strength. The smaller its diameter may be, 
 the more pleasant it m ill prove, both to carry and to 
 use : a smaller reel will be required, and the whole ap- 
 paratus will be more compact. 
 
 The line should be fastened to the reel, by passing it 
 tlirough the hole in the axle, and making a drawing loop 
 with the end, over that part which has not passed through 
 the hole. This will sit quite close, and cannot be forced 
 by any exertion on the part of the fish, when the whole 
 line may be run out. A knot might slip through the 
 hole, or give way at its neck. 
 
 Of the Endless, Hidden ^ or Finishing Knot, 
 
 The hiddcfi knot, which is so necessary to be known 
 to all anglers, is very easy to make, and is the only one 
 fit for the finishing of whippings, woldings, Sec. It is 
 done thus : when you come within about three or four 
 laps of your whippings termination, turn back the point 
 of your silk over what laps you have made, holding it 
 down witli your thumb 3 pass the silk round as you was 
 going on with it before 5 taking care, however, always 
 to keep the loop, or Fmht (made by the ends being turned 
 back), perfectly free from twists. When you have gone 
 round as far as you intended, pull the end that was 
 turned back, aiid it will draw all the loops, or slack part 
 
 ©f 
 
45 
 
 ©f the silk, under the several laps made since it was turned 
 back, and become a very secure finishing. 
 
 But where you whip in the middle of any long stick, 
 &c. so that your loop cannot be kept clear, by passing 
 round its end, as tlie foregoing directions suppose to be 
 practicable, you may, instead of passing the end back, 
 lay a large needle, or a bodkin suitable to the thickness of 
 your silk, &c. close to the rod, &c. and lap it in, not very 
 tightly, for three or four turns. When your whipping 
 has reached as far as you intended, pass the silk through 
 the eye of the needle, and draw it under the laps which 
 you had made over the needle 5 you must, however, 
 afterwards draw every lap close in its turn^ before you 
 pull the end tight. See Fig. 5, Plate V. 
 
 Of ike Landing- Net, and of landing Fish. 
 
 This, in many situations, is next to indispensable > 
 Bincc it must often happen, that large fishes are caught 
 by means of such slender tackle, as could not possibly be 
 trusted to lift them out of the water. 
 
 But, even if the line \veYe tolerably strong, it would 
 be highly improper to put it to any great strain on such 
 an occasion ; for though the line itself might not snap 
 short, nor die rod be injured, yet the hook might pos- 
 sibly draw off, and thus liberate the fish 3 add to tliis^ 
 tliat tile hold might give way. 
 
 The whole of these inconveniences are obviated, by 
 means of a moderate-sized net, fixed to a metal, or a 
 whalebone frame, and furnished with a pole about five 
 feet long, so as to enable the angler, while he keeps the 
 fish in play with the rod in his right hand, to slip the 
 frame obliquely under the fish's head^ crossing the 
 
 track 
 
4fi 
 
 track in which he is tlien guided on die surface of tKc 
 water. 
 
 The fore part of the fish being tlius entered, the net 
 is briskly drawn forward, so as to receive the whole, or 
 as much as it can contain, of the fish's length ; when 
 tlie frame being dexterously turned up to an horizontal 
 position, and being at the same time lifted clear out of 
 the water, the prize may be landed in security, witho\it 
 incurring the smallest risk to any part of the tackle. 
 
 Observe, that when once a largQ fish, far beyond 
 what can be contained in the net, is so far received into 
 it as to overweigh the part which is left out, no appre- 
 hension need be entertained of its escape 3 for the pre- 
 ponderancy of the head and shoulders, added to the check 
 occasioned by the pliancy of the net, will completely 
 prevent any effectual spring. 
 
 Above all things, whether a fish be landed with or 
 witliout a net, be careful never to touch your line j let 
 it always be free, and never entangled in any thing, either 
 in or out of the water, that can possibly be avoided. 
 When you have not a net, and that the bank may be so 
 steep, as to prevent your reaching him in a proper man- 
 ner witli your hand, many methods may be adopted, 
 
 I have sometimes got a boy to aid me with his hat^ but tli|s 
 best mode I ever practised w^as, that of passing a wire snare 
 (such as is used iox jock, and large eels, and which is de- 
 scribed in treating of the former) over my line, and lower- 
 ing it diown until I could get it over the iish's head 3 when, 
 drawing the cord tight, I have thus lifted fish of eight 
 and ten pounds weight safely to the top of the bank, froi?i 
 places where no landing-net could have been used. 
 
 Landing-nets sho}jX^ ntxti screw on to the end of .a 
 
 pole. 
 
at 
 
 pole, for such arc always getting out of order : tlie more 
 they are used, tlie more will tlie screw become loose, 
 and be tlie source of much inconvenience 3 and if tlic 
 frame be not often taken ofl^ the water will rust the 
 screws and fix them. I always use eitlier a fixed frame, 
 or any occasional pole I can pick, and to which it is 
 lashed by means of the ends being left like parallel straps 
 for that purpose j or I use a neat little net and frame, 
 made with a hinge in the middle, and fixing, by means 
 of springs, into a plug about six inches long, in tlie same 
 manner as bits are fitted into whimbles. 
 
 The plug is brass mounted, and is made taper, so as 
 to fit for about four inches into the top of my rod-butt. 
 Hence, when a fish is completely exhausted, I slip off 
 my lower joint, and fixing in the plug, am provided 
 with a capital landing-net. 
 
 When the borders of the water admit of large fish 
 being landed without the help of a net, it is proper to 
 exhaust the fish so completely, as to occasion his laying 
 on his side, and to allow you to draw him gently towards 
 the shore , where, taking advantage of some gradually 
 shelving part, if possible clear of weeds, or some little 
 inlet not deep enough to float him, you may slide him 
 along until you find he cannot flap about with his tail^ 
 in such manner as to strike at your line, which many 
 kinds of fish will do, in a very forcible and artful manner. 
 Keep your rod rather tight in your right hand, and witli 
 your left finger and thumb, either take hold of the fish 
 at the eyes very firmly, or, if not too large to grasp, you 
 may take him up, by a firm gripe, close behind the gills. 
 I have occasionally taken very large fish out, by watch- 
 ing for their opening tlieir gills^ when^ quickly inserting 
 
 my 
 
IS 
 
 my fore finger, they were perfectly secured. Tli6se 
 who angle for salmon, and other such large fish, fre- 
 quently use what is called 
 
 The Gaff, 
 
 which is a piece of good pole, properly ash or yew, 
 about five feet long, at one end of which is a ferrol with 
 a female screw, to receive the male screw of a strong, 
 well-tempered, steel hook, as represented in Fig^ 4, 
 ?laU 11. 
 
 The fish, being brought under command, is dra\^Ti 
 within reach of the pole, when the hook being passed 
 tinder its belly, having the point of the bend uppermost, 
 with a smart pull the hook penetrates on the fish's oppo- 
 site side, and may tlius be lifted out of the water. Some 
 gaff-hooks are made plain, like the hooks in common use 
 among butchers, and which are fixed up for the purpose 
 of hanging meat : others are made with barbs, and are 
 much like shark-hooks, 'with a screw at the butt, as 
 above described. 
 
 Gaffs are, however, dangerous, and I have heard of 
 ^accidents occasioned by them. I formerly used one, but 
 did not find it answer so well as a net j unless with \cry 
 Izrgc jacks, and such like, when, no doubt, they are 
 more certain and effectual than a landing-neU 
 
 The Clearing 'Ring, 
 
 This is made of brass, or occasionally of iron, and is 
 used when your line is foul among weeds, &c. for the 
 purpose of pulling up the impediment, if possible 3 or, 
 when that cannot be done, of breaking your line as near 
 to the hook as you can eflfect. The clearing-ring is no- 
 thing 
 
49 
 
 tiling more than a strong hoop, having an eye on one 
 side to fasten a cord, by which Uie whole stress is borne, 
 Tlie side opposite to the eye should be considerably the 
 heaviest, to make it keep as low down as the im- 
 pediment may admit. The cord ought to be very hard, 
 well-made windaw-line, of the smallest sizej but may 
 be of whip-cord, if your apparatus be required to laycom- 
 pact. About live or six yards will prove a sufficient length, 
 ' When your hook is entangled, slip the ring over the 
 butt of your rod, and let it go down your line, so as, if 
 possible, to hitch u[X)n wliatever the hook is fast to ; 
 then draw tight tlie cord, and if you cannot lift the in- 
 cumbrance out, pull till you can tear away the part tliat 
 detained your hook. As before obser\ed, when this is im- 
 practicable, your attention must be devoted to saving all 
 you can of your line, compounding for tlie Joss of your 
 hook. 
 
 In managing this, however, some little skill is need- 
 ful. Your line should, if possible, be kept at least at right 
 angles with llie direction of the cord, so as to give tlic 
 advantage of keeping tlie clearing-ring down close to the 
 * impediment 3 and if the line can be so directed as to give 
 an obtuse angle (see Fig. 7, Plate IL), it will afford a 
 greater certainty of success. 
 
 Observing that very often my hook got into such a 
 situation as rendered a denring-riiig, such as is generally 
 made, of no use ; or, at least, that I was, nine times in 
 ten, compelled to resign my hook, where it could have 
 been saved by a proper instrument, particularly in cases 
 where fishes had run among weeds, kc. and torn the 
 hook through their lips, I had several rings made, and 
 found that one, according tq Fig, 5, Plate II. \^'as, for 
 D suck 
 
50 
 
 such purposes, the best ; it rarely failed to extricate mt* 
 from difficulty. The only objection to it is, that it ought 
 to be at least four inches diameter witliin the circle, and 
 that llie claws should be of such a length as to be effec- 
 tual aids. Hence this kind of clearing-ring (I call it 
 a ring'grapfph'J is rather cumbrous ; but fio blearing-ring 
 should be so small as not to pass over your reel. 
 
 There is, however, another important aid on such 
 occasions, and especially where the hook ib entangled 
 among boughs within a short distance, though not ac- 
 cessible to tlie hand, which every angler should possess^ 
 
 viz. 
 
 A Butt-Hooli. 
 
 Every complete rod, fron-^ the hands of a regular 
 maker, has at its butt a brass ferrol, in which is a round- 
 headed screw that, when removed, is substituted by a 
 spud of about six inches long, intended to fix the rod 
 to the ground, in such direction as the angler may tind 
 convenient. 
 
 Besides this, there ought to be a lutl-hook of the 
 form laid down in Fig. 6, Plate II. 3 its lenglli need not 
 be more than four inches, exclusive of the screw^j but it 
 should be kept very sharp, both at its end, which is of 
 a chisel form, and in the bend of the hook. 
 
 We sometimes are entangled by branches that can- 
 not be cut away by the hook, which, on account of the 
 weakness, or of the direction, of the impediment, slips 
 off. When this happens, the chisel end should be ap- 
 plied underneath, so as to cat from the hand, and 
 thus liberate tlie hook and tlie whole twig together. The 
 experienced angler will readily understand the situations 
 to V. hich the chisel and hook are severally applicable. 
 
 While 
 
51 
 
 While tills instrument is affixed, the butt joint must 
 be taken off, and be used separately, the line being kept 
 as tight as the situation may demand by the residue of 
 the rod. It is also a good plan, to have one of the same 
 form attached to a taper plug, made to fit into both the 
 first and the second joints of your rod. This is more 
 manageable 5 but, unless well fixed, there is some dan- 
 ger of tlie plug being drawn forth^ and eventually lost, 
 when the houk is used. 
 
 The Dlsgorger, 
 
 This is an extremely useful implement for liberating 
 the hook, when jour bait has been swallowed by a fish. 
 Jacks, perch, 2nd eels, and sometimes trouts, when 
 hungr}', are veiy apt to get you into this difficulty. 
 
 It is ti'UC;, that by means of a good stout knife, well 
 sharpened, you may cut down tlirough the junction of 
 the jaw bones, and tiius i^y open the whole ; but such 
 z\\ operation is not in itself vc-i^^ delicate, and creates, 
 besides, so much filth, as spoils every thing with which 
 it comes in contact. 
 
 Disgorgers are of various shapes > tiic most simple, 
 howe\-er, is that made on rather a long flat stem of 
 steel, not imlike the shape of the liandle of a spoon, and 
 having at the end, which is pointed, and ought to be 
 very sharp, an angle, made also very sharp, both within 
 and without 3 so that when die instrument is pushed 
 past the place where your }KX)k is fast, it may, in drawing 
 iip again, divide that part, and consequently allow your 
 hook liberty to come forth, witliout straining your line, 
 which, during this operation, should be kept over to the 
 opposite side of the fish's mouth. 
 
 D 2 A sketch 
 
52 
 
 A sketch of this di^gorger, which need not be more 
 than six inches in length, and ought to have a smaH 
 sheath, or scabbard, to prevent accidents, is given in 
 Fig. 1/ Plate III. 
 
 The MmnotV'Net. 
 
 This is made with a very fine mesh, such as a min- 
 now c^innot escape through, and is stretched by means 
 of an iron wire, about the thickness of a large goose- 
 quili, to either a square or circular form, about three feet 
 in diameter. Four cords, of equal length, are attached 
 to the rim at equal distances, and meet at about three 
 feet perpendicular distance over the centre. 
 
 The net is lowered down into the water by means c{ a 
 light tough pole, about six feet longj as the iron rim will 
 gink it to the bottom, so soon as the minnows, &:c. are 
 perceived to be over the net, the pole is raised very 
 quickly, and with it tlie net 3 whereby, if the matter 
 be well managed, and the water not above a foot deep, 
 abundance of small fish, such as ijudgeons, miller ii- 
 thumbs, sticklebacks, minnows, pi/iks, will be easily taken. 
 
 The best may be selected for tlie table 3 and such as 
 are suitable for live or dead baits may be reserved, by 
 putting them into 
 
 The Minnow- Kettle, 
 which is a tin pot, with a lid and swing handle, tlie 
 former pierced with many small holes, to give air to such 
 fish as may be in the water contained in the pot, and 
 which should be frequently changed. 
 
 I have found it best to hav;e a strainer in my minnow^ 
 kettle, much the same as in Jish-boilers } so that without 
 
 putting 
 
53 
 
 putting my hand into the water, I can draw the whole 
 up to the surface, and there select such as may appear 
 best suited to the occasion. 
 
 The strainer ought to have but little space left around 
 it, and should almost fit the interior of tlie kettle, so 
 that no fish may be jammed in the lifting. One handle, 
 made of bent tin, in the middle, is better than two at tlie 
 ends, as it leaves one hand at liberty. 
 
 Of Baits, 
 
 We now come to an important and an extensive 
 subject, requiring the especial notice of the angler, since 
 his sport must greatly depend on the excellence of the 
 lure he holds out to die fishes. It is necessary, for the 
 •ake of perspicuity, to divide this topic into two distinct 
 heads, viz. bottom-baits, and tkolling-baits ^ re- 
 serving ail that relates to fly-fishing for that particuLai- 
 braiKhj which must be treated of separately. 
 
 Bottom-Bait— Includes whatever is used in angling 
 for such fish as either feed at the bottom, or tliat are not 
 to be taken by any but what may be called stiU-angling, 
 in contradistinction to roving, and trolling, both of which 
 require the bait to be kept in perpetual motion. 
 
 The several kinds of bottom-bait are as follow : 
 
 Salmon's Roe. — ^This should be parboiled, so as not 
 entirely to divest the grains of their redness 3 one or two 
 grains being put, as a finish, on the point of the hook, are 
 very enticing to many fishes 5 and, as it attracts them 
 to the desired part, generally, under good management, 
 proves what is called ^^ a very killing bait,'* 
 
 US To 
 
54 
 
 To presence roe foT winter fishing, after parboiling, 
 stt:tp it in 3 strong brine for a day or two 5 then take it 
 ^ut, and shaking orT tlie drippings, lay it thinly among 
 liyers of clean soft wool akernately, and tie down the 
 nnoutii of the jar, or vessel, Vvith a bladder. Keep it in 
 a moderately cool place. 
 
 If you observe it getting rrbouldy, or tainted, scald it in 
 boiling water for a minute, or less, and place it again, as 
 before, in alternate layers with clean wool. Many fishes 
 will take this bait well. When it covers the hook, though 
 they will not touch any otlier kind. 
 
 Paste. — This should be made to imitate salmon*s roe, 
 for which it is sometimes a tolerable substitute, when 
 fishing for roach in paiticular. Knead your flour and 
 water well together, then wash it in a large quantity of 
 water, snch as a pailful, working it well in a mas» with«ii 
 out dividing it, until all the fine parts of the flour aro 
 completely washed away : tliis may be known by its 
 ceasing to whiten the \\'ater. 
 
 \Vhat remarns' will be the pure gluten of the wheat, 
 ?^nd so viscous as to resemble bird-lime. Take a little 
 Vermillion m fine powder, and mb the whole well to- 
 gether on a slab with a muller, if such a convenience be 
 at hand, otherwise with a spatula, or broad flat knife, 
 on a plate, \xi\U\ they be Uio roughly incorporated. Ob- 
 serve, that a very little vermillion, say about the size pf 
 a large marrow- fat pea, will give a proper colour to 
 a tea-cupful of the gluten. 
 
 This paste will not be affected by the water, ?.v^.(^. may 
 be preserved for a considerable time (many weeks), if 
 kept immersed in cold water. If left exposed to tiie 
 
55 
 
 air, it dries rapidly. When taken out for iise^ it sho\ild be 
 put into a wet rag, and may be kept in your ivorm-hag. 
 As to all other pastes made with oils, essences, &c. 
 they are useless ; and the re'cipes for making them are 
 mere catchpennies, inserted in various mean publications 
 to swell the volume, and to give that air of ni}'stery and 
 ©t science, which mislead, and occasion disappointment. 
 
 Greav^es — Are the refuse of the fat used by tallow- 
 chandlers, and consist of the fibrous fleshy parts, inter- 
 mixed witli tiie suet furnished them by the butchers, &c. 
 These, after the melted tallow has been pressed from 
 them, become heavy masses, i>xtensive in proportion to 
 tiie si'4es of the presses used, and about two inches in 
 thickness. 
 
 Greaves are sold for feeding dogs, especially on ship- 
 board^ for which purpose they answer admirably. They 
 acquire a strong rank smell, and considerable hardness, 
 such, indeed, as to require a good stroke of the hatchet 
 to break them up. 
 
 To bring these into use, soak the pieces well in cold 
 water until perfectly pliant, and tliat tlie whiter parts be 
 somewhat bleaclied 5 then take them out, and keep dry 
 for use : if wrapped in green leaves, to keep out fiies, 
 Sec. so much the better} else they w^ill soon get fly- 
 blown. 
 
 This bait is used- chiefly for larlels, eels, and other 
 ground fish, which are very fond of it ; indeed, I have 
 seen great numbers of very fine irauts caught therewith, 
 in holes where barbels abounded, and for which the bait 
 was intended. 
 
 Observe, not to soak more greaves than will answer for 
 D 4 about 
 
56 
 
 about" a week, or ten days^ it being apt -ti^bccomc very 
 offensive after being softened. 
 
 The best mode of putting greaves on is, first to cut h 
 into small pieces, about half an inch square; let them be 
 loosely run upon your hook, in the same manner that 
 papers are slipt on to a wire file, until the whole is com- 
 pletely covered j observTng to put on the worst pieces first, 
 so that they may occupy the shank, while the prime and 
 whitest pieces may be on the point and in the bend. 
 
 This prevents fishes from dragging your hook about, 
 and from nibbling your bait off, and in the end will prove 
 kast troublesome. See Fig. 5,- Plate VI, 
 
 Chickbws' Guts, — Or those of any poultry, vised 
 fresh, are excellent for eels, and sometimes prove accept- 
 able to barleb : jacks may be taken with them, if used 
 as directed when treating of tha fish. 
 
 Cadrates, or Caddies.— These are very fine baits 
 ;or almost every kind of fish. 'Ihe angler must have seen 
 in shallow places, chiefly on stony or sHmy bottoms, 
 sliort pieces of stick, or of straw, &:c. which, if observed 
 attentively, will all appear to be animated. Generally, 
 tliey consist of a short piece of straw, coated over with a 
 trown crust, and fixed to a small piece of twig. Witliin 
 the tube of straw is a maggot, of a dun colour, with a 
 dark head, which it protrudes from under its little dwel- 
 ling, and, by means of four short stiff legs, fixed close 
 under its neck, is enabled to crawl about the bottom, 
 carrying, hke the snail, its house on its back. 
 
 Where the water is too deep to reach the caddies with 
 th« hand, recourse should be had to a tin basting-ladle, 
 
 wliich 
 
57 
 
 ^'hich will scoop them out admirably, allowing the water 
 to strain through the holes in its half cover. 
 
 In some places, caddies are prodigiously numerous, 
 often covering the bottoms of the shallows, either in 
 pools, or at the edges of greater waters, and clinging to 
 growing or dead rushes, reeds, twigs, &c. 
 
 Although they may be used quite fresh, it is not, how- 
 ever, advisable to employ them until they may have 
 been kept about ten days, or even a fortnight, in an old 
 worsted stocking, or in a woollen bag, which should be 
 dipt daily, once or twice, into water. At the expiration 
 of such a period, the generality of the caddies will have 
 quitted their tubes, and liave become tough, having 
 changed also to a rich yellow colour, in whicii state they 
 are a very alluring bait. If kept too long, they all turn 
 to various kinds of water-flies. 
 
 In applying this bait, the point of the hook should 
 enter close under the head of the cadbaie, and be brought 
 out at its other end. When a veiy small hook is used^ 
 one caddu may answer ; but, in general, two will be 
 found best j it being indispensably necessary to cover 
 every part of the hook. In the latter case, the first caddi/ 
 should be carried round, so as to conceal all the shai:ik, 
 while the other fills the bend, and conceals the point. 
 
 Caddies are in season only during the summer months j 
 they make their first appearance in the month of Alay, 
 but by the end of June are in greatest abundance. 
 
 This animal, which is the Eruca nquatlca of naturalist s^, 
 afterwards goes through the regular changes of that tribe, 
 becoming a chrysaliSy and ultimately taking w iiig. I am 
 induced to believe, that the ova require to be deposited 
 during the preceding autunin, as we do not perctive any 
 ^ 5 water- 
 
58 
 
 water-ffies, that is, such as are usually found on the 
 margins of rivers, and on whidi fishes delight to prey, 
 so early as the caddy may be occasionally seen, not only 
 alive, but in full size, and provided with his house. 
 
 I have also reirrarked caddies to- be most numerous 
 where there were fewest fishes. 
 
 The Maggot, or Gentle, or Flesh-worm, or 
 Frll-worm — Is an excellent bait, and answers well at 
 all times of the year, though it is difficult to procure or 
 to breed them, except during tlie warm months. It is 
 worthy of observation, that gentles may be obtained from 
 almost any animal substance, by exposing it to be blown 
 by flies. 
 
 The tallow- cliandlers ase, m many places, greatly an- 
 noyed by them 3 smd at tlie fell-raongcrs they may, in tlie 
 summer time, be obtained in great numbers, and of a 
 lemarkable growth, by searching into tlie joints of the 
 heels, near the butts of the horns^ and in tliose parts 
 where maggots can burrow. 
 
 The best way is, to provide for yourself ^ which muiy 
 be easily done thus : hang a piece of CMt-liver on a hook 
 in a shady place, cut it deeply across and across in various 
 j^ees, on both sides 3 tlien cover it over lightly with 
 small boughs, cabbage -leaves, or any thing that will 
 slielter the flies, while they visit k to feed, and to lay 
 their eggs. 
 
 in a few days, innumerable j'^y-Z'/oi^^ will be seea 
 among the scarifications, when the Uver should be taken 
 down, and laid in an earthen pan, about half filled witlt 
 saad and bran^ in equal quantities, somewhat moistened. 
 As the gentles acquire strength, they will quit the liver, 
 
 and 
 
59 
 
 and bury themselves In the sand, from which they may 
 be taken as occasion requires, when they will have 
 scoured themselves, and be lit to handle. 
 
 The same liver will produce several stocks, or succes- 
 sions of gentles, if properly managed. The largest will 
 proceed from the blue-bottle and gad-flies, which attack 
 livers with great eagerness. I have, from a dead cat^ 
 and indeed from a rat, had such quantities of large gentles, 
 as kept me in stock for full six weeks. 
 
 It will be seen from this, that gentles are very easy 
 to obtain; but tiiey speedily change to the chrysalis 
 fttatCj, if subjected to much heat. I have several times 
 found my gentles, of but two or three days' growth| 
 changed by being only one day exposed to the warmth of 
 the. sun in my basket, to that form ] in which, however, 
 they are by no means an unwelcome bait, but tliey thea 
 are so brittle, as to be used witli gi*eat difficulty. 
 
 When tliis happens, they ought to be placed only on 
 the point of tlie hook, which should enter at one end^ 
 but not pass through tlie other, thus concealing the point. 
 
 l{ the latter part of autumn proves warm, gentles 
 may be raised to a very late date, sometimes up to the 
 middle of October, or even later; but the situation must 
 be favourable. 
 
 They do not readily cliange from the eru/:a or mag- 
 got state, after that time, until tlie genial warm tli of spring 
 carries them on 5 and, if supplied with a sufficiently 
 temperate situation, in a box of good mould, they will 
 remain serviceable all the winter. 
 
 This kind of bait will be found very enticing, if two, 
 or even three, be put upon a small-sized hook.. For this 
 purpose the wire ought to be tliin^ as a thick hook is apt 
 
60 
 
 to burst, or to tear them. In fly-fishing, the gentle, as 
 also the cadbate, are particularly useful^ as will be shewa 
 in due time. 
 
 • The Wasp-maggot— Is another choice bait, at which 
 many fish are extremely eager. To prevent them from 
 coming too fast forward, keep the 7vasp-comb in a very 
 cold place 3 or hang it down a well, near to the water's 
 surfoce, whereby the maggots will make a very slow pro- 
 cess. 
 
 I have found smoking them with sulphur to be a good 
 method, when the broo^l could not be kept down : in 
 that way they are easily destroyed, and keep in good pre- 
 servation. You may also bake them a little^ in a half- 
 cooled oven. 
 
 The Me4l-worm— Is found in the crevices of flour- 
 nulls, where it is generally seen in abundance among the 
 meal-dust laying in the windows, and other places, if 
 tiot kept perfectly clean. Often among meal that has 
 lain long undisturbed, they accumulate rapidly. As they 
 often exceed an inch in length, oiie is a sufficient bait 
 for a small hook. 
 
 If a second meal-worm is put on, it should be so ma- 
 'Haged as to leave a little surplus beyond the point of tlie 
 hook, over which it will stand nearly erect, its coat being 
 rather husky and stiff -, or you may make one ride a little 
 onOhe back of the other. 
 
 Grues— Are a kmd of ^rt, tough, thick maggot, 
 commonly found among the roots of cabbages, potatoes, 
 &c. They are of various colours > some being dun,^ 
 
 ethers 
 
61 
 
 others cream, others grey, brown, or pale green. They 
 nre all good baits^ and may be preserved in a pot, with a 
 little fine mould, in which some half-dried cow-dung, of 
 horse- dung, may be mixed. 
 
 Caterpillars — Of all kinds are excellent ; but they 
 are extremely tender, and difficult to preserve on the 
 hook. They may be found on cabbage-plants, lettuces, 
 currant-bushes^ and, indeed, on almost every thing that 
 grows. 
 
 They should be preserved in chip or tin boxes, with 
 small holes pierced in the lid to give them air ; and they 
 should be supplied with abundance of fresh leaves, such 
 as they were found among. ' It is necessary to observe, 
 that the Cock-chafer, is in many places called a ca/er- 
 pillar j it is also known, in some districts, by the desig- 
 nation of the dummadore, or dor. 
 
 This is an admirable bait, for chuls in particular^ as 
 will be seen under that fish's description 3 but their sea- 
 son is very short, rarely extending to more than five 
 weeks in the summer time, during which they may be 
 taken in millions : a few, indeed, may be occasionally 
 found down to the middle of autumn. 
 
 Beetles — Are not applicable to iottom-Jishing any 
 more than the cock-chafer j nor are they eligible where 
 otlier baits can be had> though many large fish, especially 
 treats, have been caught with them. 
 
 The mode of using both these baits will be found 
 under the description of dipping for chubs. I shall now 
 speak of that very common and excellent bait, the 
 Wo.ft|«.— Of this there are various sorts^ each appro- 
 priate^ 
 
63 
 
 priate, eitlier to some particular classes of fish^ or to 
 some mode of angling. 
 
 The Loc, or Dew-worm^ or SauiRREL-TAiL— » 
 Grows to an immense size, often weighing six drachms, 
 or nearly an ounce. It is remarkably thick about the 
 head, witli a long and conical termination forwards, 
 ^vhile the hind part tapers but little, ending somewhat 
 flat ; whence the latter designation. 
 
 Lois are of a deep brownish red, or purple, gradually 
 becoming more transparent towards the tail, which is of 
 a lighter and brighter colour. They are admirable baits 
 for salmon, trouts, large perch, eels, larhd, and others 
 of a gi^eedy or ravenous nature : and where small lishes, 
 or frogs, or mice, cannot be had, are not a bad lure for 
 jacks, when managed as directed in the instructions re- 
 lating tliereto. 
 
 The loh may be seen during the night, laying in damp 
 places, especially after evening showers in summer time -, 
 by means of a lanthorn and candle, one may often pick 
 vip a peck in a very short time. 
 
 Lohs likewise may be obtained by digging in rich 
 mould, under shady places, and in the banks or bottoms 
 of ditches lately containing water. 
 
 With respect to the treatment of lohs, it is much the 
 «ame as that of other worms, namely, to be kept in 
 moist moss, changed every three or four days, and set 
 by in ungiaxed earthen pans, in a cool place, during hot 
 weather. 
 
 That kind of mQss. is best which is found on commons, 
 and v/hich.is crisp^ and oi a greenish white colour. It 
 
 cannot 
 
63 
 
 cannot be too soft and elastic j but should be carefully 
 searched while washing, before it is put to the worms, 
 so that all thorns and rough substances may be removed ; 
 else the worms will not thrive so well. 
 
 Those who can supply a little cream every day, to be 
 mixed in, or thrown upon, the surface of tlie moss-pans, 
 will obtain a decided superiority in the condition of their 
 baits, which will purge from all impurity, and become 
 beautifiilly bright and pellucid. 
 
 The pan should be large, or the lohs will not live : 
 whereas, when they have good room, clean moss, cream, 
 and delicate handling, they will go on from year to 
 year. 
 
 The Brandling — Is, with most fish, the object of 
 choice. These are to be found in various places, more 
 or less, but in greatest abundance among rotten tan, or 
 in heaps of manure composed chiefly of sweepings from 
 cow-houses, and swine's muck. 
 
 Tliey rarely exceed three inches in length, when at 
 rest, and may be readily distinguished by their annular 
 appearance, they being marked in very narrow rings of 
 strong red and yellow, alternately, for their whole 
 length. They, besides, seem to be of a distinct class, 
 as they do not, when pressed, void any earthy substance 5 
 and, when wounded, exude a very strongly scented^ 
 yellowish liquor. i 
 
 Nor does the circumstance of keeping them in moss 
 create any change, except that of rendering them beau- 
 tifully transparent, and, if any thing, more lively. They 
 are an admirable bait, and may be used without any pre- 
 paraUon^ or scouring. ; 
 
 If 
 
61 
 
 If kept in any quantity, they should be in a pan, with 
 a mixture of tanners' rotten bark, and rotten cow- dung. 
 These ought to be changed every fifteen' or twenty days, 
 taking care not to injure tlie worms. 
 
 The pan should not be dug into with any instrument ; 
 but should be emptied by being turned upside down, 
 when the crumbling of tlie contents will allow the worms 
 to be safely picked out. 
 
 The Marsh-worm — So called from its being partial 
 to low, swampy places, is a tolerably good, but a very 
 brittle, bait j however, it generally becomes more tough 
 after a few days' scourhig among the moss, and may 
 then be considered as fit for use j but if not then tough. 
 It may be scalded in milk. It is not so much relished by 
 any hsh, especially carp and perch, as tlie brandling, 
 which, as I have before observed, is peculiarly enticing. 
 
 1 hese worms do not answer well to keep during the 
 winter 3 they become torpid to an extreme, and often rot, 
 without seeming to have made the smallest exertion. 
 Their colour is a dirty, but rather pale, red about die 
 head, changing to a greyish blue towards tlie tail. 
 
 The Common Red-worm — Is a fine bait, when 
 taken from good, dry, loamy soil, as it will then be 
 sufficiently tough 5 but when taken from heavy clayey 
 lands, or from low wet bottoms, is, like the marsh* 
 worm, very brittle, and must be well scoured before it 
 can be used to advantage. 
 
 It is generally from two to five inches in length, and is 
 of a strong red colour throughout : some are more yellow 
 towards their tails, and are in general to be preferred. 
 
 The 
 
65 
 
 The Blood-worm — So called from its bright, san- 
 guinary appearance, does not seem to be of any distinct 
 tflass, but is, in all probability, the yonng of the red" 
 worms, described under the preceding head. These are 
 chiefly found in dunghills, more especially where rather 
 moist, and between the lower part of the dung and tlie 
 surface of the soil. 
 
 Their appearance is veiy tempting, and we accordingly 
 find, that various of the more crafty and delicate fish> 
 such as the carp, wiD take this, when they reject every 
 other kind of bait. As this worm very rarely exceeds 
 two inches in length, and often is much less, the hook 
 ought to be small and delicate. 
 
 With fine tackle, it will not be the fault of the lure if 
 the angler be not successful. Gudgeons, in particular, are 
 extremely fond of the blood-worm, and even perch will 
 sometimes eagerly take it, when they shew indifference 
 to a larger bait. 
 
 We must not deceive ourselves into the opinion, that 
 the worm is so designated on account of any quality or 
 abundance of blood, but merely from its flesh being thus 
 richly coloured : the blood of all worms is white. 
 
 Turn IP-WORMS — Are of a peculiar appearance, hav- 
 ing greenish blue heads, and cream-coloured bodies. 
 They are commonly found under large wide turnips, and 
 under large potatoes, in both of which tl^ey make holes, 
 and occasionally seem to nestle in the cavities occasioned 
 by their own depredations. 
 
 When first exposed to view, they generally curl them- 
 selves up into a ring, in which state tliey wiD often re- 
 main a long time, without making any effort to get 
 
 away. 
 
ea 
 
 away. They are about two inches and an half long, and 
 rarely stretch themselves, out like other worms. 
 
 These are not the best of baits -, but, when put into a 
 pot with moist rotten dung, improve a little, and may 
 answer when more shewy worms are not at hand. 
 
 Tlie Dock- WORM, or Grub — Is found among coarse 
 weeds, and especially about the roots of the aquatic dock, 
 or ivaterjiag • they are hugky, and are to be preserved 
 in moss in a woollen bag, in which they acquire a degree 
 of toughness, and make tolerable baits. 
 
 The Sand-bob — Is found only in moist sandy soils^ 
 These seem to be only a variety of the turnip- u- or m, for 
 they have nearly tlie same appearance, excepting in cO' 
 louTi they being rather redder about the head, and of a 
 yellowish cast towards the tail. 
 
 Some boil them for a minute Or two in milk, to make 
 them tough. They are best in winter, when the water 
 is muddy after a thaw ; but are difficult to keep in good 
 plight. They should be preser\'ed in some of the soil 
 from which they wej^e taken, having some cream, or 
 greasy cold \^'ater, to moisten it before they are put in ) 
 and the surface of tlie pot, which should be kept in a 
 warm> place, ought to be covered with a good piece of 
 grass turf, made to fit w^ell. 
 
 Cow-dung Bobs — ^^Have brownish heads, with fiat 
 clear- coloured tails -, they do not grow to any gteat length, 
 but are tliick and lively, and prove excellent baits after 
 due scouring. They are foKud under crusted cow-dungs^ 
 but UQt after tliey have become completely dry. 
 
 The 
 
67 
 
 The Water- woiM. — ^Ihis is an admirable bait, and 
 is ready for use so soon as taken, being beautifully clear, 
 lively, and of an excellent medium size for most kinds 
 of* fishes. It is of a clear biue*'"li white, or, occasionally, 
 of a very light purple, growing more red about the head. 
 By turning up tlie long slimy moss which grows on 
 weirs, &c. over which the water does not always run, 
 especially w^hen the mill is going, and which is rarely 
 covered more than one or two inches deep of the passing 
 water, this kind of worm may often be found in great 
 numbers. 
 
 The fishes seize it with avidity ; no doubt, from being 
 more habituated to it, by the quantity which, when the 
 rivers are much raised by rains, &c. are washed out of 
 the moss into the falls below, where generally the largest 
 and boldest ^sh are to be found. 
 
 I have often kept them for a while in some of their 
 own moss, constantly wetted; but I had reason to think, 
 such were very inferior to those recently taken from the 
 weir. It is tme they lived, as did such as I preserved in 
 moss from the common j but they w^ere less lively, and I 
 thought, altliough the fish did not refuse them altogether, 
 that they were deterforated by confinement. 
 
 Be particularly careful to lay in a sufficient stock of 
 worms before the frosts set in ; for, although you w^ill be 
 able to find abundance wherewitli to recruit your stock, 
 those taken after the above period will not prove so good 
 as what you had before. The reason is, that, as all sub- 
 stances are rendered brittle by severe cold (a circum- 
 stance from which even the bones in our bodies are not 
 exempt), so does the worm become very liable to snap, 
 and to give way. 
 
 It 
 
18 
 
 It is true, that, by great attention in keeping fern' 
 worms very warm, and well fed, yon will be able, in a 
 certain degree, to overcome such a defect ; but it takes 
 more time and assiduity than is supposed, or than many 
 persons can bestow on that part of their apparatus. 
 
 It is far more difficult to collect a quantity of worms in 
 hot weather, than when the ground is moistened by rain 5 
 but those taken under tlie latter circumstance are more 
 foul, and more difficult to cleanse, than such worms as 
 you dig for to some depth. From this, however, the lob is 
 entitled to some exception ; for it is the cleanliest of all its 
 tribe, and seems to absorb much of its nourishment from 
 the atmosphere -, whereas, the smaller kinds rarely lay 
 out, and expose tliemselves to tlie dew at nights, as the 
 lob constantly does^ whenever the opportunity offers. 
 
 Slugs.— I have, at times, been so put to for a bait, 
 that I was compelled to take any thing that offered. I 
 made a trial of slugs, which I cannot say gave a very 
 favourable result ; though I could not pronounce my ex- 
 periment to have been completely unsuccessful. 
 
 I caught a barbel, of about seven pounds weight, with 
 a zvhite slug ; and I have put slugs on night-lines with, 
 what I may call, symptoms of success, having had seve- 
 ral taken off, though I never could find that any fish 
 had been fairly hooked on such occasions. 
 
 I have rather a good opinion of this bait, which, as 
 well as the preceding, viz. tlie water- worm, has not 
 to my knowledge, been spoken ©f by any respectable 
 author on this subject -, and I recommend to those who 
 find other baits scarce, or who have spare rods and lines* 
 to lay one down occasionally with a white slug for tlie 
 
 baitu 
 
69 
 
 bait, especially for barbels and eels, which seem, by 
 their habits, most likely to reward the angler's deviation 
 witli success. 
 
 Thus much for such baits as may be applied to the 
 common practices of bo t torn -Jis king. 1 shall now pro- 
 ceed to what we may term the more fiohle parts of the 
 amusement, viz. trolling, roving, and dipping, in all 
 which the baits and tackle differ from what have been 
 already described as appertaining to tlie first division of 
 this branch. 
 
 I shall commence with instructing tlie learner in the 
 mode of angling for fishes of prey, such as the salmon, 
 iliQ trout, the jack, mid the perch, witli 
 
 Live Baits, u. 
 
 Under this head we may comprise all those small 
 fishes, of whatever kind, which have a glittering side > 
 or which, from their being usually preyed on by tlic 
 larger classes, are adapted to this purpose. 
 
 Ihus the 'niin?iow, the bull- head, the loach, the pin kf 
 the stickleback, and the gudgeon, are ail excellent as live 
 baits J obsendng, that the stickleback must be divested 
 of his prickles by means of a pair of scissarsj and that 
 the size of the bait ought to correspond with tliat of tlie 
 fi^ intended to be taken therewith. 
 
 The lesser baits are best calculated for perch, or for 
 eels, while the middle sized are proper for irouts, where 
 diey run to a good size, such as four or five pounds; and 
 the gudgeons, or even small dace, roach, chub, kc, not 
 exceeding six or seven inches in length, are appropriate 
 
 to 
 
to those waters where Jac^j reach to a middling gro^\'th ^ 
 say from four to ten pounds weight. 
 
 Live halts may be used witliout floats 5 but it requires 
 great skill and patience in this mode. The ordinary way 
 is, to pass the hook through the lip, or the back fin of 
 tlie bait, and to have such a float, either a cork one, or 
 a bladder, as may sufHce to keep it from going beyond 
 a certain depth, as well as to indicate when a fish has 
 taken it. 
 
 As a large bait is veiy allaring, to ^jack especially, tlie 
 float for this pui*pose should be about eight inches in 
 lengtli, covered almost its whole length witli cork, so as 
 to make up a diameter of about an inch and an half : at 
 about six inches from the bait, there should be one or 
 two shots on your liue, to keep the fish from rising. 
 
 Vox perch y trout, or eels, a good stout piece of gut, or 
 of weed, will answer 3 but for jacks, you must have 
 gimp 3 else they will bite off your hook with the utmost 
 ease. 
 
 The gimp is made of a silk line, on which wire is 
 wound very tight : this resists the bile of the Jack effec- 
 tually, and is surprisingly strong. Unless you fish 
 expressly for jacks, your gimp should be of the 
 smallest size, or the perch will not take your bait so 
 readily. 
 
 It is very rare to find trout s take a live bait well 3 tliey 
 *lo in some wateis, but then you cannot use gimp. For 
 eels, you should have tolerably stout gimp; for they 
 sometimes run very large, often weighing from two to 
 five pounds 5 and, as tliey are extremely powerful in the 
 water, and writhe about the line in many folds, care 
 
 must 
 
must be taken to be prepared against tbeir' ecerttons. 
 'For jacks, your gimp cannot well be too stout. 
 
 Frogs are excellent baits for perck and jacks ; for the 
 former they ought to be vety small. The yellowest are 
 tliQ best, and, next to tlicm, such as are striped, or 
 speckled in a shewy manner. They shoidd be hooked 
 through the back muscle of die hind leg, tying up tlint 
 iimb so as to conceal tlie hook a little ; or you may pass 
 the hook through the skin of tlie back. 
 
 It will require a good weight of shot on your line to 
 keep the fj-og down ; but he should be brought up now 
 and then, for air, or you may keep him chiefly on tlie 
 fiirface. In many places, especially among broad dock- 
 leaves, &c. where tlie jacks lay, with their noses often 
 out of the water, and are ready to seize whatever offers 
 (for in this manner they catch many moor-hens), it is 
 best to let your Jrog be on the surtace. Of tliis, mo5c 
 will be said, as also of the reason for using bladders as 
 tloats, when we come to treat oi jack-fishing. 
 
 When you catch any fif^hes with the intention to pre- 
 serve them for live hails, be careful to handle them as 
 fittle as possible, for they cannot bear it. Put them, a^ 
 soon as possible. Into your minnotu kettle, which should 
 be of an oblong shape, about ten inches long, live deep, 
 and seven broad : it should have a cover, pierced with 
 small holes to admit air, and a hasp to fasten down se- 
 curely. A wire handle should be mad?, so large as to 
 let the top lift up without touching it. 
 
 Your kettle should be fihed with the same water as the 
 fish were in, which should be often changed. Indeed, 
 the best mode is, to immerse your kettle altogedier in 
 gome shallow paf t^ \\ hereby the fish will be kept quite in 
 
 spirits. 
 
72 
 
 spirits, witli little or no trouble. If you uish to keep 
 fish for any time in this manner, that is, during a night, 
 give them good room in a large tub, free from soapy, or 
 other obnoxious matter, and by no means put. any well- 
 water to tliem, as it certainly will kill every fish before 
 the morning. 
 
 To take fish out of the minnow ^liettle, if you have not 
 a strainer, you should use a very small net, aboitt the size 
 of a tea-cup ; but on no account should your hand be 
 put in for this purpose, as it sickens the fish amazingly J 
 
 Be careful to have every tiling in readiness, so that, 
 after your bait-fish is fixed on the hook, no time may be 
 lost in putting your line into the water ; else your bait 
 will be inactive, and not alhire the perch, kc. hnlf so 
 well as one that struggles much, and tlius rouses their 
 attention. 
 
 4 Live lails generally answer best in mid- water, that is 
 to say, they ought to swim half-way to the bottom, 
 whereby they will be deep enough to be seen by the 
 great fish that are on tiie feed. Sometimes your baits 
 must be sUnk lower, especially in very turbulent waters, 
 or in boisterous weather ; for in tlie former they are svib- 
 ject to be occasionally thrown near the surface -, and in 
 the latter, most of tl)e great fishes, of prey especially, get 
 into the deeps among ihe smaller timid fry, which, on 
 such occasions, go dowti for warmth and quiet. 
 
 Live halts are more appropriate to deep than to shallow 
 waters -, for even the more ra^ enous fish do not so much 
 like to seize their prey near the surface 3 though when 
 very hungry, they will take it there, and even dart out of 
 the water at their object, as we often see trouts, &(;, 
 doing while in chace of sjmall iishes. 
 
 The 
 
73 
 
 The angler •w-iirfind, on tlie long run, ttat he. will 
 catch infinitely more fish at a good depth, than he will 
 near the surface ; which is to be accounted for by the 
 disposition to privacy and concealment, natural to all 
 fiAes, especially to those which lurk in hiding places, 
 and dart out suddenly on their imsuspec^ing victims ,- a^ 
 well as to the variety of ambushes and shelters which, 
 the weeds and banks afford in those deep holes that are 
 fornied by falls of water, by eddies, or by the natural 
 tendency of die soil, in many places, to wash away, until 
 a harder surface resists the stream, and forms a secure 
 ledge, or cover, under which fishes can remain unseen. 
 
 Where weeds, or otlier obstructions abound, live 
 laits cannot be conveniently used j as they would, if 
 half as active as they ought to be, infallibly entangle you, 
 afnd even though you should be able to distinguish when 
 you might have a bite, would occasion much risque as 
 to the aafcty of your line, 
 
 Nevertlieless, where weeds are merely superficial, I 
 never hesitate at using live Laits ; that is,, when I use 
 tliem at all ; for I am completely satisfied as to the supe- 
 rior advantages of dead Laits. But live baits afford you 
 tlie convenience of having several rods in use at the same 
 time ; jg)r Uiis kind of angling is not so nicely critical as 
 hottom-Jishuig m general, wherein, on many occasions, 
 tlie least nibble should be watched and acted upon. 
 
 When a iish seizes a live bait, he must ha\ e time to 
 swallow, or, as it is termed, to gorge it ; else you will 
 give him his liberty, by pulling the hook tlirough the lip 
 of your bait, which in all probability he wiU reject,, so 
 soon as he finds any impediment to his free progresi, and 
 thencefortli will be afraid to bite again, 
 
 B la 
 
74 
 
 *In tills, 'however, I speak o£ fronts -, foci* to p^ch 
 ' and jaclsy though tlie angler will find his interest in 
 treating them with delicacy, yet lie must not expect to cx- 
 J)erience much in their attacks. Tlie latter are often so 
 very bold and voracious, as to attack tlie same bait four 
 or five times, in rapid succession j altJiough in so doing, 
 they may each time be pulled almost out of the water^ or 
 be perhaps pricked with the hook repeatedly. 
 
 Allow th^ fish to take your float under water, and to 
 keep it for a little while, until you tJiink he may have 
 gorged your bait, or, at least, have got it completely into 
 liis mouth. Strike moderately smart : under ordinary 
 circumstances, you will have tlie pleasure of landing 
 him. 
 
 You will invariably find, that the best irve baits are 
 such as you take out of ver)- clear strong v^atcrs ; for they 
 are by i..; the most healtliy, vigorous, active, and pecu« 
 liarly irritable ; a quality of tlie utmost consideration, 
 since it causes them, whenever a fish of prey comes in 
 sight, to struggle in such a manner as seldom fails to 
 attract its notice. 
 
 Tlie minno2Vs taken in the scours y or rapid shallows, are 
 of this description j while those taken from a slow weedy 
 water, seem to be quite of a different disposition, and 
 will often remain on the hook perfectly passive, not 
 shewing tlie least disposition to escape. 
 
 Furtlier, as your sport lies chiefly in strong and ex- 
 pansive waters, of which the quality is far superior to 
 that from which the latter description of minnozvs are 
 t^ken, they do not relish tiie change for some time, and, 
 consequently, are not fit to undergo the operation at a 
 moment v/hei* tliey ought to be all life and spiiits. 
 
 It 
 
1r 
 
 It is a curious fact, which I believe has not been no- 
 ticed by any author, Uiat if two stieaiiis derived from the 
 same source, and ultimately coming to tlie same point, 
 be rendered of different velocities by tlie intervention of 
 natural bars, such as banks, rocks, &c. or by artificial ones, 
 especially by mills, of which the action is not constant, 
 many fish, on being removed from one to tlic other,/ will 
 die ! I had often heard persons speaking to this eflect ^ 
 biit did not tliink tliere was so much foundation for ihe 
 assertion, until experience convinced me fully of the 
 fact. 
 
 I have seen a very recent instance, of some jacks being 
 taken from one branch of a stream, and put into another 
 branch of it, forming a very fine water above a grist-mill. 
 They all died ; but this year seventeen ;ac^^ were brought 
 from a similar situation, viz. a good water above a mlli, 
 iirid diey are all alive and thri\ ing ! 
 
 The water fiom which the firat jacks were taken, is 
 lelow a mill, but has nothing in it peculiar, nor is there, 
 in any pait of eiuier of the waters alluded to, tlie smallest 
 demonstrationof peculiarity hi the soil, nor of anything 
 which could be reasonably supposed to atlect them, either 
 arising from the exercise of any trades, or from manu- 
 factures, prejudicial to health. In fict, there are no 
 mills, except grist-mills, nor any thing but meadows 
 and coni'fields, near the streams first described. 
 
 Thus much I have said in support of my hypothesis, 
 that *' baits should always be taken from strong rapid 
 waters, as such \^ill play best." 
 
 rtZ Of 
 
76 
 
 Of Dead Baits. 
 
 By this I mean such baits as are previously killed for 
 the occasion, or that are artificially constructed so as to 
 resemble them. The most common kinds in use are, (he 
 minnow and tlie gudgeon '^ the former for the smaller 
 class of fishes of prey, the latter for the larger and more 
 ravenous. They are applied in various manners, accord- 
 ing to tlie object and to tlie time. Those intended for 
 strong streams, frequented by trouts, Sec. are best small, 
 such as a moderate-sized minnoiv, and should be baited in 
 tlie following manner : 
 
 Choose a hook witli a long shank, say about an inch 
 and an half, or more, in length, made of tliin wire, and 
 of a bend equal to No. 2, or No. 3. These are to be 
 had in all the shops, under tlie name of troUbig-hoolts, 
 being so called from this mode of angling, \vhich is called 
 trolling. 
 
 Fasten your hook to a very choice piece of gut, tlie 
 longer the better, so as not to have any tie near tlie bait. 
 Take a very small hook, about No. 9, or 10, and whip 
 it to a veiy thin, neat loop of gut, just open enough to 
 pass over the knot at the upper end of your foot-length of 
 gut. Select a very fresh minnoir, and, inserting the 
 point of your hook at its mouth, bend the fish so as to 
 follow the cur\e of the hook, until you are able to bring 
 the point out behind the vent -, so that, if the minnow 
 were placed in a swimming position, the point of the hook 
 ■would he beneath it, directed forward. 
 
 Now, as the minnotv would be apt to shrink upon the 
 hook when played, as is required in trolling, you must 
 bring its head up as far as may be practicable, without 
 
 force. 
 
77 
 
 force, on the hook^ or. If tlie minnow he large, even-, 
 tually a little way on the line : then take the small hook, 
 which is called the lip-hook, and closing the mouth of the 
 minnow, pass it through both lips ; through tlie under 
 one first, so that the point may come out at the top, 
 pointing forward over the minnow^ nose. 
 
 Taking care that the minnow is perfectly stretched, you 
 now, with a piece of very line silk of a dull colour, that 
 will not gliire, or shew to the trout, &:c. with two or 
 three laps round the little eye and the butt of the lip-kook, 
 fasten it down very firmly to your line, so as not to allow 
 the lip-kook to recede ; as, in such case, the minnow 
 would bend^ and the Up- hook would be useless : besides, 
 your bait would be deformed, and no fish would approach 
 it. Cut away very close to your knot, and leave nothing 
 that can cause the lro?:t, kc. to suspect the device. Some 
 sew up the mouth of the minnow, which is a very good 
 practice. See Fig. 2, Plate 111. 
 
 You^ line should be remarkably good, but as fine as 
 you can trust to -, and composed of single gut for at least 
 seven or eight feet. At about two feet or a yard from the 
 bait, you should have on your line a very small, neat, 
 steel swivel, looped on to one part, and hooking on the 
 other, by means of the spring-hook at the other end of 
 the swivel for that purpose. See Fig. 3, Plate III. 
 
 This swivel answers two purposes : it prevents your 
 line from being wrenched, by the largest fish, into twists 
 and snarls ; and it causes your bait to play round, or, as 
 it is called, to spin freely in the stream, whereby it imi- 
 tates more closely the action of a live minnow, and pre- 
 vents the hook, &c. from being distinguished. 
 
 TIx bait thus prepared, is called a spi7imng-h£t, on 
 £ 3 account 
 
78 
 
 account of the great rapidity with whic^^ it rc\'olves, when 
 properly played, espociaUy where ^le current is strong. 
 It is very tempting j and when large fish, disposed to feed^ 
 are near, you may depend on success. 
 
 Jf you have the command of your water, and can cany 
 your rod as you please, you should commence by casting 
 your bait from you very gently, so as to alight in tlie 
 stream without splashing more than a minnow would in 
 one of its jumps. Then, draw your rod in such direc- 
 tion, as may cause the bait to cross the stream obliquely 
 towards you. When near you, it should be conducted 
 from you, in ^ similar manner, by an adverse tendency of 
 the rod, carrying the bait now and tlien somewhat 
 higher in the stream, and sometimes lower, so as to give 
 ample range. 
 
 The extent of your compass, in that respect, must be 
 entirely subject to the breadth of the water, and to the 
 depth at the sides ; whence, the length of your line being 
 regulated, you will have fair reason to expect a bite. 
 
 It is proper to remark in this place, that the spinning'^ 
 Tait answers well, both in deep strong water, in which 
 < ase, one or two shots alove your swivel will be pro- 
 per, to keep the Lait down 5 or it will succeed in those 
 very rapid shallows, called scours, which are to be found 
 at the edges of all rivers in various parts, and which some^ 
 times stretch across the beds of rivers like banks, or what, 
 in the sea language, are termed bars, 
 
 A good angler will make his bait spin in still water y 
 but there the fish do not take it readily, because the line> 
 in such cases, cannot be concealed from their view, and 
 the perpetual, I may indeed say the violent, action i( 
 iTiust maintain, scares them. This is not the case in a 
 
 strong 
 
strong current, which spins the bait l>ctter when t!ie line 
 h long, and when the rod is very gradually moved^ merely 
 to direct the bait across the stream. 
 
 With the spinning'l ait you will catch salmon in all its 
 varieties, trouts, perchy imA jacks. Sometimes you will 
 find a ckuh on your hook. This, however, is not the 
 ordinary habit ofthatiish 3 but, when very hungry. It will 
 snap at small fishes, and may, as I once experienced, be 
 thus taken. 
 
 ^ The jrtcJ^- is ratlier to be avoided^ in trolling with llio 
 spinnlng-iait, ouaecoun" of the imminent danger of your 
 line being cut by iiis very sharp teeth. If you should 
 hook one of su<5h a size as to be governable, no tinje 
 should be lost in running him aground On a shelving 
 shore, keeping the line always straight forward out of his 
 mouth, both because he has least power in the fore teeth, 
 and to avoid making an angle, which would be aiding Li.; 
 endeavours to sever your gut in two. 
 
 Observe^ that as all fish, in seizing a spinn'mg-lmtt 
 direct their attacks towards its tail, viewing it as an object 
 of pursuit, you need not be afraid of your troUing-hook 
 being too long, so as to come out rather behind the vent, 
 where it will do most execution. 
 
 Many a very large trout has, however, been taken 
 merely by the lip-hook : on such occasions,, much skill is 
 requisite. Every angler ought to make allowance for the 
 possibility of such an attack, and to avoid all pulls and 
 jerks, such as either might tear out the hook, or, by irri- 
 tating the fish, cause him to make such efforts as would 
 produce his liberation. 
 
 Indeed, it is by keeping the utmost command over your 
 
 own hand, and by avoiding that cliildisii propensity, too 
 
 B 4 prevalent 
 
m 
 
 prevalent in many, of getting an early sight, and of 
 making the fish struggle and leap, that you will complete 
 your purpose. In that quiet, temperate, and forbearing 
 mode which distinguishes the expert angler, much finer 
 tackle may be used 3 whence your basket will be more 
 readily filled, especially with tlie more choice kinds of 
 fish. 
 
 Dead baits are likewise used in dipping for jacks and 
 perch ', in which case, they are put on either snap-hooks, 
 or gorgittg'hooks. The former are either single, double, 
 or triple. 
 
 The single snap-hook is put into tlie mouth of the bait, 
 and Is brought out rather behind the vent, as in trolling, 
 alr.^.ady described 3 or it may be brought out at the side 
 of the bait, which is usually a gudgeon, or a small dace. 
 In this, a lip-hook also is needful, and the snap^hook 
 ought to be leaded, to make the bait play well. Snap^ 
 hooks, and all intended for jack-ashing, ought invariably 
 to be mounted on foot-lengths of gimp j about 20 or 24 
 inches long. 
 
 The lip'hook should be veiy short, such as No. 1 , or 
 2, with half the shank broken off; it should be prepared 
 exactly like that used in trolling, but on gimp histead of 
 ^7/ J it is also for the same purpose. The upper end of 
 the gimp should be looped, and well tied down, so as to 
 fasten to the ring-end of a strong steel swivel, of which 
 the spring-end hitches on to a loop at the end of your reel^ 
 line 3 A\ hereby you may have ample scope to play a large 
 £sh, when the water enables you to do so, or to shorten 
 yc ur line to a yard only, or less, for the convenience of 
 dipping in among weeds, or through foliage, &c. on the ' 
 borders of the water. 
 
 Your 
 
81 
 
 Your reel-line for dipping ought to be as thick as a 
 stout knitting-needle, and all of a thickness -, not taper, 
 as foT ^fly-fishing, &c. 
 
 The double snap-hook is often made in one piece, bent 
 in the middle ; or it is composed of two very strong hooks, 
 as large as No. 1 , but much thicker, fastened togetlier, 
 back to back, with good silk or thread whipping. 
 
 The treble snap-hook is made of the same 5 two being 
 placed back to back, and the third at right angles to 
 them, so that the tliree stems all lay close together, 
 taking care that their butts are even. With both these 
 kinds a lip hook, such as was described for the single 
 snap, should be used, the point being over the hose of 
 the bait. See Fig. 3 and 4, Plate UL 
 
 A Laiting-needle of brass or steel wire, is requisite for 
 passing these doullc and treble snaps in at the vent j the 
 gimp going out at the moutli. The hooks should be 
 put in as far as their spread will allow them ; after which, 
 a small leaden weight, suited to the size and mouth of die 
 bait, and hav'ing a small loop, such as is on the lip- hook, 
 should be passed down the line, and put into tlie mouth 
 of tlie bait, whicii is then to be sewed up. This being 
 done, pass the lip- hook in a proper manner, and tie it 
 down so as to be firm, and to keep the bait duly ex.- 
 tended. 
 
 The baiting-needle should be about six or seven inches 
 long, with a flat spear-shaped point, and at the other end 
 a small hook, wherein the loop of your gimp may hitch) 
 and be drawn through the bait (Fig. 5, Plate III.) It 
 is useful to have also a very small baiting -needle, suited 
 to passing gut or tired through minnows -, especially 
 £ 5 when 
 
•u-hen they are -not very fresh, as In siieh case they will 
 not bear to be bent, nor to be much handled, 
 
 I should, in truth, rather recommend this mode on all 
 occasions, knowing it to preserve the appearance of the 
 bait better than the other way of putting it on tlie hook. 
 This is a nrtatter of no small importance 5 for trouis in par- 
 ticular, however ravenous, if they, on near approach, 
 perceive any blemish, or indications of art, will either 
 turn abruptly, as we find them to do when they discover 
 a fly to be artificial 5 or, if in their hurry, or through 
 fear of approaching competitors, they have mouthed it, 
 many, will spit out tlie bait so quickly, as to render the 
 watchfulness of tlie most expert angler vmavailing ! 
 
 In many places, proper laits are obtained with much 
 difficulty ) it may therefore be requisite to inform the 
 .young angler, that they are best preserv^ed in bran, w*hich 
 keeps them moist and pliant. The bran should be dry, 
 and free firom impurities. If bran be not immediately at 
 hand, fresh soft moss will be found a tolerable substitute. 
 
 On no account allow your baits to be kept among other 
 ^shes, or in any place where they would be heated or 
 pressed 3 for in such case, their intestines would soon 
 break out, and disfigure your bait greatly. Whenever 
 that happens, you itiust sew up tlxe bellies, else your lead 
 will hang out. 
 
 Having said thus much of the snap, it is necessary to 
 describe what relates to dipping ; which, however, is 
 •ften practised with snap-kooks, on account of the im» 
 practicability of giving fish scope of line, in situations 
 where^ either firom weeds, piles, boughs under water. 
 Of a variety of o&er impediments^ it would not be easy 
 
 t0 
 
to get the fishes out. But I now consider every thing to be, 
 iR the angler's fli\ our j tliat he has ample room for playing 
 tlie fish, which may tlierefore be allowed to run at pleasure. 
 
 The gorging'hook (see Fig, 6, Plate III.) is com- 
 monly double, and is well leaded at the junction of tlie 
 two bends ; the weight growing gradually smaller towards 
 the butts of tlie hooks. The laiting-needle, instead of 
 being, as heretofore, passed in at the vent, and brought 
 out at the mouth, is, in this method, put in at the moutli, 
 and brought out close under the tail. ^1 
 
 Tills kind oi hook is to be put into the moutli as far as 
 possible ; so diat one point may be on each side, under 
 the eyes, and pointing backwards towards die tail. The 
 gimp being drawn tight, cut a very small nick in the 
 back of the fish, close to tlie tail, for the admission of a 
 piece of white thread, which should be passed three or , 
 r^ur times round both the bait and tiie gimp, tolerably 
 tight 5 tlien tied securely, and the ends cut away. This 
 is done for the purpose of keeping the bait stretched at 
 fiill length, so as to appear in a natural state j which, 
 would not be tlie case if it were allowed to recede, and, 
 consequently, to bend. 
 
 . 1 never sew up the mouth of a dipping-hait, especially 
 ■vyhen small fish, fit for tliat purpose, are not easily at- 
 tainable. I feel that in this, I am perhaps attracting the 
 censure of tliose who angle by book, and not by brook ; 
 as also of tlie more expert, who probably never tried the 
 difference. It was firom observ ing tliat I saved my baits 
 from much injury, I adopted my present mode. 
 
 The angler must remark, that when a jack is hooked, 
 
 tliat Is, when be has poiicked tiie bait (by which we un-. 
 
 E.G dergtand. 
 
84 
 
 derstand, he has got it down completely into his maw), 
 he exerts himself to eject it, thinking thereby to get clear 
 of the hooks. The latter, however, remain immoveable -, 
 while the bait, by being only, as it were, slipped on to 
 the tackle, is expelled by the jack*s exertions, so as in- 
 variably to appear out of his mouth, when he is landed. 
 
 I have by tliis device frequently taken four and fire 
 jacks with the same dead lait 3 wdiich, if I had sewed 
 up \ts mouth, would, in all probability, have been com- 
 pletely disfigured by the action of the first jack's throat, 
 and by the precious lot of sharp teetli with which that part 
 is lined. 
 
 Deadlalts are employed also for trmmers, and nights 
 lines. The former are double hooks, similar to those 
 used as gorging-hooks ; but being invariably made on the 
 same wire, their centre forms a loop, through which 
 small brass wire is passed repeatedly, say three times, 
 and then wolded round with the same. This being done 
 to the extent of six or seven inches, makes a strong re- 
 sistance to the pull of any fish, and efiectually precludes 
 all danger of biting off the hook. 
 
 These are called armed hooks, or trimmers, and are 
 chiefly, when baited with a small fish, as already shewn, 
 IVid in the water close under steep banks, among weeds, 
 &c. where jacks, perch, and trouts frequent. Those 
 fishes frequently take the baits during the day 5 as do eels 
 sometimes, though very rarely. I'his occasions the 
 very common practice (among poachers especially, who 
 often allure Wishes by means of ground' lait) of laying 
 night-lines, which are sometimes set with the double 
 trimmer, and soxnetimes with a -single eel- hook. In 
 
 tliis 
 
m 
 
 this manner immense numbers of die finest fishes are 
 caught. 
 
 The lines used on such occasions must be proportioned 
 in length to the depth, and to other circumstances. 
 They should be of the best whip-cord j and a loop should 
 be at the end of each, for the purpose of receiving a 
 small, short, forked stick (see Fig. 7, Plate 111.), which 
 having one end forced into the bank, perpendicularly, 
 for almost its whole lengtli, so that the shorter leg which 
 forms the fork, may touch, or perhaps enter, the ground 
 also, senses to secure tlie line effectually, and is far more 
 expeditiously laid and removed, than if made fast to 
 boughs, stumps, &c. 
 
 Add to this, tliat such boughs and stumps are not every 
 where to be had ; and, if they are, do not conceal the 
 lines so effectually as those which are tlius pegged to the 
 ground. 
 
 When you have not any pegs, and that boughs are not 
 witliin reach, wherewith to fasten your lines ; or, that 
 the soil is sandy, tie them to tufts of grass, which will 
 hold them against any puU. You may also tie the ends 
 to stones, which being buried a few inches in the sand, 
 however loose it may be, cannot be forced out by the 
 largest fish in our waters. 
 
 In this manner tents are pitched on the deserts : the 
 pins being fastened to the ends of tlie ropes, and then 
 buried at right angles to them, about a foot deep in the 
 sand, a hurricane may blow the tents to pieces, but can- 
 not draw up the pins I 
 
 Night-lilies may be baited with worms (or with 
 chickens' gut, especially if intended for eelsj: lol-worms 
 are the best. Observe always to put \hQ hock in at the 
 
 head^ 
 
head ; for fishes in general swallow wonns tail foreaiost. 
 This is not the case with dead laits, for all fish swallow 
 them head foremost. 
 
 It is for this reason tliat, in dipping, and in trimmers, 
 the hook is passed in at the mouth 3 whereby the point is 
 not feu until too late, when, in the fruitless endeavour 
 to cast out the bait, the fish generally urges the hook 
 into his own throat. 
 
 Your hooks for night- lines ought to be good j t^^t is^ 
 they should be of a proper substance, -well tempered, 
 with good barbs, and with their points rather standing 
 outwards from the perpendicular. By this form they are 
 sure to fix, whenever the attempt is made to throw the 
 bait out. 
 
 Try the temper of your hooks with your finger and 
 thumb ; if, when smartly pulled therewitli, they resist, 
 and are elastic, they will do : if they do not spring, th^y 
 are bad. But tliey may he improved by being heated to 
 nearly a white heat, and instantly put into a small quan- 
 tity of flowers of sulphur, which they will kindle, and 
 by that m^ns receive a quality that may, perhaps^ be 
 too much inclined to render the hooks brittle. This you^ 
 must tr)% and correct, by heating the hooks again, pnly 
 until they change colour, when they should be immedi- 
 ately plunged into soap, or tallow. 
 
 By this means you will get good eel-^hooks, which are 
 reaUy very scarce -, so much so, that 1 have had whole, 
 grosses, not one of which could be trusted until 1 tem- 
 pered them myself. I can safely say, that I have had at 
 l^st 100 eel-hooks drawn straight by the exertions of the 
 fishes, whk:h, no doubt, were very large and powerful, 
 but could not have got away had the hooks been good. 
 
 Of 
 
ST 
 
 OftheBait'Box. 
 
 This term applies both to your live, and to your deadf 
 baits. In regard to the former, which does not relate to 
 worms, but to gentles., natural files ^ caterpillars, gruhs, 
 flee, nothing is better than a small, round, flattish tin boXi( 
 japaned both within and without. Many of the sixpenay 
 snuff-boxes suit this purpose admirably; but their lids 
 should be pierced with very small holes, for the admission 
 •f air 3 else the baits will inevitably die. 
 
 You should have three or four of these little boxes, 
 marking them on the outside ; so as to know their con- 
 tents : for gentles should never be kept with files, nor 
 ,fiies with grubs, &c. Cadlates should also be kept sepa* 
 rately in a box with a little moist cotton, wool, &c. 
 picked light : keep gentles in moist bran. 
 
 Your box for dead halts should be a very large fiat to* 
 bacco-box, japaned within and without 3 the lid should 
 not be perforated, but should fit very close. In this lay a 
 little fresh, clean bran, put your dead fishes in 30 a9 not 
 to come in contact, then fill up, 35 full as you can make 
 the box hold, with bran, and keep the lid tight down. 
 
 In tliis mode your dead baits will keep well sometimes 
 even to the third day : but such should only be done from 
 real necessity, as the freshest bait is always the most in^ 
 yiting. 
 
 Never allow your fishes intended for baits, to lay about, 
 nor put them into grass. Lose no time in suffocating them 
 in fine bran, in which they will retain their lustre, nor 
 will their scales stiffen, nor fall off ; as is usually the case, 
 when the fishes are liandled in a careless manner, or are 
 }eft exposed to the air. Jq packing, puttke loDgest in the 
 
 middle 
 
88 
 
 middle of the box^ it being tlie broadest part ; but reject 
 all that are in any degree lacerated, as they v^ill soon taint 
 the others. See Fig. 1 1 , Plate VI. 
 
 Ledger (or rather Legrre) Lines— Are such as are 
 left stationary, being baited with greaves, wormsy or dead- 
 hmt, according to the intention in regard to the kinds of 
 fishes in the waters. Legere-lines are, generally, fixed to 
 a coarse kind of iron reel^ with a good extent of range, 
 from thirty to fifty yards ; and the reels are fixed either to 
 long iron spikes which go into the ground, or may be 
 driven into a tree -, or they are riveted to short staves, of 
 which the tops are grooved, and the bottoms are armed 
 with iron, for the purpose of being fixed in the ground. 
 
 The groove or slit at the top of the staff should be 
 smaU, so as to require some little exertion in the fish to 
 draw it through ; whereby it commonly happens, that 
 he forces the hook into his jaw. 1 hese lines being in- 
 tended to reach the middles of ponds, and the beds of 
 rivers, which are not accessible to a rod and line, require 
 to be M'ell leaded. Some call them casting- lines j because 
 they, must be tliro\^ n out to the places where the baits are 
 to lay on the ground. 
 
 These lines answer very well to be thrown out near 
 the place where you are angling, so as to be under your 
 observation ; but can only be used where the bottom is 
 clear* of weeds, &:c. They are excellent on long, sandy 
 borders of those rivers, which are shallow near their sidesj 
 but are deep in their middles. 
 
 The Pater-nostek, so ca^' f} from the appearance it 
 ir^kes w^hen the baits are on, is a kind of apparatus miach 
 
in use among the country people, in places where jacHi 
 abound. It consists of a stout pole of ash, hazle, &c. 
 from five to seven feet long, to which a very strong line 
 of laid'Cord is affixed, about as long as the pole. To this 
 line are a number of hooks attached, perhaps ten, or a 
 dozen, by means of short pieces of whip-cord. On each 
 hook a minnow, or some such small fish, is put, as in 
 trolling ; that is, by bending it round, so that tlie hook 
 may pass fi-om the mouth to tlie vent. 
 
 The pater-noster, as may be seen from the foregoing 
 description, is calculated for steep banks under which the 
 water is deep. The angler keeps moving his rod up and 
 down, nearly perpendicularly, so as to make the baits 
 play in the water; and, as they are at various distances 
 on the line, occupying its whole length, it is ten to one, 
 if 2L jack be near but he attacks that bait which is on his 
 own level. Some use a float. 
 
 The country angler uses no ceremony with the jaclt^ 
 but, so soon as he feels him bite, gives one hearty pull> 
 and thus, if the fish*s jaw does not give way, cants hira 
 clear out of the water. I have sometimes been much 
 amused vn\h this rough mode of inviting the jacks to 
 dinner, which is attended with considerable success. 
 
 The sight of so many baits as are displayed on a paler" 
 noster, must assuredly be extremely enticing, and tempt 
 many a fish that, perhaps, would not be roused into ac- 
 tion by the sight of a single minnow. 
 
 Roving is generally performed with a dead halt, either 
 a minnow or worms. In the former case, your hook must 
 be the same as in trolling -, but there must not be any lip* 
 hook, A very small weight, like a wedge, or cone-shaped, 
 
 is 
 
90 
 
 t put point foremost Into the moiitii of your bait, which 
 is then sewed up> and the little loop which is fastened to 
 ihe tliick end of your \veight, and by which it is secured 
 ^ your line, is whipped down very tight, just on tlie out- 
 side of the bait's moudi, so as to be concealed j .>cut away 
 •ne of the vent-Hns, and one of tlie gill-fins, on different 
 •ides ', this will cause your bait to have an nneven motion, 
 whereby it will bear a stronger resembl^mce to that of a 
 live fish, and be far more killing. / 
 
 When you rove with a worm, or iatlier witli tivo or 
 three worms properly arranged on your hook, as I shall 
 now fully explain, take especial care that the point of 
 your hook be not only carefully concealed, but brought s^ 
 neai; up within the worm appropriated to tliat peirt, as to 
 be close to tlie end of its tail. 
 
 By this means you will find, that tlie bait may be^ 
 thrown with more safety, than when a long pendent tail 
 i^l^fl beyond the point j which, in such cases, always 
 works its way through, and shews so conspicuously a? to 
 deter ajl fishes from approaching. By tlie mode directed, 
 they have no opportunity of dragging away the tail of that 
 worm J for if they touch on it, when placed as above 
 shewn, they must infallibly be hooked. 
 
 A large bait is the most tempting, but by far tlie 
 Ifia«t certain j whence the angler is subjected i(^ perv 
 petual disappointment, and, in the end, will certainly- 
 kill fewest fishes. I Uuiik three short, thick, high-. 
 coloured worms, are the best for roving-, letting the 
 longest be first threaded, for about three quarters of an 
 inch, then slipped up above tlie upper bristle; next 
 thread the second worm for about the same length, 
 ^iodpass it above the lower bristle: both these conse- 
 quently 
 
-ftl 
 
 ^uently are pendent, and, if tliey bclively, will by thcij 
 Motion attract tlie fishes, and cause excellent sport. 
 
 The third worm should be short, thick, and remark- 
 ably well coloured : it should run up nearly to the middle 
 ©f your shank, and be long enough, when threaded, 
 to overhang tlie tip of the hook. If this be properly done, 
 you cannot fail botli to have bites, and to have the best 
 chance of striking with effect : See Fig. 8. Plate HI. 
 
 Roving may be practised in almost all waters, but i$ 
 more applicable to such as are just broad enough to be 
 reached completely across, when your line is let out to a 
 length rather shorter than your rod 5 whereby you will 
 have it under complete conamand. 
 
 The current being middling strong, is in your favour ; 
 more so than ver)^ rough, troubled water : though eddies 
 are very excellent aids, as tliey occasion returns of youx: 
 bait, giving far less trouble, and throwing it into situ- 
 ations towhich the fish chiefly resort. Still waters are 
 not amiss for roving with the worm> though they are not 
 so good for roving with a minnow. Indeed when the 
 whole operation of roving depends entirely on the angler, 
 it reqvdres a very nice hand, and much judgment, tq 
 practise it with good effect. 
 
 Throw your line, in an easy, swinging manner, across 
 the water ; taking care to go as near as possible to the 
 opposite bank; tiiat your worm may appear to have 
 dropped out of the soil j the largest fish, when on the feed, 
 are frequently found in such situations : let your bait sink 
 a little at first ; then, with an easy, gentle motion of your 
 rod, derived entirely from your wrist, and not by lifting 
 your arms (whicl^. i^ es^cralk aa well as fatiguing). 
 
92 
 
 give your bait an alternate rising and falling, as you dravv 
 k across the water, by gradually raising and lowering the 
 point of your rod. 
 
 The bait is never to be very near the surface, generally 
 from one to six feet, or eventually more under it, accord- 
 ing to the depth of the part you rove in. Sometimes, in- 
 l3eed, you must go close to the bottom 3 especially when 
 you find that no fish strike at you in mid-water Observe, 
 as the bait approaches your own side, to let it be so played, 
 %uUh the utmo:4 delicacy, as to be full insight ofaich 
 fishes as may be under that bank. 
 
 It should be so managed in roving, that you get the 
 ^•ind at your back, whereby your line will be sent across 
 with little exertion ; especially if tlie wind be anywise 
 Jtrong, such as is most favourable for this practice : for 
 all fishes that will take your baits in this manner, are more 
 eager when the surface is ruffled by a breeze ; which, 
 besides, affords the advantage of making yourself and 
 your rod less discernible to them. 
 
 Indeed, I do not think that roving succeeds well either 
 in calm weather or in shallow waters : if they be cleafj^ ' 
 the device will, in general, be seen; and if they be 
 muddy, the fish cannot so well see your bait. A little 
 colour in the water is not amiss, when produced by 
 freshes, or by a flow of the tide j for, then the fishes are 
 usually very eager, and take, not only worms, &:c. with 
 keenness, but may be seen to snap at every thing which 
 falls into their element. 
 
 It is almost impossible to give a minnow that appear* 
 ance of life in still waters, which should impose on such 
 fishes as do sot readily seize a dead^bait, such as trouts 
 
 aiid 
 
9S 
 
 and salmon : as to perch, jacks, and eels, they' are not 
 veiy nice, and demand not sp^much perfection of imita«* 
 tion. 
 
 A great deal depends on situation, the weather, and a 
 variety of circumstances which may be either local or 
 temporary. Thus we find, that when the young fry of 
 dace, SlC. are abundant, being about tlie length of an 
 inch or two, the fishes of prey neglect all the artificial 
 lures offered to them ; being glutted with tlie immense 
 quantity of food thus at their command. 
 
 We see it the same in fly -fis king, when at particular 
 seasons, during warm, still evenings, the Lirge fish are 
 leaping at the natural flies that come upon the waters in 
 millions. At such times, although a fish may take your 
 fiy. It will be found a verj' difficult job to command a 
 good dish, such as may be had when a greater scarcity of 
 subsistence is prevalent. It seems also as if the fishes 
 were in a certain time glutted even with natural flies 5 
 for we see them neglect many that fall into the water 
 close by tliem, and which in cooler weather, or when 
 flies were less numerous, would have been taken down 
 instantly. 
 
 Under such circumstances, the best roving certainly is 
 with worms, if those on your hook be well scoured, 
 and, tliat you take the opportunity when a smart shower 
 has washed some mud into the by-comers of the stream, 
 you may, by roving near such spots, catch many fishes 
 which are attracted thither 3 having, no doubt, expe^ 
 rienced tliat such little floodings are accompanied by 
 much animal or vegetable matter, such as they delight 
 in. • Tluis, if your worms play well, and your line be very 
 flne, and well coloured, in such waters the fish do not 
 
 hesitate 
 
$4 
 
 hesitate to take your baits ; they being similar to wiaat. 
 they have usually had x^'ashed do\vn to them by the im^ 
 petuosity of the currents, in tliose small channels whereby 
 they are chiefly supplied with food. 
 
 I have often found it attended with great success, when 
 I have let my worms down into such a channel, at abou^ 
 a yard or two above where it discharged into a deep hole : 
 frequently several fine fishes have competited in the attack 
 upon my bait j and this too \nth such greediness as ta 
 swallow it without the least delay, and requiring my dis* 
 gorger to get back my hook. 
 
 The great secret in most branches of fishing, but espe- 
 cially in roving and dipping y is to keep out of sight : 
 your shadow will often scare away the fish to a great dis- 
 tance ; nay, even the slightest motion of your rod, when 
 tlie water is clear, will have tlie same eflect, as may be 
 frequently seen on a bright daj-, when the very waving of 
 a bow frightens the fishes, large and small, into holes 
 under steep banks, and into other occult situations. 
 
 For tins, and indeed for many other good reasons, 
 when you commence angling, always fish die water next 
 to you first ; keeping completely out of sight, carrying 
 ^our rod very gently over such boughs, grass, &c. as may 
 best answer your purpose in regard to concealment 3 and 
 taking particular care to put your bait into the water in 
 the most quiet manner. Under such precautions you may 
 do wonders 5 but obser\T, that a fish once alarmed is not 
 easily sootlied, and will rarely approach a bait. 
 
 As in roving and dipping no float is used, it is obvious 
 that no ostensible indication of a bite may appear to a by^^ 
 j^nder, though the person holding the rod will feel, and 
 that too very sensibly, when he has a bite ; for although 
 
 no\y* 
 
hbvr and then a fish may approach very cautionsly, an* 
 take the bait v^ry tenderly into his moiitli, yet^ on the 
 long nin, it will be found that the rod is made to vibrate 
 forcibly by the impetuosity of the seizure, which is most 
 usually made as the bait is on the rise. In many instances> 
 liowever, when a very laige fish takes the bait, the water 
 is considerably agitated by his violence 3 so much so^ as 
 to be an index to tlie angler even at the distance of many 
 feet of hne then under water. 
 
 But, as the hand alone should guide regarding a bite, the 
 angler must be extremely on his guard 5 for he will occa- 
 gionally, especially if a larbel be in question, feel his 
 line tremble^ or perhaps tug a little (very tenderly), when 
 the fish is sucking at tlie bait. The trutli is, that we 
 often hear the terms nibble and bite grossly misapplied : 
 for what is to all appearance a slight nibble, is the mode 
 in u'hich some kinds of fishes, especially the carp (and 
 at some seasons tlie roachj, bite ; and what, on many 
 occasions, we should consider a bite, proves to be only 
 a nibble. 
 
 Thus, if we are intent on a float sustaining a live bait, 
 and we should see it occasionally dip a little, that is, 
 something more than the bait could carry it down, and 
 tiiat the float return to the surface, such an indication, 
 on any other occasion, would warrant our striking ; but 
 here it would be wrong, because the natural conclusion 
 should be, that it were a small pcrrA, &c. which, being 
 incapable of swallowing such a baitj was endeavouring 
 to get it into a favourable position, or to draw it away to 
 its haunt, there to be gulped at leisure. 
 
 In such a conclusion we seldom err 3 but if we do, still 
 tlie case remuina the same, that is, we ought not to 
 
 strike : 
 
strike ! if it be a large fish, he is eitlier not disposed 
 to swallow the bait, or there is some impediment, such 
 as a hook in his gills, &c. that debars his doing so. This 
 we may be sure of, that none but a fish of prey will 
 touch a live bait, nor a dead fish played as in dipping, &rc. 
 
 Such reflections should ever be present in the mind of 
 the angler; they, in a certain measure, approach to, 
 or, indeed, constitute, science. Whetlier from nature, 
 or by habit, or by study, it is, I know not, but, in ger 
 neral, I can form a tolerable guess as to what kind of fish 
 I have to deal with. 
 
 This, however, is not certain ; for in some waters, 
 fishes will be foimd to act very differently from what the 
 same kinds do in other places. Nay, I know waters 
 which seem to have no sort of difference, that form a 
 little island, where the fishes, to be seen in numbers, 
 will not bite on one side of it, though they are ravenous 
 on tlie otlier. The whole island is not equal to an acre of 
 land, and tlie two branches are in no place twenty yards 
 asunder. How to account for tliis 1 know not -j but it i§ 
 strictly a fact, known to every angler about tlie place ^ 
 and prevails equally at all seasons : tlie \\-aters are nearly 
 equal on both sides. 
 
 Hence it is seen how necessar>' it is for an angler to 
 firequent all kinds of water, to perfect himself in his pur- 
 suit ; for we cannot expect him who angles only in one 
 river, &:c. to become perfect in tliis pleasing, but by no 
 means very easy art. 
 
 Of Various Waters, 
 The foregoing digression has led me to this part of our 
 subject J a part abounding ^vith variety, and requiring 
 
 botli 
 
97 
 
 Ifetii obseiTation and ex^^rience. Tfie youtliful angler, 
 nnaccustomed to explore, and to remark upon every 
 stream that may fall in hi^ way, must necessarily often be 
 at a loss where to cast his line. In general^ he selects 
 those parts where he sees many fishes leaping : in some 
 instances his doing so will lead him to excellent diversion; 
 but tliat can only be at such hours, and in such seasons, 
 as fishes are apt to sport in, and he may be egregiously 
 mistaken as to tlie kinds of fish thus rising. 
 
 The angler who comes to a strange water, cannot do 
 better than inquire of any townspeople, or labourers he 
 may see, as to the sorts of fish it contains, and the seve- 
 ral places where tlie gentry of the neighbouriiood resort 
 witli their tackle. These will sometimes save much 
 trouble, and lead to immediate success j for I. have re- 
 marked, that CYQii those persons who do not angle them- 
 selves, rarely fail to notice tlie spots where they perceive 
 others, fond of tiiis recreation, take tlieir stands. 
 
 Nevertheless, in this particular we are subject to the 
 <^rrors arising both from tlie ignorance of our informers, 
 ^nd from the mischievous pranks and misleadings of those 
 who, either from caprice, or from thinking themselves 
 interested in debarring us from a knowledge of tJie select 
 situations, take great pains to guide us to places where 
 not a fish of conse<iuence is to be had I 
 
 1 he millers, and tiie bargemen, are generally best in- 
 fonned as to the deep holts, and other haunts, \s here 
 the fish lay in greatest numbers, and are of a good size j 
 but both those classes of people belong (with so few ex- 
 ceptions as, virtually, to be no exception) to that gang 
 of poachers, who rob tlie waters of whatever their nets 
 can grasp. These, almost to a man, m ill set jcu en a 
 y wild- 
 
98 
 
 ^vild-goose cliase, and be highly entertained at tiie Tcsiilt 
 of their hisolcnce. 
 
 Yet sometimes a few shillings, dispensed judiciously, 
 \vill gain your point among even tliis kind of impostors, 
 as I have experienced ; for it has happened, that a linger- 
 ing miller, &:c. has hit at my baity and privately given 
 me hints as to the best holes, so as to enable my getting 
 a good basket-full of whatever the waters contained. 
 
 Wherever there are navigable canals, &:c. unless the 
 waters be too extensive for ordinary depredations in the 
 poaching way to have much eiiect, every place is searclicd 
 by tlie bargemen -, who, in poling along, become com- 
 pletely acquainted with every liole, and cast their nets 
 accordingly. 
 
 It is wonderful \\ hat a quantity of fiblies tl}ese people 
 carry oiF, from such parts of the canals as pass through 
 the estates of gentlemen, who are sometimes very cap- 
 tious in protecting tlieir \\'aters, often not allowing their 
 neighbours and friends to cast a line ) while, by night, 
 their best fishes are netted by hundreds, to the great 
 amusement, not only of the robbers, but of all who 
 know tlie circumstances : a liberal indulgence to our 
 neighbours often prevents our suffering by such depre- 
 dations. 
 
 One circumstance should ever be carried in memory, 
 viz. whenever you can ascertain that a stream, however 
 small, is connected with a spacious well-stocked pond 
 in a gentleman's park, &c. you may be certain that, in 
 the holes, no doubt to be found in some parts of such a 
 stream, there will often be good fishes, which have been 
 carried by floods out of the pond. Besides, the young fry, 
 and, at all events^ the spawn, cannot be confined, if 
 
 theiVi 
 
m 
 
 lliere be tlie smallest outlet, uhetlier by means of a 
 flood-chain with a grate, or of a sluice, penstock, &c. 
 
 By following the course of such a brook, and occa- 
 sionally trying the depth where you cannot see the bot- 
 tom, more especially where large trees overhang, and 
 %\'here tlie sides appear steep, you will rarely fail of dis- 
 covering many a fine hole, such as cannot be poached by 
 any kind of net, and in which you vriil at least find enor- 
 mous eels during their season. 
 
 1 never yet knew of a stream that had once contained 
 eels, or trout, that was completely deficient in tJhem 
 aftenvards. The former, by getting into tiie crevices 
 of masonry, or of wood- work, under stumps, and into 
 the mud, or sand, never fail to escape from the netter : 
 they breed so fist as to produce great numbers, to thti 
 great destmction of all other kinds of fishes, not except- 
 ing iht jack, which, when \QTy young, is as subject as 
 any other to theeets attack. Hence when we find tliat 
 hut very few small fishes are to be seen, we may fairly " 
 suspect tliat eilliL-r eels, jacks, or perch, are in tlie 
 water. 
 
 1'he angler nmst not expect to find much dh'ersion 
 where the water is shallow and clear ; but in those parts 
 where tliere are little falls, or under scours, which 
 tumble into holes, hov, e^er contemptible they may ap- 
 pear, frequently very fine fishes are taken 5 especially 
 if tlie bottom be rocky, and the water run swiftly, form- 
 ing eddies, with the banks flim and steep : in such places 
 trouts deliglit. 
 
 When tlie water is deep, gloomy, and almost inacces- 
 sible on account of the woods or weeds, 5cc. on its mar- 
 gin^ there will probably be jacks, perch, and sometimes 
 F 2 tench. 
 
100 
 
 tench. The few white Jish, whereby we generally nu* 
 derstand all the smaller kinds with glittering sides, such 
 as die roach, dace, gudgeon, Sec. in such places gene- 
 rally run large, on account of the small ones l>eing for 
 the most part either devoured, or driven away by the 
 more ravenous kinds. What few there may be, owe 
 their safety to their bulk and strength ; but if tlie jachs 
 be very numerous, they will not only destroy all the 
 "white fish, but attiick each other, until at last none but 
 the largest of that species will be seen. 
 
 Consequently, in such situations, the angler may ge« 
 nerally expect to have the soundness and sufHciency of 
 his tackle put to the test -, if tliat be good, he will^ under 
 ordinary circumstances, go home well laden. 
 
 We occasional!)' see large extents of marshy ground, 
 intersected by ditches, or having parts much deejxT than 
 ethers : if such remain tolerably sujiplied with water, 
 whether from springs, or small inlets, or tliat, the soil 
 being retentive, the fluid does not escape, but presents 
 nearly the same apj)earance during the whole summer, 
 we may there reasonably search for large iishes. 
 
 It generally liappens, that such places are su])ject to 
 heavy inundations 3 not merely from land- drains, &:c. 
 but from tlieir connexion with otlier waters, eitlier rivera 
 or lakes, whence they receive many good sorts of fish ia 
 abundance. For all fishes have a very great disposition 
 to migrate, especially those of prey ; these no sooner 
 find a small inlet or creek, tlian they run up it as far as 
 tliey can be floated 3 nay, they may be occasionally seen 
 struggling to obtain a passage forcibly, especially where 
 there is a current, however trifling. 
 The copious autumnal showers ofi:en swell the waters, 
 
 so 
 
JOl 
 
 tn as to carry off immense quantities of young fry ; and 
 tlie winter floods in many parts are so abundant, as to lay 
 U'hole tracts under water, which, in the dry season, pre- 
 sent a most cheerfiil and profitable e^anse of vegetation.> 
 interspersed witii various pieces of w^ater, all of which, 
 \inder such circumstances, become either garners or losers 
 hy the inundation. 
 
 I'he flats bordering tlie Thames, from Hampton up- 
 wards, are in tiie summer beautiful meads, that, owing 
 to the winter floods, bear prodigious crops of grass. J 
 ^ fenow several ponds, and long slips of water, which arc 
 annuiilly stocked with fine fish from the river, and are 
 netted or poached in various ways every summer, until 
 scarce a ^ninnow is left. 
 
 The angler must not despise those little brooks which, 
 perhaps, h^e and there, are kept up for a head of watu: 
 to supply cattle, or tg turn a mill, &c. 5 in these he will, 
 by patient research, commpoly find parts yielding excel- 
 lent sport. Near to towns, such streams are pillaged 
 shamefully 3 but in tlie midst of open fields, where tlie 
 delicate angler cannot be sheltered from the weatlier, and 
 to which even the idle are too idle to roam, it is not un- 
 common to fall in with great varieties, attainmg to a con-;- 
 fiiderable growth. 
 
 Wherever improvements are made, the fishes suffer 
 for a time, but afterwards recover, and become very nu- 
 jjierous. Thus, when a watercourse is made through 
 what were before ditches and puddles, in which, how- 
 ever, some good fish, particularly eels, were found, the 
 whole are often thrown out, and are taken away eitlier 
 hy the proprietors, die workmen, or tlie townspeople. 
 But when tlie water ^is allowed to flow in again, a new 
 r^ fito6k 
 
102 
 
 stock is created^ which scon becomes valuable to the 
 angler. 
 
 Where old rivers supply canals, which in some places 
 follow the course of tlieir beds, and in others break off 
 into branches containing locks, requiring at the same 
 time that iveirs should be thrown across the old channels, 
 to keep the water up ; in such instances, tlie track fol- 
 lowed hy the vessels navigating the canals will invariably 
 be poached to the utmost. The fishes will be found in 
 tlie old river, and especially under t\\(ttveirs, where the 
 continual supply, and the rapidity of the current, which 
 usually digs large holes in those parts, induce trouts in 
 particular to lay. 
 
 In good smart streams, the angler must not pass by 
 those parts whlchi "being clear, and apparently shallow, 
 seem to be devoid of fishes. He will, on the contrary, 
 not unfrequently find, that such limpid Waters contain a 
 number of excellent troitts, &c. which lay at the bottom, 
 and can only be jxTceived by long and stedfist search ', 
 or v/liich-keep behind weeds, stones, &c. and under 
 shady parts of the banks, so as not to be distinguishable. 
 
 In some rivers the gentry, though not proprietors of 
 ii e waters, take some pains to protect tile fishes from 
 poachers j who, if uncontrolled, or not prevented by 
 fbme eflectual devices, would speedily drag out all sorts 
 ; nd sizes. 
 
 The law has laid many restraints on angling, Bilt has 
 If h open a wide door for the admission of a thousandfold 
 of mischiefs in the netting way. It is inconceivable what 
 damage one sweep of a net does among very young fry, 
 and especially among the spay/n. Yet the many low-lived 
 fellows who net the larger rivers, &c. and who deal in 
 
 this 
 
103 
 
 tins wliolesale ruirij are never so hnppy as when they can 
 catch some innocent or ignorant gentleman trespassing 
 the letter of the law, hy lottom -fishing one day before 
 the statute allows him to do so. Tliey speedily send a 
 water-bailiff after him. 3 and not uncommonly, '\^'her(b the 
 poor angler is a stranger, assum^e that character them- 
 selves, rather than lose the opportunity of levying eitlier 
 the fine, or a bribe ! 
 
 The gentlemen of Sunbur}^ on Thames, where there 
 lias been excellent angling in even' branch, proved them- 
 selves a match for the professional fishermen (with which 
 all the banks of the Thames swarm, and who are per-- 
 haps as dissolute a tribe as any in the united kingdoms), 
 and took very effectual means to prevent the total dcstmc- 
 tion of the ii^^hes. 
 
 They purchased a few old, rotten hulls of bouts, 
 barges, &c. which were to be had for a mere song, a::d 
 having put plenty of tenter-hooks into tlieir bottoms, and 
 knocked out some holes, so as to give access to the fishes, 
 carried them out into the principal holes and haunts, and 
 tliere sunk them bottoms uppermost 
 
 The fishes, in consequence, soon multiplied 3 for no 
 fisherman liked to cast his net over such traps 3 where, 
 besides the inevitable damage his tackle must sustain, 
 there appeared no chance of catching fishes, which had 
 so ready and so effectual an asylum at hand. 
 
 The angler will do well always to inquire, if any such 
 means have been adopted in respect to the waters he may 
 be at ; if they have, he may depend on finding fishes 
 near those spots where such barriers to poaching have 
 been placed. It is taie, that he may here and there 
 F 4 hook 
 
kook a log instead of a fish j but for such trifles the keeu 
 angler will readily compound. 
 
 I deem it a duty particularly incumbent on me, to give 
 the young angler some cautions in regard to his proceed- 
 i'^gs, both in his excursions, if he resides at any distance 
 from his sport, and in following his diversion, when he 
 inhabits a villa, or otlier tenement near the site of amuse- 
 ment. 
 
 He \\ ill find my hints on tills subject of considerable 
 utility in promoting his views, and in preventing his suf-» 
 fering from that well known combination, which virtu- 
 ally exists among the evil-minded and low-bred every 
 t-^'here in some degree, but especially on the borders of 
 all navigable waters. 
 
 When such folks perceive that a new comer is fond of 
 sporting, they watch him > very closely, in order, if pos- 
 sible, to detect him in some little breach of the law ', s» 
 *..«v ot. 'iciioMimtlGw may be \M, and they obtain the in- 
 ibrmer's reward. 
 
 I have been attacked by the insidious good offices of 
 reveral belonging to this charitahle tribe j but, having 
 b.^en forewarned as to what I had to expect, and judg- 
 ing, that the overstrained adulation and civility I expe* 
 rienced were to be paid for in some shape, I never gave 
 the smallest encouragement for their continuance : thus, 
 by a prudent reserve, added to a cautious conduct, I soon 
 let my kind neighbours know, that I was '' not to he 
 hud,'' in that w^ay at least. 
 
 In every situation there will be found some persons 
 better disposed than others j but you must not suppose 
 ^uch are to be known by their countenances^ or by their 
 
 tongues. 
 
105 
 
 tongnes. You must look around you, and inquire as to 
 the fishermen, &c. in your quarter : you may, now and 
 tlien, hit upon an open-hearted obliging sort of a man, 
 who will not only direct you to the best holes, but will 
 provide you witli baits, lend you his boat, put you across, 
 help you to put down, and to take up, yonr night-lines, 
 with a whole train of et ccclerasy which will all come, 
 A\ ithout further trouble than merely now and then putting 
 your hand into your pockety without which, notliing 
 must be expected. 
 
 Beware of bargemen, and of all wlio, when tliey are 
 not doing mischief, are contriving it over a pot. Never 
 attempt, uiien you suspect such to be watching your mo- 
 tions, to set a night-line, or to leave any tiling tliey caa 
 ^yalk otf with ; for you may be assured tliey will not fail 
 to rid you of all concern for such mo\ieables. 
 
 You \v ill find it widxy convenient to hire a punt, which 
 may generally be had for about two shillings weekly 5 so 
 that you may pole yourself about to all parts of the v/ater. 
 In tliis, however, some practice is requisite ; for there is 
 a certain knack in it, which enables very infirm and ten<* 
 der persons io accomplish, wliat die unaccustomed Her- 
 cules would toil at to little purpose. 
 
 1 his consideration should lead you to encourage some 
 little boy, son of a fisherman, or what not, to aid you in 
 tl e early part of your nautical career. Such are every 
 where to be had, and are very eager to go after such pas- 
 time, especially when a good bellyful follows. 
 
 But be careful how you trust them, in regard to your 
 liigiit-lincs and trimmers j for though diey will occasion- 
 ally bring you the full produce, yet sometimes they 
 cannot resist the orders or influence of their parents and 
 V5 . friends. 
 
106 
 
 and friends, who will expect to share with you in an un- 
 derhand way. 
 
 In a short time, however, you \^'ill feel yourself inde- 
 pendent, and Iiave no further occasion for any aid ;. you 
 will be acquainted wi'h the waters, and with their con- 
 tents; and, being able 'to manage tlie punt yourself, 
 may; if you please, graciously permit that youtli on 
 board, wliose sen'ices you were at lirst happy to accept 
 <is a favour. 
 
 You will find it well worth your while to subscribe to 
 some of the liberties in the angling way, that are to be 
 found in various parts, especially within two stages from 
 London. For a guinea yearly, you may obtain permis- 
 sion to throw your line into some tolerably good streams, 
 or ponds : you may be sure of a bed, and will receive 
 civility, &c. in proportion to what you may call for. 
 
 With resj:>ect to tlie unprotected open waters, such as 
 the Thames within a certain distance from the metropolis, 
 you may occasionally find good sport y but do not siiffer 
 yourself to be bamboozled by the alhiring portraits of irouis, 
 &c. stuck up in frames at the various Red Lions, Bellsj 
 Griffivfi, Castles y &c. where you may take a little re- 
 freshment ; nor should you lend too willing an ear to the 
 descriptions given, in regard to the quantity of such fine 
 fishes. Keep in mind where you are, to whom you are 
 talking, and that thousands go to the same place, on the 
 aam^ errand ; then you will net feel the smallest uneasi- 
 ness regarding the serious difficulty which might other- 
 ^'ise agitate your mind, as to how you should get such 
 ** monstrous line fishes, * not only out of the w ater, but 
 to yoivj home I 
 
 We are apt to smile^ and that too with some mixlare 
 
 of 
 
107 
 
 of contempt, when we see or hear of Londoners going 
 from town on Saturday night, witli rods and bags innu- 
 merable, to fish on Sunday, from Battersea upwards, 
 even as far as Staines, Windsor, Sec. ; and those who do 
 not know better, join in a hearty laugh at the Cochnies, 
 as they embark to occupy their favourite stations. 
 
 But the joke does not hold goodj for after having thrown 
 my line into many waters, from the South to nearly the 
 Ultimate Thule of Britain, I can aver with safety, that, 
 on the whole, the Londoners were by far the most skil- 
 ful, as well as the most patient, and least addicted to 
 vanity. L-deed, t have been very much surprised to see 
 very bad anglers inhabiting the borders of the finest 
 rivers. Tlieir metliods, their selection of baits, tlieir 
 haunts, and their tackle, wei^ all bad alike. 
 
 On the contrary, the Cockney, as he is facetiously 
 termed, is better acquainted with the waters he frequents, 
 has excellent baits, which are procured in the highest 
 order at the several shops where his tackle is obtained j 
 which is also of the very first quality. I once resided on the 
 banks of the Thames, near JValton, and have frequently 
 had occasion to observ^e, that all the weekly visitors were 
 men well acquainted v. ith irout-Jishivg in particular : 
 tliey used to catch a good number, which, in my humble 
 opinion., was not dhad sign. 
 
 Jt must not be unnoticed, that the same stream, or 
 other water, will assume various appearances, according 
 to the season of the year, and to the general slate of wea- 
 ther during such seasons. 
 
 The waters which from January to April may appear 
 
 full and rapid, often dwindle to insignificant brooks when 
 
 the tiiaws are over. But (as already stated under this 
 
 1 G head) 
 
108 
 
 head) such will oflen be found replete witl> sport. Some 
 streams increase but little, comparatively, at any time ; 
 imless we take into account those partial toiTents of rain 
 which at times deluge particular spots, and, consequently, 
 do infinite damage. 
 
 The same cause equally affects the colour of such wa- 
 ters, where the soil is composed of till, or any otlier 
 coloured earth. For the most part, the fishes in such 
 streams do not bite readily while the impregnation con- 
 tinues ; but when the element begins to clear, either by 
 the colouring matter being passed away, or by its being 
 precipitated to tlie bottom, they then become ravenous, 
 and with good tackle, the angler may have excellent 
 diverson. 
 
 Where there are many corn, or, as they are generally 
 called, grist mills, we usually find abundance of fishes -, 
 though, as already remarked, the millers will have their 
 share, let who will own the water ! This is owing to 
 two causes, namely, the perpetual supply of fresh water, 
 and the gteat abundance of subsistence the fishes receive 
 by means of the particles of floiu*, &c. either conveyed 
 by the wind, or swept out of such mills. 
 
 The fishes, however, in all such streams, have pecu- 
 liar propensities 5 in some, they will only bite while the 
 mills are going 5 in others, they will not come near a 
 l)ait until the water comes to a stand 5 but the former is 
 Vy far the most prevalent. 
 
 Under the aprons of mills, that is, where the water 
 comes from under the wheel over a flat piece of masonry, 
 or plank- work, the largest fishes generally resort -, keep- 
 ing on the watch, and darting furiously amid the impe- 
 tuous foaming rush of water, at whateyer attracts -, or, 
 
 perhaps. 
 
109 
 
 perhaps, deliberately waiting at the edge of the rapids, 
 and in the still 3 or tlie turning water forming tiiose large, 
 placid eddies to be found in such places. 
 
 In such cases tlie angler may rove to advantage, having 
 one, two, or perhaps tliree, stout shots on his line to 
 sink his bait a little ; which would else be perpetually 
 kept near the surface, by the velocity of the current. He 
 should lose no time in getting such fishes as he may hook 
 into a stiller water, as the strong parts are peculiarly 
 unfavourable to his efforts 5 besides that the turbid invo- 
 lutions render his precautions less certain and less effec* 
 tual. 
 
 To be convinced of this, let him put a dead fish on his 
 hook, and suspend it from the mill-back in tlie water, 
 where its action is sharpest ; he will there find his rod far 
 more oppressed, and his own management of it far more 
 difficult, than in the calmer and quieter parts 5 where 
 he can lead the fish about according to his own ^ncy> 
 while it feels quite light to his hand. 
 
 Wherever any manufactory appears, or any business 
 is carried on, such as impregnates the air with unwhole-* 
 5ome, or offensive smells, there will also be a taint of a 
 similar description communicated to the waters. Thus 
 copper works, sulphur works, hatters works, dyers in 
 general, and all such trades, affect the waters greatly. 
 
 In the vicinity of and especially below, founderies, kc, 
 die fishes are scarce 5 and such as do exist there, are 
 flabby : tliey indicate the insalubrity of the stream, both 
 to themselves and to all animals. Hence an excellent 
 criterion may be adduced, in regard to tlie fitness of wa^ 
 ter for culinary purposes, snd ; . a component in various 
 beverage, I am iaclined to believe, that no fisrhes survive 
 
 such 
 
no 
 
 nch a state very long -, and, that the few caught in suck 
 places are accidental visitors 3 none being, in my opinion, 
 spa\^Tied in such deleterious situations. 
 
 The season of tlie year must be considered by tlie 
 angler ; for he will find, with very few exceptions, tiiat, 
 such fishes as are to be taken on scours and other shal- 
 lows, during the siunmer season, are not to be found 
 there in the winter, nor even on cold days in the autumn. 
 
 It is next to impossible to guide exactly on this subject, 
 but favourable winds (such as prevail from the south- 
 east to full west, equal to three-eightlis of the horizon), 
 and a sky suited to the temperature of the air, will for the 
 most part prove auspicious. 
 
 In using tlie latter term, its application should be com- 
 pletely understood; thus a hot summer's day, a clear 
 sky, and little wind, are highly unfavourable 5 they, in 
 fact, augment the indolent disposition of the fishes at that 
 season, and tend to deprive them of tlieir appetites ; 
 which generally, in such instances, are keen towards the 
 mornings and evenings, when the angler may expect good 
 sport. 
 
 On the other hand, even when tlie sun is in its fullest 
 power, a brisk wind, and a fleeting cloudy sky, will so 
 far temper the heat, and moderate die glare, as to prove 
 attractive to the fishes, and induce a portion of them to 
 be on the move. Their intention probably is not tlie 
 search after food, but when a bait presents itself under 
 such circumstances, it will frequently be taken. 
 
 In very sultry weather, when abundance of fishes may 
 perhaps be seen on or near tli - sur ' e, the angler must 
 not indulge in the hope of enjoying much sport ; on tlie 
 contrary, scarce a fish will bite. They are then generally 
 
 preparing 
 
Ill 
 
 preparing to spawn, and are more intent on enjoyment 
 than on the search for subsistence. 
 
 It is true, this is not the case with all kinds, but being 
 very prevalent, should induce the angler to relinquish his 
 attempts to get a bite in that quarter, devoting his atten- 
 tion to those deeps whereto tlie larger and more vora- 
 cious fishes will partially retire. There, being less over- 
 come by the heat, and less under tlie eye of observation, 
 they will be more likely to come to his lure. 
 
 I cannot pass over the absurd language of a gentleman 
 who, a few years back, pubhshed what he terms, ara^ 
 llonal treatise on angling, wherein he would inculcate, 
 that particular kinds of fishes come out to feed '* at th^ 
 even hours of the day"— or, " half an hour before and 
 after the even hours/* &c. 
 
 This is giving them credit for a progress in chronology, 
 which the enli'ghtened mind cannot but ridicule : in fact, 
 the very attempt to pass such rubbish on the public, de- 
 sei-ves its most pointed censure : it indicates a total defi- 
 ciency of knowledge, and an immense share of presump- 
 tion, in treating the subject so very particularly ; it looks 
 like an attempt to lead weak minds to an opinion of the 
 author being deeply versed in piscatorial practice j or, 
 indeed, of having served as M. D. among the inhabi- 
 tants of the waters. 
 
 According to the assertion of the author alluded to, it 
 would seem, that such fishes had a fresh appetite at the 
 expiration of every two hours : if this be true, the angler 
 must be particularly careful to have his watch duly regu- 
 lated before he throws in his line. 
 
 Nevertheless, tlie work in question, is perhaps one of the 
 best that has hitherto appeared j being generally exempt 
 
 from 
 
112 
 
 from poaching, and something to tlie point ; though it 
 certainly presents '*' only a neat rivulet of type, running 
 through a meadow of margin" 5 on tiie whole^ it is 
 cheaper at five shillings, tlian the various catchpenny 
 duodecimos, &c. sold at very low prices, to the great 
 disgrace of their autliors, and no small discredit of the 
 venders. 
 
 Such puerile purchasers as know not how to discri- 
 minate, and who are led to possess tliem .under the idea 
 of becoming acquainted, not only with the whole of the 
 tair part of tlie art, but with many unfair practices 
 sdso, had better cx)nsult some able angler, or at least 
 some person of discretion, before they disperse their few 
 shillings ; else they will not only be totally disappointed 
 of sport, but perhaps receive notions which, in tlie end, 
 may lead to conspicuous disgrace. 
 
 In great lakes, the fislies follow a course very similar 
 to tliat which seems to be ordinary, among those in 
 rivers and brooks; they lurk during tlie winter, or in 
 tempestuous times, among the heavy masses ai rushes, and 
 other .weeds J but in tlie summer season, or even during 
 the winter months, after a few days of open weather, they 
 may be seen on die long shelving banks appearing to enjoy 
 the favourable opportunity. But at these times they will 
 rarely take a bait ; whence we may conclude, that they 
 fold at the bottom some nourishment suited to the season. 
 
 Fishes of prey, no doubt, retain their natural propen- 
 sities at ail times ; but I believe they aic more subject 
 to torpor and letliargy than those which feed only on 
 -weeds, worms, or other such matters, i am led to this 
 opinion by th(e abservat.cti have made regarding >r^5, 
 t^ls, and trouts especially. ThebC are extremely averse 
 
 ta 
 
lis 
 
 to mm^e much during the winter j b\it in the spring, id 
 soon as tUey feci tlie genial warmth of the sun, may ho 
 3»een basking either on, or near the sm'face. Jach in 
 particular, appear so completely entranced by the sun> 
 rays, that in April and May tiiey are very often snared, 
 as will be shewn while treating of that fish. Eels are 
 sometimes taken in tlie same way, and trouts at that 
 season, indeed oAen during the whole of the summer, if 
 the water be not very warm, will approach any heated 
 substance whose influence reaches them. 
 
 Thus many put their hands under water, near tliQ 
 stumps of trees, &c. where trouts frequent, and often 
 both feel and see them conae to warm themselves j in this 
 way a very slight motion of the fingers seems to give tliem 
 peculiar pleasm-e, so that they gradually fall asleep, when, 
 by a little dexterity, tliey may be grasped just behind their 
 gills, and thus be caught. 
 
 Perch get into very deep holes, among weeds that have 
 been flattened down by decay, or by strong winds j re- 
 maining in such shelters during the cold weather, an^ 
 only coming out when tliere are few clouds, with a tem-» 
 perate wai*m breeze. They do not frequent scours, or 
 appear so much at the surface, as most other fishes of 
 prey, except when after minnows, &c. 
 
 It may generally be considered as a i-ule, tliat suci| 
 ^shes as remain chiefly at tlie bottom during the summer, 
 are more alert, and take the baits during the winter 
 better than hashers, or such as in the .spring lay in a 
 semi- torpid state on the surface. 
 
 The fact is, that such fishes as expose themselves least 
 to die sun, are tlie least sensible of its absence. 1 have 
 before specified, that all fishes while in spawn, and at 
 
 tlie 
 
114 
 
 Che time of spawning, v'bit the surface occasionally, hnt 
 particularly in hot weather ; thus we see shoalj* of roach 
 and dace, especially tiie latter, at slich times j perch tlien 
 frcqiient the shallows j minnotrs- gudgeonSy &:c. are on 
 the scours 5 salmov, troiUs, tec nln up the rivers to- 
 wards the more rapid waters, laying at the skirts of ed- 
 dies, or under banks where the sun has full power. 
 
 Thus also we find, that about Februar}^ and March, 
 the jacks, which for some months were buried in the 
 greatest deeps, appear on the surface, in deep, secluded 
 ditches, &c. where tliey spawn, and gradually come out 
 more into the open waters; to which, however, their 
 young fry do not so readily venture ; nature giving Uiem 
 to understand, no doubt, that their own parents are not 
 to be trusted 5 for zjack will attack his own kind when 
 nothing else falls in his way ; nny, he will contrive to 
 pouch one nearly a third of his own size \ I have heard, 
 indeed, such extraordinary stories, as would perhaps war- 
 rant my saying more on this topic ) but I rather follow 
 my general rule, of being strictly witliin bounds on all 
 occasions. 
 
 It may be proper to remark, that the various kinds of 
 water fowl frequenting us during the winter season, are 
 dire enemies to all kinds of fishes 3 which we may rea- 
 Sonably conclude, do not venture much near tlie surface, 
 while so many of their enemies are to be seen there. 
 Storks, cranes, herons, bitterns, geese, ducks, teal, and 
 widgeons, all prey on fish ; not only on the smaller kinds, 
 but occasionally devouring many of a good size. 
 
 Providence seems to have taken ample care of these 
 visitors -, Ibr we find them direct their course to oar large 
 fens, ^^-here they meet with abundance of subsistence. 
 
 In 
 
113 
 
 •In such places the prickle- tack, alread}^ noticed as an tTt- 
 cellent live-laity abounds to such a degree, as to be taken 
 in whole shoals 5 they are sold hy the bushel, as manure, 
 both in Lincolnshire and in Cambridgeshire. 
 • l^he angler will find, that wherever ininr.oius abound, 
 in suitable waters, there will be plenty of fishes of prey ; 
 provided they are not thinned by the net^ or by any un- 
 fair means. On th« other hand, he will experience 
 some disappointment, from that very abundance which 
 attracts and niaintains the fishes of which he is in pur- 
 suit } for when tlie minnows have good shelter in shal- 
 lows full of weeds, and in a million of little corners into 
 which their enemies caimot at all times follow them, they 
 become so extremely numerous, tliat tlie jacks, troiits, 
 perch, eels, &c. are glutted, and are not to be enticed by 
 the bait, however lively and tempting. 
 
 Here much judgment and skill are requisite ,• yet, after 
 all, a complete bungler may perchance light on a lucky 
 spot, and fill his basket, while the most expert angler 
 may scarcely have one bite ! 
 
 Hence we sometimes see the former obtain a credit 
 for ability he does not possess 3 while the qualifications 
 of the latter are not known 3 and this is perfectly natural ; 
 for the contents of the basket should decide the point. 
 I never yet heard any person talk much of the number of 
 birds he winged, or otherwise wounded, that could ge- 
 nerally put a brace on tlie table. 
 
 ■ In many large streams, v^diich have periodical rises, or 
 are subject to floods at such periods, and are liable to be 
 w^orn by the force of tlie current, piles are driven in, and 
 lined wi til boards, Sec. these are known in various places 
 by different names, but almost universally, I believe, by 
 
 4h0 
 
no 
 
 the designallon ofcamshots. They are, fof the mc^t part, 
 done iti consequence of the bank having been excavatetl, 
 or of some considerable encroachment either maJe or 
 aj>prehended ) consequently the water is very deep in such 
 places, and the current after heavy rains, and daring tlie 
 spring especially, veiy rapid. 
 
 Such places harbour the finest fishes of all descriptions ) 
 but die angler must take caie to explore, else he wdl, 
 almost infallibly, if the camshot be old, and often re- 
 paired, or perhaps be rebuilt more and more witliin, at 
 different periods, find himself entangled amongst con** 
 cealed timber work, from which no clearing ring caii 
 relieve liis hook. 
 
 The fishes vi'hich firequent «uch places, instinctively 
 betake themselves, the moment they feel tlie hook, to the 
 piles, &c. and rarely fail, unless the tackk be uncom- 
 iliOiily strong, to chafe, or to snap the line. At all 
 events, tfcey dog in and out in sudi a manner as effectu- 
 ally prevents every kind of controul, and ultimately con- 
 fines them to a very short portion of the line. Under 
 such circumstances, the fate oi the fish is rarely known 
 to the angler 5 but that of his line is obvious -, for he must 
 lose every inch beyond tlie first impediment, and if he is 
 not very carefiil, may injure his rod very seriously. 
 
 The roost prudent way, on such occasions, is to com- 
 pound for some loss, and to cut away the line, by any 
 means that may offer, as low down as may be practicable. 
 This is certainly, in many instances, a vexatious rehnquish- 
 ment ; but the experienced angler will confirm the pro- 
 priety of these hints. 
 
 If, however, the trial is to be made of forcibly pulling 
 up the impediment, it should be done by taking the line 
 
117 
 
 ih hand, laying aside tlie rod, which will always he. 
 found to suffer more or less, in such hazardous, and in- 
 deed, such absurd contests. 
 
 Where tliere is a bend in a stream, it will generally be 
 found, tliat the water is deepest on the outside of tlie 
 bend, and that the inner part of the bend, that is, the 
 point round which the water runs, is shallow -, (see th6 1^/ 
 Figure, 4th Plate). Where a stream lies between straight 
 banks, although its depth will vary occasionally, and tlie 
 current pass and repass from one side to the other, yet, 
 generally speaking, the middle of the stream will be tlie 
 deepest water, and be most noticed by bargemen, &c. 
 
 Old bridges, ledges of rock, heavy masses of roots, 
 large irregular stones, sunken vessels, and all such ob- 
 vious matters, by affording shelter and protection, be- 
 come the resort of almost every kind of fishes. If there 
 should be alternate deeps and shallows, with occasional 
 falls, breaks, and eddies, the angler may expect to find 
 trouts, and various kinds of white fishes ; while the more 
 deep and still waters will chiefly present him wxihjach, 
 perch, and eels* U the water has communication, how- 
 ever indirectly, with the sea, he may be assured tliat 
 salmon may at tlie proper season be found, in some of, if 
 not in all, its varieties. Nor will such generally be ex- 
 empt from the visits of barbels. 
 
 But almost every water in tlie kingdom has, in some 
 part of its course, whether under one or other name, 
 such various depths, breadths, and velocities, as to occasion 
 it to contain in some places one kind, and in other parts 
 different classes of fish. 
 
 Besides though some sorts are, in a certain measure, 
 more appropriate to particular waters, they will never- 
 
 tlieless 
 
lis 
 
 theles* be found in such as, if we were to ju<lg^ hy 
 the ordinary characteristics, the/ ought not to inhabit. 
 Hence, when we are troUing for trouts in a rapid stream, 
 we ai-e sometimes ratiier surprised to find a jack on tlie 
 hook ; in other places where we expect to find larlels, 
 we are attacked by perch or trouts, or eventually eels. 
 
 The truth is, tliat the differences as to breadth, depth, 
 and rapidity, which every^ where prevail within very short 
 distances, give to the same water a variety of characters^ 
 accordant with such changes severally. Add to this, 
 that tlie junction of two streams, tlie one rapid, and tlie 
 other slow, or the one clear and shallow, and the otlier 
 deep and weedy, or vice versa, will give to both a par- 
 tial supply of such fishes as would not be expected under 
 otlier circumstances. 
 
 The intelligent angler does not let such points pass un- 
 noticed ; he explores in every direclfton j and by observ- 
 ing tlie several circumstances peculiar to the locality, 
 arranges his plan, and is prepared fpr every attack. It 
 cannot be supposed tiiat his tackle will be appropriate 
 equally to every class of fishes, but with common attention 
 to tliose general i-ules he will either have bought, or have 
 learnt from experience, his proceedings w ill be so well 
 grounded, and so guarded, as to obviate tliose mischiefs 
 which would infallibly annoy the novice. 
 
 I trust sutficient has been said on tliis subject, to serve 
 as an ample guide to those who are unacquainted witli tlie 
 various anomalies to which waters are subject at various 
 seasons, or from tlie vicinity of other streams, &c. 5 so 
 as at least to lead such persons into the proper track, 
 both for sport, and for tlie acquirement of such princi- 
 ples^ in tliis part of our subject, as may qualify them to 
 
 forn> 
 
119 
 
 form a ready and a correct judgment j whei-eby many aa 
 hour of fatigue, and of vexatious disappointment, may be. 
 avoided. 
 
 It is true, I have been somewhat proHx, and perhaps 
 occasionally a little digressive, in treating of various wa- 
 ters 'j but it is a branch of the art which has been too 
 much neglected by authors, and is not sufficiently attend- 
 ed to even by many old anglers : much less by tliose wdio 
 snap at the liberty of a day, or of a few hours only, to in- 
 dulge in this recreation I feel a confidence in the necessity 
 of w hat I have detailed : I have reduced the laborious 
 researches of years, comparatively to a nutshell, and thus 
 have tendered to the young angler tl:ie means of dis- 
 tinguishing, with a proper degree of readiness, and witli 
 certainty, when and where he will be most likely to find 
 abundance of fishes . 
 
 Nevertlieless, in spite of all tlie instruction that can be 
 given, tliere will be found in almost every countj'- some 
 peculiarities, w hich are easily learnt 3 it requiring only 
 tiiat certain kind of ready, compliant accommodation, 
 which every good angler carries witli him, to adopt such 
 variations with success. 
 
 When we have once been thoroughly grounded in tlie 
 rudiments of a science, the application of each matter 
 relating thereto appears simple, and is familiarly treated. 
 I flatter myself my readers will admit, tliat in tliis com- 
 pendium that object is fully attained. 
 
 Of Ground' Baits, 
 
 These are employed for the purpose of attracting fishes 
 to any particular spot, where the angler intends to try for 
 sport ; or they are occasionally used during floods, &:c. by 
 
 grme- 
 
game-keepers, and others, to retain the fishes within a 
 certain part of the waters, and thus to prevent their emi« 
 grating. 
 
 Ground'laits should be chiefly used some hours pre- 
 vious to tlie intended time of angling 5 generally, Ihey 
 should be thrown in the evening before ^ but if the wa- 
 ters do not abound with fish, it may be necessary to keep 
 tlie favourite spots baited for many days previous to 
 thro\^ang a line. By such means, the deeps and holes^ 
 wherein the growid hait is cast will be the general resort 
 of every kind of fishes, and of the larger ones especially ; 
 they rarely failing to dart towards those parts where tliey 
 obsei-ve the smnller ones collected. 
 
 If there should be jacks in the water, you may rest 
 assured of their presence at, or near, tlie baited spots, 
 when you perceive that no fishes approach your bait. For 
 the accumulation of the smaller, or more familiar fishes, 
 especially at stated times, or frequently, never fails to be 
 noticed by these bold depredators, which watch their op- 
 portunity, and either overtly, or from b hind some 
 weedy, or sheltered spot, attack those which come to 
 partake of the ground- bait. 
 
 When this happens, you cannot do better than troll for 
 the /ac^.v, which rarely miss your bait : in the course of 
 a few hours the smaller fish will resort, as before, to tlie 
 spot, and afford excellent amusement. 
 
 But occasionally, large perch, trouts, or even eels, 
 will be found to cause the same shyness : however, as 
 these will all take the worm, the angler need neither 
 gf leve at the circumstance, nor change his mode of pro^ 
 <:edure. 
 
 I think that large eels cause more terror stfnong small 
 
 fry. 
 
121 
 
 fry, th.in eiUier trouis or perch ; their eyes arc remark- 
 ably vivid ; rather indeed, like those of the serpent ; fur- 
 ther, their motion through the water is so i>eculiar, as to 
 cause wonderftil apprehension. 
 
 When your ground-bait consists of any animal sub-* 
 stance, the predatory fishes will resort to the spots for 
 the purpose of partaking of it, therefore tliat lure is, 
 assuredly, die most generally proper. For this purpose, 
 broken or stale if arms, of all kinds, greaves, the fleshings 
 scraped proper from tlie insides of raw lildes, carrion, 
 esj^ecially the guts of all kinds of poultry, and clotted 
 blood, arc excellent. 
 
 Tliese should in the first instance, that is, for a day or 
 two, be abundantly supplied, so as to invite the fishes 
 from all part r of the water ; wliich will soon be obvi- 
 ously eficcled. Afterwards a much less quantity will 
 suffice ) observing, however, to tiirow in at such hours 
 as arc most lavourable for .angling, when-by tlie fishes 
 will soon be accustomed to repair to the spot witii per- 
 fect regularity. 
 
 Alc'gruiris, crumfjst)/ trend, i7iilfswerpings,n3y, even 
 saw- dusty will sometimes keep the fishes together; but 
 you should ever be mindful to throw in your ground-* 
 Laits with some delicacy, so as not to scare llie fishes ; 
 which arc easily intimidated, and at some periods are not 
 XQvy quickly reconciled to the spot whence they have 
 retired in consequence of violent, or unguarded action. 
 
 The person ^^ho throws in the ground- baits should do 
 it very gradually, thereby to keep up some expectation 
 among the fLshcs, and to accustom tliem to wait for a 
 successive supply of provision. But he must keep as care- 
 fully out of sight as though he were angling; else he 
 G will 
 
12? 
 
 will not find the fishes repair to the sf)ot until some tun© 
 after he has quitted it j and then, with much caution 
 and diffidence. 
 
 I am aware, that this will be considered by many as 
 fine- drawing the matter beyond what is requisite 5 but to 
 such I must answer, that it is witli fishes exactl*' as with 
 wild birds, which require infinite art and cunning to en- 
 snare them 5 and that altliough many instances may be 
 quoted, of persons neglecting even the most ordinary pre- 
 cautions, having been successful, yet it would be absurd 
 to deny, that an expert caretlil angler could, in tlie same 
 time and situation, have caught far more. 
 
 When we begin to doubt the superior effects of supe- 
 rior skill, we betray our ignorance j a few may blindly 
 follow such an absurd hjTpothesis ; but we ^hall find from 
 experience, that such opinions will neither ensure suc- 
 cess, nor meet tlie support of tliose possessing common 
 sense. 
 
 The angler who is at all informed of the nature of 
 fishes in general, and who knows how crafty and shy 
 they brcome in waters much fret^uented, especially 
 by poachei's, w^ill not, nay cannot, hesitate in affirming 
 the validity of what I have said in regard to secrecy and 
 concealment. They are the soul of fresh-water angling, 
 and I would at all times wager on the success of that 
 man, who to such qualiii cations adds the neccssiu-y atten- 
 tion to sound baits, and fine tackle ! I have often 
 laughed heartily at being asked by persons iishing for 
 dace, gudgeons, &c. whether their lii es (abimt as tliick 
 as a good-sized knitting-necdl j were strong enough ! I ! 
 
 Some judgment is necessary in laying ground l-aits. 
 It should be the study of tlie person doin^" so, to st lect 
 
 rather 
 
125 
 
 rather a central spot^ free from hea^y weeds, and acce$« 
 feible to all kinds and sizes of fish j yet so situated, that 
 jacks, if there be any in the waters, cannot make abrupt 
 attacks from lurking places. Besides, tlie supply should 
 be conspicuously situated 5 and, at tiie moment of ang- 
 ling, the bait should be equally so. There may exist a 
 few exceptions, but this will, as a general rule, be found 
 highly worthy of attention. 
 
 Groi/vd- baits are sometini<?.s used at the time of ang- 
 ling. High dried malt, steeped for a few minutes in 
 w^ter enough to cover the grains, is an excellent thing 
 for keeping the fishes together; or even stale grai7is, 
 such as are had at the distillers', or at die brewers', arc 
 better than nothing, though they possess little flavour, 
 and less substanee. Balls made of stiff clay, in which 
 holes being made, the tails of lob-worms, or shreds of 
 greaves, are fastened, are useful ; especially tlie- worms, 
 which should be large and active, but not cleansed or 
 scoured in moss j it being an object, that your baits, 
 which have been well treated, should be far superior t« 
 your ground-laits. 
 
 Tiius, when you have tlirown In a cloy -ball with ua- 
 prep^ired hhs, although their writhings will attract th© • 
 fishes, and perhaps induce tliem to feed, yet, when they 
 see a rich transparent Irayidling, or other good worm, 
 descend gently among tliem, in an instant they will quit 
 tiie lobs, and attack the latter with all the eagerness of 
 competition. " v '-^ t' 
 
 When ground' baits are used previous to angling, you 
 sliould give plenty of time for the fishes to have com- 
 pletely eaten all you threw in, and to have acquired 
 a disposition to feed again. Hence it \\'ill be obvious, 
 G 2 that 
 
that a necessity exists for duly proportioning the quantity 
 of ground I ait to the supposed quantity of mouths to be 
 fed 5 and it is flir better to err on the side of scarcity, so 
 as to leave no surplus, when you intend to angle \N'itliin 
 a day after the grottnd-hait has been tlirovvn in. 
 
 For, if any be left, it is a great chance but the fishes 
 ha\-e glutted, and will decline your worm, however 
 highly it may be prepared. On the otlicr hand, provided 
 you have abundance of gronnd-lait, and wish to attract 
 the fishes to any particular spot for several days befoie 
 you angle, it is best to afford them all you think they 
 can destroy in the first instance ; and gradually to abate 
 the quantity, leaving the place quite vnhaiied at the time 
 you go to angle, or, at furthest, only using malt'grains, 
 or clay -I' a/ Is. 
 
 The angler will find his trouble amply rewarded, if, 
 whenever he is about to put up his tackle at the side of a 
 baited hole, he \^ ould look over his worms, and throw 
 in ail such as appear to be flabby, or wanting in vigour : 
 such \\ ill never make him good baits, and they tend in 
 some measure to induce the fishes to bite at the same 
 kinds of worms when on the hooks ; but tliis should be 
 done rather sparingly, and such worms ought previously 
 to be broken into pieces, so as not to appear equally 
 tempting with those of tlie same kind which you resenc 
 for your hook. 
 
 And if a small quantity of ground- talis can be conve- 
 niently taken out with tlie anglei^, for the purpose of 
 being thrown in when he may have done fisliing, it will 
 save some trouble, and probably secure him some sport 
 during tlie ensuing day; but this must depend entirely 
 on cucumstances appertaining to locality', weather, &c. 
 
 I shall 
 
125 
 
 I shall conclude this part of our subject with remark* 
 Ing, that ground' i aits, of all descriptions, are intended 
 only as lures to fishes, causing them to resort to, or to 
 remain at, any particular part of the waters ; and as it is 
 necessarily an important object that they should take 
 your baits when oifered, so the ground- Lai ts should be 
 of the most refuse materials, and given only at such in- 
 tenals as \\ ill not interfere witli their appetites at the 
 time of your angling. 
 
 I'hese are, indeed, the fundamental principles of the 
 practice, and, if followed correctly, cannot fail of suc- 
 cess. I have read, though I have never seen it, that 
 some use the best materials as ground-baits ; in which 
 tliey certainly err very grossly : I think it requires only 
 to be shewn as plainly as, I flatter myself, has been done 
 in this instance, to lead such persons out of a method 
 which eveiy experienced angler must join in repro- 
 bating. 
 
 Of striking j and of playing a Fish when struck. 
 
 By striking, we mean the act of drawing tight the 
 line when a lish is at the bait, in such manner as may 
 cause the hook to penetrate into some part of its mouthy 
 and prevent its escape. To judge accurately as to the 
 moment when you should strike, is not tlie labour of a 
 day, but requires much experience, and a knowledge of 
 the several fishes you expect to catch. Nor is the ope- 
 ration so very simple as a looker-on would suppose : tliere 
 is, indeed, a certain knack in striking, which some 
 never can acquire, and which others apj^ar to possess 
 naturally. ^ 
 
 I shall endeavour to lay down a few general rules, 
 G 3 whereby 
 
326 
 
 thereby the lenrner may be at least caationed agaiiui 
 trror, if he sliould not acquire a complete mastership ia 
 this very important brancli of the art. 
 
 Violence Is always to he avoided. When we consider 
 the elasticity of^ the rod, and of the line, and that the 
 smallest change of position at the butt of the former^ will 
 cause an immense difference in XhQ situation of its point, 
 or tip 3 and if we call to mind, that not more than half 
 an inch of hook is in the fish's mouth, generally speak- 
 ing 5 and that if that half inch pierces its mouth, our 
 object is effected : we shall then see the impropriety of 
 tliose strong uplifted pulk whkh many, even of those 
 who think themselves good anglers, exhibit, when they 
 have a bite : we shaU'then acknowledge, that it ought to 
 be our study to cause s6 little change of position at the 
 butt as may be next to imperceptible, and to make but a 
 few inches difference at the tip* 
 
 Delicricy in this particular is peculiarly necessary 5 for 
 if the fish be struck, and be of any size, the line is not 
 endangered, nor is the hook torn through the hold ; and 
 if the fish be not struck, he will be less intimidated, and 
 may return to the bait, which probably he never would 
 do, if it had been forcibly pulled out of his mouth. 
 
 Add to this, tlie many weeds, twigs, &c. which am 
 concealed under the surface, offer additional dangers to 
 the line ; for where they should happen to intercept the 
 hook in its abrupt motion, if they do not cause its imme- 
 diate loss, they occasion a tedious search, and such mea- 
 sui'es as effectually drive the fishes away. 
 * 1 he fencer and the cudgel- player are both sensible, 
 -lliat a very slight turn of the wrist gives quite a new 
 direction to the weapon : it is exactly the same in striking 
 
 a fish^ 
 
1S7 
 
 B fish. Circumstances of locality rnnst, however, govern 
 in respect to the practice 3 but, under the supposition 
 that there be no impediment in the way of the rod's ac- 
 tion ; that the line can be drawn and kept nearly straight 
 from the tip to the float, without causing the latter to 
 vibrate or be displaced -, then, a very slight turn of the 
 Wrist will cause sufficient removal of the tip, and conse- 
 quently, of the whole line, to make the hook take 
 effect. 
 
 The elasticity of the line will cause a kind of secondary 
 motion, such as tends to fiX the hook, and to make the 
 fish instantly attempt an escape. 
 
 In the foregoing instance I have supposed every matter 
 to be favourable ; that the bite is obvious,* and that therq 
 can be no hesitation as to the moment when to strike. 
 But we very often tte the float suddenly change from an 
 erect to an horizontal position. 
 
 This is caused by the fish having not only taken the 
 bait into his mouthy but having ascended with it so high 
 above the level at which it stood in the water, as abso- 
 lutely to bear up the shots, and to liberate the float from 
 their weight. 
 
 From this we see the necessity of a previous operation 
 ere we strike j for it becomes expedient, by an in- 
 Btantaneous motion, to draw the line tight, and then to 
 Mrike sufficiently strong to cause the hook to bury its 
 barb. 
 
 The bad effect of striking with a part of the line slack, 
 is so obvious, as to preclude the want of further instruc- 
 tion on tliat head. I shall therefore piesent a case pre- 
 cisely the reverse. 
 
 G 4 Let 
 
}9n 
 
 Let us suppose^ that a perch should .seize your iive tail 
 Gaspended to a cork float, and carry it doun : as^ in such 
 case, time must be given for the tish to gorge, or swal- 
 low the bait, it follows, that your line must be slackened, 
 or be eventUcdiy let out from the reel, so judiciously, as 
 not to allow the perch to feci any check while in the act 
 of swallowing. Here little more than a sudden stop to 
 your compliance with the perch's motion, is needful to 
 arrest his progress j and indeed, on most occasions of 
 this kind, it is best to feci, as it were, first, whether the 
 bait were gorged (which is done by the above means), 
 and if you find it to be so, which the heavy bearing of 
 the perch will sufi[iciently indicate, then a very slight 
 turn, in such direction as may be the reverse to that ia 
 which he is proceeding, will have the desired effect. 
 
 The learner must not suppose that any time is lost in 
 such operations : they follow as quick as thought j and 
 their appropriate adaptation to the moment, not only de- 
 cides the fate of die fish, but the ability of the angler ! 
 
 Many fishes must be sti'uck at the least nibble^ while 
 others must liave some seconds allowed them. One 
 will take tlie float scarcely half an inch under water be- 
 fore he has the bait fairly in his moutli -, while anoUier 
 will merely take a slight hold of some pendent part, and 
 carry the float one or two feet, or more, under water ; 
 in such case, they are sometimes hooked on tlie outside 
 of their moutlis. 
 
 Ic is not easy to lay down a fixed mle on this point ,• for 
 the same sorts of fish during the same day, and in the 
 same waters, will so vary in their modes of biting, as ab- 
 solutely to bewilder the most cxi^crienced angler. The 
 
 manner 
 
129 
 
 manner in which each fish generally bites, when on ike 
 Joed, will be understood from the description of them 
 severally. 
 
 When your bait is on the bottom, and a fish runs with 
 it, drawing your float along the surflice, sinking very 
 little, or perhaps not at all, the line should be drawn 
 straight from the tip of the rod to the float ; and \^-hen 
 you strike, obser\e the rule already laid down, of strik- 
 ing counter to tlie fish's course. 
 
 The learner will see the necessity of being always on 
 (he alert j and he will find, tliat by keeping the point of 
 his rod nearly over his float, he will be more ready to 
 adopt the necessary measures, without being obliged to 
 make extensive movements, which cause delay, and 
 scare the fish. 
 
 It is necessary always after a bite, to examine your 
 bait, which seldom fails to be deranged, more or less, by 
 every attack it sustains. I have seeii anglers too lazy ta 
 do tliis, they being in the habit of leaving all to chance ; 
 when, after sitting for half an hour, or more, \\ ithout 
 a bite, in drawing up to remove to another spot, they 
 have been greatly surprised to see their baits half eaten 
 away, and the hook two-thirds bared. Yet tliey expected 
 to catch fish ! 
 
 We do not give to animals in general half the credit 
 for sense, or instinct, which is really their due. We see 
 crows and other birds fly round out of the ordinary reach 
 of small shot ^ why then should we deny to fishes the 
 power of distinguishing between a worm perfectly at 
 liberty, and one suspended by any device I 
 
 Those who do not consider this in a proper point of 
 
 vlcw> need only to try their luck with the point of tlicir 
 
 & S ixook 
 
ISO 
 
 hook exposed -, they will soon be satisfied of the impro^ 
 priety of a want of perfect caution in that particular. No^ 
 fish will approach a bait^ if the point of the hook can be 
 seen or felt ! 
 
 It is really so easy to attend to this precaution, tliat 
 it is wonderful how those who call tliemselves anglers,, 
 and who tiiink they have acquired a reputation in the art,, 
 can allow indolence to delay that which, after a lapse of 
 ineffectual procrastination, must be done at last ! 
 
 But to return to the main point : so soon iis a fish is 
 struck, tliat is, when youfiudit to be fairly hooked, if 
 its size should be such as not to warrant your drawing 
 instindy out of the water, your first object should be, ta 
 give line in proportion to the pressure you feel from tht 
 fish's weight and resistance. 
 
 But this must be done with great caution 5 for it is 
 often more pmident to run the risk attendant on a short 
 Kne, and little scope of play, tht>n to allow such a range 
 as would enable the fish to dash among weeds, boughs, 
 piles, or any thing likely to create difficulty. Giving 
 line is not always practicable, especially in foul waters, 
 overiii^ng with wood y and in such sitiialions, the largest 
 :fishes are usually found. 
 
 Whatover may be your extent of line, remember never 
 to urge the fish to his utmost exertion in point of velo- 
 city ; rK)r to provoke him to such struggles as, probably, 
 he never would resort to, unless roughly treated. En- 
 deavour, if possible, to withdraw him gently from the 
 Waited hole, so as not to excite alarm among his compa- 
 nions ; and lead him tenderly into such part of the waters 
 as may be favourable to your manoeuvres. 
 
 Always carry iry mind, that what with fear^ rage, and 
 
 pain. 
 
131 
 
 pain, the fish Is sufficiently disposed to remain In a con- 
 stant state of action, by which his powers must speedily 
 be subdued. Keep him under command, but with tern- 
 per : when you lose that, you will probably lose your 
 prize also ! 
 
 As the elasticity of your rod and of your line afford 
 you considerable advantages-, your study should be, always 
 to keep tlie former in such a position, as may effectually 
 combine the powers of both. This is done simply by 
 keeping, tiie point of your rod raised, so that it may bend, 
 and by its spring gently yield to the efforts of the fish, 
 and. draw him back to. his proper degree of pressure on 
 , ihe line, when his effort, has ceased. Plate IV. Fig, 2, 
 will give the learner an adequate idea of what is in- 
 tended : it sliews the greatest angle tliat should be 
 allowed! 
 
 It must be self-evident, that when the rod and line are- 
 both in one direction, the whole of tlie strain lays on the 
 latter ; the former being deprived of all its elastic powers, 
 and proving far worse than the same length of line would 
 be> if substituted in its place. Every approach to such a; 
 direction towards the ffsh is bad j for the rod is always 
 at its greatest and safest point of resistance, when the line 
 forms an acute angle with the stiff part held by the angler,. 
 as shewn by Fig. 3, Plate IV. 
 
 Tliere may certainly be situations in- which the rod) 
 cannot b?. held to the best advantage ; in such, the angler- 
 must use his discretion, adopting the best action the spot 
 may afford, and never despairing of success, howeverun-^- 
 fevourable Circumstances may, appear. If h'e is cool, he 
 will be considerate, and often will get a fish from a hole, 
 v/here the ordinary angler would not venture to cast his- 
 g6 line.. 
 
132 
 
 line. Biit if his tackle be not sound, all tliat can be said 
 on the subject will be of no avail. 
 
 Many young anglers are in a hurry to see what is ou 
 tlie hook ; they cannot refrain from bringing the fish up 
 to the surface. This always has a bad effect > for it con- 
 vinces the poor deluded animal of what it before probably 
 only suspected, namely, that it is ensnared, and is to be 
 taken from its element. Hence it becomes unruly and 
 headstrong, and tries every effort ; not omitting to lash 
 at tlie lii^ with its tail, and running in suddenly towards 
 the angler> so as to slacken-tlie line, and to shake out 
 tlie hook ; or to rush into a hole in the bank, &c. ; all 
 of which are common practices with several kinds offish, 
 especiiiUy the chub and I arid. But when tlie angler 
 allows the fish rather to ramble at his own pleasure,, 
 within the circle described by his line, every purpose is 
 gradually effected ; for the fish is so exhausted before he 
 is brought near the surface, as to be incapable of further 
 resistance, and nuiy be landed wkh perfect case and 
 safety. 
 
 Wtialever mtry be the exertions of a fish, be careful ta 
 keep yo\ur hue sufficiently tight lo gvve you a feeling of 
 all his motions^ And even when ^as is sometirnes the 
 case undcF the hbosI delieate management) he may spring 
 out of the water, do not slacken your line altogether ; 
 but be careful, s© soon as you see him fall upon the sur- 
 face, to be prepared, and to give him the lead such way 
 as you may find most suited to your purpose. Be assured, 
 that a slack line is always bad, and gives the fish the op- 
 portunity, either of shaking the hook out, if it be not 
 very fast in, or of making a sudden exertion, such as 
 may be too rapid and too powerful for the sti'ength of 
 
 your 
 
133 
 
 your tackle, under such bad iDanagemcnt. Fartlier 
 when your line is not tight, you cannot judge exactly as 
 to the spot where tlie fish tlien is, whereby you become 
 subject to much error and incertitude. 
 
 It should be equally your care, always to keep your 
 rod out of the water j for, exclusive of the injury it sus- 
 tains by being wetted in the joints, it never fails to frighten 
 away other lish, and to cause that on the hook to be par- 
 ticularly agitated. 
 
 Though I have already spoken very pointedly regard- 
 ing the impropriety of handling the line when taking a 
 fisii out of the water, yet it may not be improper to re- 
 peat my injunctions on that head, and to recommend to 
 the juvenile angler, when the fish is exhausted, to draw 
 him very gently along the surface to a convenient spot, 
 within reach of one hand, w hile the other is to retain 
 and direct the rod ; the butt of which may be advan- 
 tageously rested against the side, or upon the knee, ac- 
 cording to the length of his hne. He will find the fish 
 to float freely on the surface, and that there will be very 
 little pressure on his tackle. 
 
 If there should be occasion to draw his prize over, or 
 through weeds, he should be careful to lay the fish on 
 that side which may leave his hook pointing upwards j 
 thus, if the hook be in the right corner of tlie mouth, the 
 fish should be drawn on his left side, and vice versa. 
 
 This is done to prevent the hook from getting entangled 
 in the weeds, of which there will be little danger, if the 
 foregoing precaution be attended to, and that the fish's 
 head be a little raised, so as to ])revent its nose from 
 getting under any weeds. A very little practice, with 
 
 commoj^ 
 
134 
 
 common observation, will render this part of my instruc- 
 tions perfectly familiar, and exemplify its Utility. 
 ' Before I proceed to the next chapter, it may be pro- 
 per to obser\^e, that when the wind is very strong, it is 
 not in tlie power of the angler to keep the upper part of 
 his line nearly tight ; for in such case, especially if the 
 line be strong, and somewhat substantial, the wind may 
 cause such a motion as would at least keep the float con- 
 stantly dancing about on the surface^ if it did not often 
 lift it completely out of the water. 
 
 To remedy tliis, the angler must lower tlie point of his 
 Wd, canning it a little to windward of his float, and per- 
 mitting a few inches of his line, near the float, to lay in 
 the water. By this precaution, he will find his float ride 
 at ease, especially if there be the opportunity of resting 
 feuch slack part of the line on weeds that lay on the sur^ 
 face. But when about to strike, he must not forget pre- 
 viously to draw his line nearly tight j else, as before 
 stated, he will run a risk of snapping it, or, to say the 
 least, he will strike false. 
 
 Of Pond-Fishing. 
 
 Hitherto I have considered the angler as being among 
 ferge rivers, navigable streams, and the million of brooks 
 U'hich every where intersect the country -, for in such 
 will the most pleasant sport ever be found. The fished 
 generally mil larger, are more vigorous, and, with not 
 one exception that occurs to my memory, far more 
 Wholesonie and better flavoured. 
 
 It will invariably, I believe, be found, that wherever 
 a pond 15 supplied With •\*rater from some copious inlet> 
 
 and 
 
and that the redundancy is allowed to pass over by any 
 small channel, made or left for that purpose, the fishes 
 will more resemble such as are taken from a running wa- 
 ter, than those which have been bred in a pond, however 
 extensive, supplied entirely either by rains, or by bottom** 
 springs. 
 
 When there is such a draught into a pond, or sheet of 
 water, the large fishes will remain near to the inlet, await- 
 ing the arrival of such eatable rubbish as may accidentalljr 
 be brought down by the cun*ent, and ready to seize such 
 minnows, gudgemis, and other small fishes, as may ven- 
 ture into the expanse. 
 
 The many local circumstances which may characterize 
 a pond in respect to its situation, the nature of its borders, 
 the depth and colour of its waters, the kinds and quan- 
 tity of fishes It may contain, and a number of mattei^ 
 which immediately strike the eye habituated to such ob- 
 jects, must decide as to the best stations for throwing the 
 line. The season of the year must not be forgotten ; and 
 even the state of tlie weather, and the hour^ must not 
 pass unnoticed. 
 
 It is, in truth, beyond the power of any person to lay 
 down even general rules for this branch of ti-ie diversiort, 
 that are not subject to refutation from the anomalies which 
 experience will daily present. I shall therefore conteat, 
 myself with observing, that where there are many weed^, 
 especially the Iroad dock, the water 'laurel, tlie flag,. 
 ISnd the >ong, floating, fibrous conferva, or bottom-weed, 
 there will usually be a good stock of fishes j unless the 
 proprietor thins them by the net. 
 
 For, as all ponds are subject to be frozen during the 
 winter^^ it is not vex^r easjk tO poach them at that season 3 
 
 especially 
 
136 
 
 especiaHy as the fishes retire into the greatest deeps, and 
 lay under whatever shelters may present lliemselves. 
 During the spring, and as the days get longer, tlie 
 poachers are more afraid of being detected 5 not but they 
 will, if possible, have a hearty drag. As the summer 
 advances, the weeds become so strong and plentiful, as 
 to defy all nets ; unless a previous clearance be made, 
 such as poachers could not generally attempt 5 though ii^ 
 stances have been known of their carrying boats to the 
 waters in gentlemen's parks, &:c, and of their having 
 cleared away the weeds, so as to be able to work their nets. 
 The fishes in ponds are in their habits pretty similar to 
 those in ninning waters j but 1 iliink them, for the most 
 part, far more silly, yet not so ravenous, unless their 
 numbers, in proportion to the quantity of water, and t(j> 
 the supply of food, render them so. 1 heir want of cun- 
 ning, comparatively, no doubt, is owing to their being 
 in a state of protection, and less subject than the river 
 fishes to all sorts of devices. 
 
 Their being more easily taken, I impute to their sub- 
 sisting chiefly on vegetable productions, and, conse- 
 quently, more prompt to take a worm than such as feed 
 principally on animal matter -, as is the case in running 
 waters, into which chance and design combine to launch 
 a great variety of worms, slugs, snails, and refuse of a 
 thousand kinds. These run the gauntlet down the cur- 
 rent, and, though unnoticed by one kind, are snapt up 
 by others. Reason would tell us, and experience con- 
 firms it, that as the fowls of the air feed on various fruits, 
 seeds, &c. so some kmds partake exclusively of certain 
 productions : thus, the carrion crow, &c. like the jacJ:,. 
 refuses nothing Uiat comes in hi$ way. 
 
 WheoE 
 
137 
 
 When leave has been obtained to angle in any gentk- 
 man*s ponds, it is very easy to asa^tain, by inquiry 
 among his dependents or labourers, which is the part 
 most favourable to your intentions. 1 here you would 
 do well to sound the waters, and to cast in a little ground- 
 lait the day previous to throwing your line. •, 
 
 I have already said, that near small inlets you will pro- 
 bably find good sport j therefore, fail not ioixy the depth 
 in such parts, and do not despair, even tliough you 
 should find it shallow -, owing, perhaps, to the soil washed 
 down by heavy rains : at the edge of such a bank yoii 
 may expect the water to fall, rather suddenly, to a con- 
 siderable depth, in which the great fishes will often lie, 
 especially after any fresh, awaiting the supplies usually 
 brought down by the current. 
 
 Near sluices, penstocks, and flood-gates, the water 
 is usually pretty deep, and clear of weeds for a few yards 
 at least j they being sometimes cleared away for the pur- 
 pose of having a fvte draught, and for placing a net to 
 catch such fishes as may be attracted to the spot when 
 the sluice is opened a little on many occasions, but espe- 
 cially for the supply of a stew, or nursery-pond, depen- 
 dent on the larger \^'ater. 
 
 The time of the day will often occasion a change in 
 your proceedings, as will a change in the wind j espe- 
 cially if it comes down a vista , or any otlier opening be- 
 tween plantations, hills, buildings, &c. 
 
 I'he fishes themselves will often prove excellent guides, 
 and by their rising, at least, will shew you where they 
 chiefly lay ; though tliis is by no means so certain an in- 
 dication in a pond as it is in a river 3 for, in the former, 
 fi*hes are more apt to change their places, than they are 
 
138 
 
 in streams ; In the latter, they often adhere closely to 
 such spots as they select for haunts, and may be seen to 
 rise always in the same part. We should be apt to con* 
 elude, from sometimes seeing many risings in a few mi- 
 nutes, that a hole were full of lishcs 3 but it often turns 
 out, that when one or two have been caught therein, 
 either by liue or net, the risings discontinue. 
 
 Although some ponds, which have a free current of 
 water through them, occasionally abound with trouts of 
 an inferior description, yet ?uch are somewhat rare, and 
 the angler must be contented if he gets good perch, 
 tench, carp, roach, dace, and eeh. In some he will find 
 jachs J but as they increase vtry fast, and grow rapidly, 
 when their numbers are not very frequently well thinned 
 by the net, or by constantly angling for them, the quan- 
 tity of other fishes will be reduced considerably ; except- 
 ing, however, the tench, which ih^ jachs will not touch. 
 
 Such ponds as are covered with duck- weed rarely con-* 
 tain good fish; it is too compact, and covers the surface 
 too closely 3 besides, it rots very fast, and invariably gives 
 the water a bad colour, attendant with a very nauseous 
 flavour. If, however, a pond, partially covered with 
 duck'iveed, has its surface on nearly tlie same level as the 
 surrounding lands, and is exposed to the wind from any 
 one quarter, so as to admit that ventilation which not 
 only purifies water, but blows scum, &c. to the opposite 
 shore, we may tlien hope to find some fishes, though not 
 in such abundance, nor of such a growth, as in clearer 
 waters : I never tasted a well-flavoured fish from such 
 waters. 
 
 The best mode of angling in a pond of any extent, is 
 in a boat, which should be poled or rowed, very gently, 
 
 to 
 
ISO 
 
 to the most favourable situation, and then be secared^ 
 either by an anchor^ or by a pole and tie, if the depth 
 permits. But the vessel must be kept xery quiet, as any 
 agitation therein would infallibly alarm the fishes^ and 
 cause them to retire. 
 
 The generality of fishes in ponds take the bait best near 
 the bottom j they will, however, take at the very sur- 
 face, provided you can conti ive to make your bait appear 
 to fall gently off a dock- leaf, or place it so that only a 
 small portion of it hangs down from one. I have often 
 been highly successful in this way, especially among 
 carp, which are remarkably shy when they can see the 
 line, though of the finest gut; yet they will lay hold of 
 a fine worm tlius dangling, and slip it down before they 
 are aware of the deception. 
 
 In some situations, pond-fishes will take the fiy 
 readily 3 but, in my opinion, not w ith that very marked 
 alertness which fishes in rapid streams evince. This is, 
 no doubt, owing to the stagnation of the water, which 
 does not aid the deception so much as a brisk current. 
 In windy weather, however, when the surface is ruffled, 
 the case alters materially, and pond-fishes then, at inter- 
 vals, dart with great keenness at the lure. 
 
 This I conjecture to be attributable to their being veiy 
 numerous, and to the variety of competitors, urging each 
 other on to destruction. The moralist may, perhaps, in 
 this find a comparison not very favourable to mankind ; 
 or, at least, applicable in the strictest sense to tlie tgo 
 numerous tribe of speculators ! 
 
 0/ 
 
uo 
 
 Of Bullies in the Water. 
 
 ^ Kotliing is more common than to see luhhles rise from 
 the bottom, to the surface of the water : these \e.ry often 
 will be found to have intervals nearly regular ; in which 
 case, we may perhaps safely attribute them to the air 
 discharged by various fishes, tliat lie in the mud or sand. 
 Eeb and muscles may sometimes be stcn to throw up 
 such bubbles ; the former having only their heads out, 
 and die latter being nearly buried. 
 
 Air will also be thrown up in tliis manner by the dis- 
 solution of lumps of clay, chalk. Sec. j which being 
 gradually penetrated by tlie water, discharge the air they 
 contain. This will be easily proved, by throwing in a 
 few pieces, wliich will speedily produce the effect de- 
 scribed. 
 
 Many consider these bubbles as arising from the re- 
 spiration of fishes : in which they will sometimes be right ; 
 but the foregoing elucidation will evince, that such is not 
 always the case. I have repeatedly been out with young 
 anglers, who on seeing tlie bubbles rise, have immediately 
 expressed their exultation, and proceeded to throw in at 
 tlie seemingly favoured spot j under the pleasing expect- 
 ation of a bite. Sometimes success has attended the pro- 
 ceeding, and confirmed my companions in error : for, in 
 my belief, the fishes taken on such occasions, did not 
 eject the air that caused the bullies to rise. 
 
 My opinion is, that when fishes bub lie in this way, it 
 is during the time of digesting what they have been eating, 
 I have repeatedly, in clear waters, observed fishes on such 
 occasions, and invariably remarked, that the bubblers 
 appeared quite indifferent to any bait. 
 
 Further 
 
HI 
 
 Furtlier I am certain, from the ver>' pointed attention 
 I have paid thereto, tliat luhlling is very generally a 
 symptom of fear, or of doubt: having had innumerable 
 opportunities of watching the actions of fishes, while 
 near my baits, my observations fully satisfy me, that, 
 when fishes which approach a bait, tlirow out air as de« 
 scribed, they never bite. 
 
 Wounded fishes, especially ^'ar^^, evince their pain in 
 this manner j as they do also their inquietude, when un- 
 able to swallow their prey. Whenever I have missed a 
 jack in striking at the snap, and that he has thrown up 
 an immense number of small bubbles, I have found 
 great difficulty in getting him to attack my bait a second 
 time. 
 
 More than once I have lost my hook, owing to a jack'3 
 having taken ray worm, which was intended for other 
 fishes ; when, on casting in a dead bait at the place 
 where I have known him to lie, by observing how abun* 
 dantly the small bubbles arose, I have taken the jack, 
 with my former bait and hook fast in his mouth. 
 
 When I have been obliged, from the want of w/«- 
 nows, gudgeon Sy Sec. to put on a small roach, or dace, 
 as a dead'bait, and have been taken by a jack, which 
 threw up bubbles, I invariably found, either that my 
 bait was too large for it to gorge ) or that tlie jack was 
 wounded in tlie mouth 3 or that, however greedy he 
 might seem in seizing my bait, yet that he was too full 
 to admit of swallowing it witliout difficulty. 
 
 These I assert to be the general circumstances atten* 
 dant on fishes throwing out air j and 1 strongly recom- 
 mend to tiie young sportsman to be guided by any other 
 indication in preference to tliis : which seems to be 
 father an adverse tlian a favourable cmen ! 
 
 Of 
 
149 
 
 Of Night-Fishing, 
 j^ Fishes in general do not seek food during the night, 
 ftiough in the very hot season of tlie year, when the sky 
 happens to have been remarkably clear during the whole 
 day, and especially towards sun-set, they will come on 
 the feed at very late hours. Such must be considered as 
 adventitious 5 for we may set it do^\Ti as a rule, from 
 which few exceptions will be found, that animals of every 
 kind retire to rest as the day closes in 3 becoming more 
 disposed to sleep than to eat. 
 
 From this, however, we are to exempt such as are of a 
 predatory nature 3 as the wolf, fox, &c. among qua- 
 drupeds, tlie bat and owl, in the winged tribe, and the ccl 
 among the inhabitants of fresh waters. I'hese all prey 
 by night, and are by no means to be classed with tlie 
 many other fishes, birds, and beasts, which, though they 
 will occasionally feed at night, are generally impelled 
 thereto by certain circumstances, abstracted from tiieir 
 ordinary habits. 
 
 We find, tliat where the tide flows, especially where 
 it is brisk, tlie larger portions of fishes will come out to 
 fe«d, so soon as ttey feel its influence : but we are to 
 consider this as depending entirely on the regular supply 
 of food brought by the influx of the waters; which 
 causes all fishes contained within the reach thereof^ to 
 acquire a habit of awaiting the tide's arrival. 
 
 Ihis will be admitted by CYevy practical angler, though 
 the theorist may think otherwise : the former well knows, 
 that the same sorts of fishes, which, a few miles higher 
 Up tlie stream, will only bite during the day, will, when 
 tlie tide is strongly felt, bite freely, without regard to 
 the hour, either of tlie day or of the night. 
 
 i have had some sport by hanging a lantern over the 
 -' side 
 
143 
 
 Bide of a boat, in a dark night, and dipping with a na* 
 tural moth on the surface, wijcre the hght shone fully 
 on tlie water. In this way you may attract great num- 
 bers of fishes, of all sizes. 
 
 But much cannot be said of lottom-fisliing during the 
 night ; tliough I have heard of great success in this way. 
 For eels, especially the large ones, it is witliout doubt the 
 best time. Fly-Jishiiig is rather superior, in tiiis instance, 
 with what are called moth-jiies -, for such is the sagacity 
 of fishes in general, that few will rise at a day-Jiy after 
 the' night has iLiirly set in. 
 
 However, at this moment w^e must refrain from that 
 part of our subject, and, contenting ourselves with re- 
 marking, that night'fishwg is best practised on moon- 
 light nights,, after very close evenings, proceed to explain 
 the manner in A\'hich various kinds of fishes are to be 
 taken, by means of 
 
 Night' L'nieSy or Trimiuers, 
 
 These are variously made in the several parts of Eng- 
 land, but are rarely to be found of a good constmction; 
 For the most part, they consist either of double or single 
 hooks, fastened on to brass wires, called guards. 
 
 These are intended to prevent the escape of fishes 
 caught on the hooks, which being chiefly of the pre-^ 
 datory classes, and consequently well furnished with 
 teeth, would knaw any common line asunder. 
 
 The fishes usually caught by night- lines, are eels, 
 jacks, Irouts, and perch, ail of which take a worm, or 
 a dead-Laii -, but when the farmer are used, other game 
 will at times be found on the hooks ; and not unfre-' 
 quently the worm will be nibbled off by mimiowsj, 
 &c. &c. 
 
 The 
 
144 
 
 The day 'trimmer is made by cutting two deep grooves 
 ?n the opposite edges of a bung, or large piece of cork. 
 The end of a long line being fastened to the bung, tlie 
 line is wound on it, until only a few inches are pendant ; 
 so that the bait may float at any desired depth. The 
 bung, Sec. being thrown into a clear part of a pond, 
 when a fish takes tlie bait, he will not be impeded -, as 
 the line will run off the revolving bung, which remains 
 as a guide to the fish*s locality. Trimwers of this kind 
 are more particularly applicable to jacks and perch. 
 
 I should observe, that, properly speaking, trimmers, 
 fo called from their very rarely allowing any fish that 
 gorges the bait to escape, apply more particularly to the 
 double-hooks made on one wire -, so that tlie brass i^uarcl 
 may pass through^ and form a kind of hinge j the guards 
 fhould also have joints in their middles 5 forming by 
 tliis means two links 3 so as to render the tickle more 
 pliant than if all in one length, stiffly fastened on by 
 whipping to the hook. 
 
 Such are more advantageous in some respects, but 
 they are not so good for eels as the plain, straight, 
 guarded trimmer -^ which those fish cannot so easily 
 manage to break as they do such as have hinges. 
 
 Persons unacquiiinted with the vigor and pliancy of 
 the eel, would be apt to think such substantial trimmers, 
 as are sometimes offered for sale, fully adequate to every 
 purpose : but it should be recollected, tliat eels very 
 ©ften are found to weigh from two to four pounds ; and 
 that their power to curl themselves round and round the 
 line, gives such a hold as enables tlicm to draw back 
 their heads from the point of resistance, with great effect; 
 SDd eventually to tear the hooks out of their very maws. 
 
 The instances I have seen of their thus twisting the 
 
 guards^ 
 
145 
 
 guards, so afe to wrench them at the hinges, and allow- 
 ing of escape with tlie hook, would astonish those w1k> 
 are not conversant on the subject. 
 
 Tlie strength of the line, though not to be overlooked, 
 13 nevertheless quite a secondary consideration, when 
 speaking of trimmers. The first attention is due to the 
 ' hook, which ought to be very well tempered, and strong ; 
 as has beeiK^lready shewn when treating of hooks | for^ 
 if it be at all faulty, it is totally unfit for this purpose, . 
 
 Experience has fully com inced me, .that wire-guards 
 are very exceptionable ; and that the expence of gimp, as 
 a substitute, is soon repaid by tlie superior success atten- 
 * dant on its use. I have for some years used nothing else ; 
 and I have also found tjiat two eel-hooks witli eyes, are 
 better than eitlier a single hook or a double fixed trim* 
 mcr. My manner of preparing this kind of tackle is tiiis : 
 
 Place the two hooks pointing different ways, so that 
 their two eyes should cover, or stand over, each other j 
 pass your gimp through them, and bring it back so as to 
 form a lap of about one inch. 
 
 Whip the ginrp well down with three tlireads of good 
 silk, well waxed and slightly twisted together, in such 
 manner that the hooks may have very little play on the 
 gimp 5 as you whip on towards the up|XT end of the 
 gimp, carry the small end, or lap, round the longest part ; 
 so tliat the greatest exertion could never draw tlie lap 
 out ', as might perhaps be done, if the lap were merely 
 parallel to the line. 
 
 When you come to its tip, make all fast, and finish 
 with the concealed knot ; tliat every part may be neat 
 and substantial. 
 
 I'his being done, at the otlicr end of your ^ifw/>, which 
 
 ought ia the whole to be about a foot hi lengthy make s 
 
 H loop 
 
146 
 
 toop thus 1 double down the end for about two inches, 
 -and pass tbe tip through the double thus made, so as to 
 form what is called a half-hitch; bring it down again so 
 as to be parallel with your line, and commencing a little 
 below the tip, whip upwards with your silk, until you 
 come to the place where it doubled in ; there finish olF 
 with a concealed^ knot, but without cutting away your 
 eilk ; whip also a little above the crossing, to keep 'your 
 loop more compact, and to give gicater security to tiiis 
 part of .the work. See Fig. 4, Flate IV. 
 
 Tiie whole of the whipping at bodi ends of your 
 gimp, should be well rubbed with your wax {i. e, shoe- 
 maker's), and the gimp itself will not be worse, either as 
 to colour or duration, if it be smartly, but lightly, rubbed 
 also ] observe, that qukk motion causes the wax to melt 
 in rubbing, and disposes it to cover tlie surface more 
 freely and evenly 5 while the lightness of action prevents 
 its being laid on too thick, and saves the gimp from 
 injury. 
 
 The line itself should be sufficiently substantial, such 
 as ver)^ \l\\ck whip^cord, or moderately thin laid- cord; 
 the length must be entirely governed by the depth of 
 water, or otiier local circumstances ; but in general for 
 a single line, set independently, about six feet wHl 
 suffice. 
 
 At each end of your line should be a loop, sufficiently 
 large to pass a pullet's tgg tlirough > that at the top is 
 for receiving a forked stake of hazel, &c. by which it is 
 fixed to tlie bank. 
 
 The other loop at the bottom, is to pass through the 
 loop at the top of your gimp, when the former being ex-^ 
 tended, the hook previously baited, by means of a baiting 
 needle, is to pass tlurou^h it 5 tlien drawing both the gimp 
 
 ^nd 
 
Mr 
 
 and the line tlght^ the two loops will be mutually in* 
 terlnp'd. 
 
 Where worms are used as baits, they should be 
 threaded on the double hook, by allotting one for the head 
 and the other for the tail of the loh : the centre part 
 should be fastened up to the top of the shanks, by means 
 of a piece of worsted. Chicken's guts answer for this 
 kind of baiting admirably, and take many line eels. 
 
 Where the banks of a river are much frequented, and 
 you are subject to having your lines taken up by the petty 
 pilferers that every where abound, and who delight iii 
 every kind of depredation by \\ hich one of their betters 
 may suffer, you must be careful, and lay your lines so as 
 not to be seen ; therefore in such places tie the cord 
 to the root of a tree, under A^'ater, or to bunches of grass, 
 or to the stalks of large weeds, &c. tliough nothing is 
 more seCiCt or more substantial than the forked peg, if 
 properly managed : it were bcht, however, to get up 
 ' early, lest some trespasser, or passer by, should see 
 the hsh struggling, and save you the trouble of taking it 
 home. See Fiir. 7, Plaic III. 
 
 In narrow water**, where you can jump across, ot 
 where you can easily gc;t to either bank, maay short 
 lines being tied to one strong cord, of which tlie end$ 
 are aflixed to pegs in the banks respectively, answer 
 very well. 1'he lines should be lowered gently into the 
 M ater, and the cord should be so far slackened as to 
 allow die baits to lay fairly on the bottom. 
 
 This serves to entice fishes, wdiich cannot pass up and 
 down without noticing some of your bait5» 
 
 Where streams are broad and sliallow, but the bottom 
 
 firm, no mode is better than that of driving two stakes 
 
 in, so as to be concealed even when the water is at its 
 
 n 2 Io\^'cst 
 
Li's 
 
 lowest level. These sliould be placed obliquely across 
 the stream, that when tlie cord with your lines may be 
 stretched from one stake to the other, the main channel 
 may be intercepted, and the fishes be compelled to notice 
 the baits. In this way twenty or tliirty hooks may be 
 set J or more, if the space admits. 
 
 If the water is of unequal depths, and that the fishes 
 take such a course in general, as not to admit of the 
 preceding modes, a boat will be necessary 3 not only for 
 laying your cord properly, but it to get it up in the 
 morning. 
 
 Going on this plan, your boat should be poled up to 
 the higlier part of the stream, wliere you mean your 
 highest line to lay : then having tied bricks, or other 
 weights, to the ends of your cord (and if it be long, at 
 intermediate parts also), drop one of the end bricks into 
 the w^ater, and lower out your cord with the bait lines 
 affixed thereto at proper distances, say two feet asunder j 
 taking care they are not entangled, and that they go clear 
 of each other. 
 
 If tlie current is not very strong, your first brick will 
 serve you in some measure di an anchor, and enable you to 
 keep your cord sufficiently tight, as the boat goes down 
 the stream. In this way, if you do not stint yourself 
 for space, any number of hooks may be set. 
 
 In setting your line, after it has all the baited hooks 
 attached, throw each hook over tlie boat's edge, in re- 
 gular succession, so as to hang a few inches out ^ the 
 cord will thus be slack, in the manner of a festoon, all 
 along the inside of the boat's edge ; and unless some mis- 
 management should take place, will run off freely, taking 
 the hooks in a regular manner. 
 
 Note down tlie spot where your uppermost brick was 
 
 dropped. 
 
'i 149 
 
 dropped, and in the morning, by day-break, proceed i» 
 the boat to lake your hooks up. For this purpose you 
 should go to the marked spot, and with your boat-hook, 
 feel for your cord 5 if you have a garden rake at hand It 
 is preferable j generally getting your cord with far ks5 
 trouble. 
 
 You must not be surprised if you do not find youf 
 hooks where you set them ; for large fishes, especially 
 eels, wall drag them, bricks and all, to some distance, and 
 twist them into such a confused mass, as will call fovtb 
 all your patience to unravel. 
 
 For this reason stakes are far preferable to bricks 5 brrt 
 they cannot be so well concealed 3 and, as all who lay 
 mgkl'lines are, to a certainty, watched by various classes 
 of idlers, and especially by the professional fishermen^ 
 who cannot bear to see a fish but in their own nets, it is 
 an object of some moment, to adopt such measures as 
 may counteract the wiles of the vulgar. 
 
 I have often found my cord one or two hundred yards 
 down the stream, with several eels and other fishes 
 fast on my hooks 5 and sometimes I have had the mor- 
 tification to find my whole apparatus laying on the shore y 
 no doubt robbed by the fishermen, who watched my mo- 
 tions, and got up time enough to be before me. 
 
 Once indeed, I was eased altogether of my cord and 
 lines, but had the satisfaction to learn, that the thief, who 
 often gave cautious hints of his trick, was sent to display 
 his dexterity to better purpose at Botany Bay. 
 
 All things considered, I look upon the laying o^ night-- 
 lines, except in protected waters, as being a very hazard- 
 ous affair ; and should recommend single lines in pre- 
 fcreiice to many 01^ a cord, li good tackle be used, it 
 n 3 proves^ 
 
159 
 
 provf 5 a double incltemr nt to robbeiy ; for, when stolro^ 
 the lines are easily laid in places not frequented by the 
 owner j and even if dificovcred, it is neither easy tp 
 prove the property, nor worth \\hile to consider it as en- 
 titled to litigation. 
 
 Therefore, single hooks, made fast at the eyes to good 
 whip-cord, and guarded by laying ne^l'd brass, or copper, 
 wire into the hollows between the strands, for seven or 
 eiglit inches from the eye, are on sucli occasions to be 
 preferred ; though they will not prove so killing as those 
 afhxed to ^/w/>. 
 
 I'he reader should not forget to solitit permission from 
 the proprietor of the waters, to stt nig ht-lincs ; else he 
 may subject himself to some disagreeable matters, or- 
 dained by the law as punishments for tiiis offence. 
 
 Those who angle during the day, must, like persons 
 shooting on manors, be warned 0^5 but those who snare 
 fishes during the night, are considered as poachers, and 
 come under the statute. 
 
 Of the Fish-Basket, 
 
 This is an indispensable article ,• for it Is not only un- 
 sightly, but injures the iish, when tliey are suffered to 
 dab together, as they cannot fail to do when strung toge- 
 ther by tlie gills. 
 
 In my opinion, the baskets in common use are caleu- 
 hted only for tlie reception of small fishes -, since none 
 that I ever saw, would allow a jack of four pounds, no, 
 nor of three pounds weight, to lay straight. I have in- 
 deed, seen gentlemen puzzled how to carry their sport 
 home, though they had good sized baskets. 
 
 It is not easy to give any general rule for the form or 
 
 measure- 
 
151 
 
 measurement of a- basket 3 but if ever I have a new onr^ 
 it shall certainly be rather- longer and flatten than. those 
 now made. 
 
 Some iis^lies, sneh SiS- carp, teneh, perch, See, cannot 
 be doubled 5 and indeed none of any kind shoiddy: exce[)t 
 eehy which are not so much di&iigured by itv 
 
 Whenever I get a fish that will not go straight In my 
 basket, I put it hita my net: not that I am partial to 
 doing so ; tW it sometimes has occurred, that I have bee a 
 compelled to empty it for the purpose of getting a good 
 fish out of the water. 
 
 Put plenty of fresh rushes or flags at the bottom 6f 
 your basket, and among your fishes, so as ta keep 
 them asunder. Flags are the best for this purpose, as> 
 they are not so easily pressed together as grass -, which \s> 
 besides apt to cling to the fishes, and spoils their appear- 
 ance; 
 
 - Always wash your fishes after you have taken them off 
 the hook, as they will then keep better, and not dirt the 
 inside of your basket j which should be occasionally dipt 
 ki clear water, immersing it, and drawing; it out with a- 
 brisk motion frequently, thereby to wash out all the filth^ 
 that will else inevitably accumulate, and give it an ofifen- 
 sive sraelk. 
 
 Be careful, however, to dry it well whenever it has- 
 been wetted ; for if it be put into a close situation, or 
 that the fish be left in it, rottenness will speedily follow,- 
 
 Of the Pbcket-BooJt, 
 
 However trivial tlie arrangement of this article may ap- 
 pear at its first mention, yet I know not of any tiling in 
 this amusement more comfortable, or more necessary^ 
 h4 fcoth 
 
162 
 
 feoth in regard to stowage, and to expence, than a wcll- 
 regnlated pocket-look. 
 
 The quickness and satisfaction arising from a methodi- 
 Teal attention to this point, are in themselves sufTicicnt 
 claims to the adoption of systematic regularity : but when 
 we consider, that the incumbrances attendant on tlie va- 
 rious requisites "which should ever be at the angler's 
 command, are thus included in a smaller space, and that 
 they are preserved both in order and in good condition, 
 it seems wonderful, that so many should forego such ad- 
 vantages, merely from tlie want of resolution to l«ok over 
 their stock at a leisure hour. 
 
 It need hardly be insisted on, tliat what is done during 
 the hour of leisure, is generally far better executed than 
 whatpnx:eeds under all the circumstances of vexation, 
 hurry, and their several consequences. In fact, in a 
 well-ordered compendium, every thing comes so imme* 
 diately to the hand, that little difficulty would be pre- 
 sented, were any part of the tackle to require change, or 
 to be replaced in the dark 5 while the possessor of a mass 
 of unsorted, unarranged apparatus, can scarcely, at any 
 time, contrive to bungle together that of which he is in 
 immediate want. 
 
 Speaking of the pocket-book, I should rather be un- 
 derstood as recommending two : for in my opinion, the 
 whole of what relates to Jly-Jis king, should be kept sepa- 
 rate, in a very neat case, capable of containing a few fly- 
 lines y some spare gut to rcipsirfooi'lengtlis, and from one 
 to two hundred flies of sorts, properly classed in separate 
 envelopes of vellum, and superscribed in large characters. 
 
 Also 2i flat-reel, a. few feathers, of sorts, ready trimmed, 
 some different coloured silks on a card, a little cohlers' 
 
 wax. 
 
153 
 
 wax J a pair of small pointed scis^rs, some small sRots 
 ready split, a pair of tweezers^ a few needles on a bit oi 
 flannel, some flatted ^oM and silver plating, such as is sold- 
 by embroiderers, and a little mohair of various colours. 
 
 lliis division will appear the more reasonable, when we 
 consider that persons who go out to whip, that is, to throw 
 the fly, necessarily take ?i fly -rod, and rai'ely equip them- 
 selves with apparatus ^r bottom Jishi?ig-: hence the tackle 
 suitable to the latter mode may be safely left at home. 
 
 I am. aware,, that^ many gentlemen possess rods> which, 
 like ^amphibious animals, ans\^'er both purposes -, but as 
 I was once of that opioion, and am convinced of its 
 fallacy, they will excuse me when I observe, that the two 
 branches of fly, and lottom,fishi7ig are perfectly distinct, 
 and cannot be so very easily blended. Necessity, it is 
 true, has no law, but should never be quoted as choice ! 
 Rather than lose a day's diversion altogether, I would not 
 refuse what I could be furnirhed with ; but I would riot 
 for that reason, say that my tackle were appropriate to 
 ©ne, ^^'hen it were made ex. lusively for the other sport \ 
 
 The loolz for ground tackle should contain a separate 
 division, made firmly, to fit a wooden rack for four lines : 
 two of die lines should be stout, tlie two others rather 
 liner, but all of the best quality. The hooks should 
 never be affixed to the lines except when in use ,♦ but the 
 floats should 3 for which reason, one side of tlie racks should 
 be grooved deeper than the other 5 so that the floats might 
 ky within them. 
 
 The opposite side of the hook should contain a similar 
 firm case, which ought to open at the bottom, instead of 
 at the top -J so that when turned on its ^dg^^ to be closed, 
 the back should serve as a cover to it. 
 
 H5 In 
 
154 
 
 In this should be a small ciearing-ring ; ^flat-reel} a 
 smaR coffin- lead 'j a few split-shot, siviveh, and tfulll- 
 hops, also some rings and splents, all in a folding vellum. 
 A few hooks sorted, a card with several colours of fine 
 but strong sewing silk wound on it, a little collefs-wax 
 in a piece of shoe-lenther, a pair of neat scissars, very 
 short in the points, and a disgorger. 
 
 Your trolling and dipping tackle ought to be m folded 
 vellum, and may lay between two or three strong pleats 
 of tanned leather, which should form a kind of inner 
 pocket-book with a flap and strap j this should be fosten- 
 ed into tlie middle of the back, and lay between the two 
 still' cases. 
 
 Your spare ^w/, and your mounted yc>o/-/<?»^///5 of 
 various descriptions, witli and without shot, should be 
 also in parcels of thin vellum, duly superscribed ^ so that 
 you may know the contents of each without opening. 
 
 Of course your trolling and dipping tackles will in- 
 clude all that relates to live and to dead baits, such as 
 Jiaiting-needles^ sewing-needles stuck on a flannel flap, 
 spare gimp, some leads, swivels, and ever)' thing of that 
 class. 
 
 • As to ajack-Jloat, such as is used for live-bait, you 
 must let that accompany your rod-spud, hutt-hook, land- 
 ing-net, kc. &c. in your pocket, they not smting the 
 inside of the book. 
 
 This pocket-book will exteriorly bear some resemblance 
 to a small cartouch box : for it ought to have a substantial 
 flap, which should fasten by means of a leather thong, 
 secured at its middle to the centre of the flap 5 so as to 
 present two points, going different ways 3 each point to 
 be equal to about a circumference and a half of the closed 
 
 book. 
 
155 
 
 book. By this measurement, the thongs will go- t^vice 
 rounds and have enough surplus to afford a good tie. 
 
 Of Fishes in general. 
 
 I shall divide this part of my subject under two heads, 
 viz. fishes lliat, from their habits of devouring their own 
 species, may be termed predatory j and those which^ 
 from their innocent manner of. subsisting on worms, fliesi 
 weeds, &g. may be designated familiar. These terms 
 will be found the more applicable, when we consider that 
 the former class are at war with the latter, and indeed 
 with the smaller of their own kinds 3 while the latter in- 
 termingle \^'ithout apprehension of being attacked by any 
 of tlieir . own cL iss. 
 
 Under the predatory division we find, 
 Tfie SalmG?i in most of its The Jack. 
 
 varieties. The Perch. 
 
 The Trout in most of its va- The Ed. 
 
 rietics. The Gravling. 
 
 And under the familiar division we class. 
 The C/iJil:, though Iconsi- The Piuffox Pope. 
 
 der this asratlier doubtiul. The Rudd or Finscale. 
 The Tench. Vhq Char. 
 
 The Carp, The Gudgeon. 
 
 The Grayling, The Flounder. 
 
 The Bream. The Smelt. 
 
 The Barlel. The Lamprey. 
 
 The Roach . ' The Mu llet. 
 
 The Dace. The Bleak. 
 
 The fishes which are caught in the bays, and at the 
 
 mouths of rlYer**^ when the tide runs up, will form a 
 
 K 6 third 
 
156 
 
 third class, under the designation of marine angling^ 
 and be separately treated of. 
 
 The following are to be found only in rivers, or in 
 lakes, or otlier waters that are fed by ample streams^ 
 viz. the salmon, the grayling, the trout, tlie chuh^ Uie 
 larlel, the char, the Jiounder, and the smelt. 
 
 Again, some are considered as being properly salt water 
 fishes, since they retire, if accessible, to tlie sea during cer- 
 tain months. Such are the salmon, the eel, the harlel, 
 the Jiounder, the mullet, and the smelt. 
 
 Few of the otlier fishes can live in brackish water ; 
 though the J a c^ is occasionally found among those large 
 moralises near Tilbury, and other low situations, to which 
 the tide has access, where its waters are far from being 
 fresh. 
 
 Naturalists conjecture, that salmon would not live the 
 winter through, if kept in fresh water 3 but I believe the 
 pomt has never been completely ascertained. The eel 
 not only lives, but breeds very fast in ponds, and otlier 
 secluded waters. 
 
 In respect to the growth of fishes, very Httle has, I 
 believe, been authenticated : we have fair reason for 
 concluding that fishes do not, like the rest of the animal 
 creation, grow during their prime only, and to any par- 
 ticular standard 5 but that they continue to increase in 
 size so long as they live in health. We know, that even 
 in situations where it should appear they cannot receive 
 much sustenance, they do not cease to accumulate in 
 bulk, and apparently in vigour. 
 
 Very large fishes have been taken out of small wells : 
 and from little puddles, that had no^ the least communi- 
 cation 
 
cation with aiiy otiier wafer, I have seen finefach and 
 perch taken. They were not suspected to exist in sucb 
 situations j the surfaces being grown over with brush- 
 wood, and weeds, in such manner as to conceal the water 
 entirely. I recollect reading a well authenticated in- 
 stance of a perch having been found among some large 
 stumps, in such a puddle; its body was indented on 
 every side by the pieces of wood ; among which it must 
 have been long completely stationary, since it obviously 
 had gi'own considerably ih that situation. 
 
 The question is, how it subsisted so as not only to exist, 
 but to thrive ? We cannot but conclude, tliat all waters^ 
 especially when stagnant, contain or generate a consider- 
 able quantity of nourishment, whether vegetable or ani- 
 mal, on which hshes subsist when no other aliment 
 offers. 
 
 Fishes are extremely hardy, so far as relates to bites, 
 bmises, &c. It is by no means uncommon to find them 
 witii large scars, which can easily be distinguished 
 among their scales, and sometimes with broken backs. 
 I have caught one w^anting a gill-cover, and have seen a 
 few from which a pectoral fin had been taken. 
 
 Some kinds of fishes may be considered as amphibious ; 
 ihns the carp, the eel, the jack, and the tench, will all 
 bear removal to many miles distance, if properly treated. 
 
 There are males and females in every kind of iish j but 
 the latter are by far tlie most numerous } they are ordinarily 
 known by having roes in the spawning season 3 whereas 
 the males contain only a card-like substance, called the 
 milt, or meU, Alniost all kinds of fishes are in season 
 when about to spawn. 
 
 The ed never contains any roe^ which gave rise to 
 
 many 
 
155 
 
 many absurd conjectures, of which tlie ivater-guacB 
 did not fail to take advantage, by publishing various re*- 
 cipes for breeding eels from horses' or fioin human, hair y 
 from blood, from detsy turts> and a thousand other such 
 ridiculous nostrums ! 
 
 The fact is, that tlie edis of the viviparous class ; that 
 is, produces its young alive, without the tc rmation and 
 digestion ofspaivn : but of this more will be said in its 
 proper place. 
 
 However singular my opinion may be, yet I have fre* 
 quently thought, that fishes at certain periods of their 
 lives moulted, or cast their scales. I- have caught several> 
 especially dace, wlwch appeared quite sickly, and had 
 few or n» scales on them, {lK)ugh there seemed to he new 
 enes issuing from the matrices , or cells, in which the old 
 scales had been fixed. 
 
 This might have proceeded from disease; but when. 
 we reflect, that the lobster is said to be in tlie habit of 
 changing Its sheM, and that all tlie serptnt tribe (which 
 approach vcr\' closely to fishes hi tlieir nature and oste- 
 olog}'-) cast their skins every year; perhaj s my conjecture 
 may appear to be in some measure correct. 
 
 I have heard, that the gold and sik er fishes kept in 
 vases, at stated times change their appearance i» such a 
 manner, as contributes to support my opinion. 
 
 If fishes do wo:^/^, they are, doubtless, at such times 
 cut of season, and unfit for the table : indeed, we may 
 take it as a pretty general rule, that such kinds of fishes 
 as afford most play when hooked, are firmest in theit 
 fiesh 5 and tliat such of those strong kinds as chance to 
 make but little resistance, are proportionabiy flabby, and 
 \inpalatable, 
 . * Be^idesj 
 
}5» 
 
 Besides, all fishes that are what we term " out of sea- 
 son/* that is, whose flesh loses its firmness, and in some 
 kinds its colour, are more or less in a state of periodical 
 disease j and when hooked, not only fail to display their 
 usual vigour, but even ap})ear divested of that brilliancy 
 they derive from health and good eonditioa. 
 
 I shall, in tlie description of eaeh fish respectively, in-^ 
 form die learner at what times they are out of season ; an 
 ©bject of some importance, since it is then next to useless 
 angling for them, as they neither take die bait freely^, 
 nor are worth sending to the kitchen. 
 
 One observation should, however, be carried in mind^ 
 viz. that all fishes in ponds are more or less valuable, ac« 
 cording to the extent of their waters, and as the bottoms 
 are more or less gravelly and firm. Such fishes as are bred 
 in spacious deep basons, or lakes, whose bottoms are not 
 muddy, approach nearly in perfection to diose found in 
 streams. 
 
 The larger and more rapid the stream, especially if the 
 waters be clear, and not iinprcgnated with any mineral, 
 or other deleterious matter, the larger and more vigorous 
 will the fishes be, and, as before observed, their firmness 
 will correspond with their vigour. 
 
 Some kinds of fish are apt to be muddy, even when 
 taken from waters that are tolerably pure } of this the 
 tenck is a conspicuous instance. All eels that have very 
 yellow bellies, and generally those fishes whose scales are 
 of a duller colour than others of their kind, may be sus- 
 pected of a muddy flavour. 
 
 This, however, may be chiefly, if not entirely, re- 
 moved, by keeping them alive in a tub, or other capa- 
 cious reser\'C«lr, of cler,r water j in t\^-o or three days, es- 
 pecially 
 
169 
 
 peciaHy If the water be cliaiiged^ they will become per^ 
 fectly sweet. 
 
 If you have not the means of keeping tliem alive, take 
 out their eyes as soon as possible^ and fill the sockets with 
 fine white salt. TIms will divest them in some measure 
 of their muddy taste, and cause them to eat firm : they 
 will also keep much better when thus treated. 
 
 Above all tilings, never keep dead fishes in water ; it 
 h the sure way to- make them decay. Sprinkling witli« 
 cold water now and then, keep» them cool and pliant 5. 
 but, to -say the most, fiiesh-water fishes will" not keep 
 long ; they ought to be eaten soon after they are caught. 
 
 Having said thus much regarding ^fishes in general, I 
 
 fchall now proceed to describe them in detail, giving pio- 
 
 per directions how, and where, to- angle for them > and: 
 
 explaining their several peculiar habits^,, and times of 
 
 spawning. 
 
 Of the Salmon. 
 
 Whether for size, comparative v/eight of fiesh, or 
 Itavour, tlie salmon may be considered as the most valu- 
 able of ail the libiies tliat come w-itliiu the ordinary coui'se 
 ©f angling. Naturalists reckon 2(; species of tliis genus, 
 but that vvhich comes uiider present notice is the Saimcf 
 ^alar, or common salmon, such as is sold at the fish- 
 mongers', and is sent from various parts of the kingdom, 
 pickled in small tubs, under the \s'ell-known name of 
 •' Newcasde salmon.'* 
 
 This fish is found in almost every river that has com- 
 munication with the sea ; it is partial to those clear rapid 
 streams that characterize most hilly countries, such as 
 those in Scotland, Wales, &c. where salmon have been 
 caught in prodigious abundance. . 
 
 Salmon 
 
Ml 
 
 Salmon are frequently pursued by the porpoise and the 
 tunny, both of which destroy great numbers, as they 
 return towards the inlets and mouths of rivers, after their 
 winter's excursion to sea : indeed both porpoises and 
 tunnies have occasionally been caught in the higher parts of 
 rivers, where they have ventured in pursuit of the salmon^ 
 
 In the spring, the salmon may be seen darting up the 
 rivers in numbers j they generally take their course 
 through the strongest parts of the water, and if they meet 
 vith any impediment, siich as a weir, a dam^ or a fall, 
 feap over in a surprising manner : nor are they easily dis- 
 couraged by one or more failures j. on the contrary, 
 uiiethcr actuated by instinct, or by emulation, they re- 
 fbuWe their efforts, and seldom in the end fail of success^ 
 
 Many are ^ol while in the act of leaping, as it is 
 called 5 and numbers are caught in nets, suspended in 
 such manner under the fall, as to receive such fishes as 
 may not be successful in their attempts to reach the higher 
 water. 
 
 The manner in which the salmon leaps is singular : it 
 descends deep into the water, and turning its head towards 
 the fall, makes upwards with all Its force ; but, as it 
 reaches the surface, brings its tail up to its mouth, and, 
 using^ it as a spring, casts itself towards the height to be 
 surmounted. I have frequently seen them in this manner 
 ascend about ten or eleven feet, but I have read of their 
 leaping much higher. 
 
 It is wonderful that, on arriving at the top of the fall> 
 the impetuosity of the current does not hurry them back 
 to tlie lower water .* this very seldom, or never, occurs ; 
 on the contrary, so soon as the sahnon feels the element, 
 he instinctively opposes himself to tlie stream with such a 
 
 readiness. 
 
162 
 
 readiness, arx^ such astonishing rapidity, as strongly 
 ^'iace his powers. 
 
 Salmon grow to a great si>ze, sometimes reachiHg to 
 upwards of 70 pounds in weight y but such are very un- 
 common : their average, in great rivers, may be from 1 (> 
 to 30 pounds 5 in the lesser streams> irom 8 to 20- pounds, 
 constitute tlie general- run. 
 
 They are not considered as salmen until after tlie fifth, 
 year, till which time they are known in dif&rent counti'ies. 
 by various names, some of which are applicable to their 
 annual growths Thus, during the first season they are 
 called '^ ^aZ7wo;z-/ry," ox ^' smelts )* in the second year^ 
 " sprodsy" or *^ spurts y' then *^ mortsy* " Jhrk- tails •/* 
 *^ ha If-Jisk}*' Recording as they appear to be advancing^^ 
 towards their final designation^ 1 consider it, however^ 
 SL difficult matter to fix the age of a salmon tlius exactly,, 
 fUid rather approve of the Scotch mode of classing them. 
 
 In that quarter, all marketable fishes,, that is, such as 
 cannot pass the cruives, or salmon-traps, are Galled 
 *' salmon 5" while such as can make their way past them, 
 are known by tiie general name of *^ gjilts,'* 
 
 Cruives are made in the rivers througliout Sco^and,. 
 of those larg(s pebbles every wiiere abundant. They con- 
 sist of a short, but immensely, substantial, barrier, raised 
 in the middle of the stream, by placing the stones loosely 
 to tlie thicJkness of many yards,, with a considerable 
 slope, especially within. At the ends of this barrier, are 
 two railed cages covei'ed over with plank, and. firmly fas- 
 tened. by piles and by aims,, to both the bottom, and the 
 rampart. 
 
 From the exterior of the cages, or traps, two very sub-p- 
 &tantial buttresses of loose stones diverge, so as to ga- 
 
 abuut- 
 
m 
 
 aboiU 200 yards down the stream, expanding at the same 
 time until they approach the respective shores j leaving 
 a channel on each side of about 20 feet broad, but con- 
 trived so as to be very shallow, the main body of the 
 water rushing through the cages. 
 
 The salmo7i, attracted by the velocity of the stream in 
 tlie middle, and by the f:dl (often of many feet) into 
 them, are eager to rush into tlie cages, where they are 
 taken. None but ascending iislies are prized ) as tiiose 
 which bend their course downwards have spawned, and 
 are out of season. Nor^ indeed, do tliey usually descend 
 tiie streams until the fishing season is, by law, closed. 
 
 There being somethwes distinct fisheries for the net 
 above cruives, which belong to other parties, tlie law 
 has interfered to prevent tlie rails from being set too close 
 together; else tlie value of the upper proprietors' fisheries 
 "Should be destroyed, and the produce of succeeding years 
 be considerably reduced. 
 
 As it is, I must confess^ that mismiinagement appears 
 be somewhere existent ; for, wiUi few exceptions, the 
 fisheries for salmon througlK)ut Scotland, especially iri 
 the Ke&s, which \^'as formerly of the first rate, are con* 
 fessed by all to decline miserably 1 We can only attri- 
 bute one cause to such an effect, namely, tlie great rise 
 that has taken place within these few years, in the rents 
 of all the fisheries j by which the fishers have been actu* 
 a ted to narrow the cruives,, as has been done, to my 
 knowledge, in some instances 5 tlius taking fishes before- 
 they attain a good size. 
 
 This is, in tact, eating all the chicks, and leaving none 
 to grow lip into fowls. Besides, young fish, tliough 
 
 the^ 
 
t6l 
 
 they do breed, have very little spawn, compared w itfe 
 those of greater age. 
 
 Thus much is necessary to be understood, by way of 
 checking that very sanguine idea which many anglers en- 
 tertain regarding the abundance, and the size, of the sal- 
 mon in Scotland. 
 
 The simple truth appears to be, that the generafity o^ 
 the waters in that quarter are desperately poached by those 
 who rent them, and who are, almost to a man, jealous 
 of a line being thrown within their bo\mds. 
 
 What with cruives and nets, salmon are becoming very 
 scarce, and will be still more so, if the proprietors are not 
 more attentwe to keep the fishermen from encroaching 
 to the legal measurements both of mesh and of rail!! t 
 
 Many assert, that salmon will return regularly every 
 season to that water in which they were spawned : this 
 1»fl^ be true, but I cannot imagine by what means the- 
 supposed fact was ascertained. A few partial instances 
 Would serve but as a weak ground for a general rule. 
 
 Jn the early parts of tlie season, the salmon are to be 
 ^und generally in the deep strong waters, though they 
 will at times lay upon the scours, or shallow swift parts 
 of streams, to prey upon minnows, and other small 
 fishes. 
 
 During the summer, the salmon basks near the bot» 
 torn in places exposed to the sun, on gravelly or sandy 
 places, but in more gentle and shallower water than in 
 the spring time. About the middle of June, the males 
 acquire a horny excrescence under their chins, which 
 seems to be intended by nature as an instmment where- 
 with to form an excavation in the sand, or gravel, for 
 
 tha 
 
163 
 
 the accommodation of the female, which usually spawnt 
 in July, or in August : some, indeed, later, and some 
 earlier 3 but the hottest time of the year appears to be 
 tliat of tlieir greatest fecundity. 
 
 When the female is first in spawn, she is in excellent 
 condition ; but, owing to absence from salt water per- 
 haps, gradually becomes more and more loose in her 
 flesh, which changes from a deep rose colour to nearly 
 white J while the head becomes blacker, and tlie whole 
 exterior betokens indisposition. She does not recover 
 until she again visits the sea. When in this state, they 
 are called llack-Jis!^.'^, 
 
 The male keeps floating over the female while she is 
 spawning j and, when she has deposited the whole in the 
 cavity where she laid, he, in a careless kind of way, 
 grubs up the sand or gravel, and therewith slightly covers 
 the spawn : from tliat time. Nature is left to do the rest. 
 
 The young fry may be seen about two months after, 
 as long as a little finger, or more ; and by the time tliey 
 have got to the mouth of the river, in general grow so 
 much as to vie with a middling gudgeon. 
 
 I do not think they venture far out for the first year j 
 as they are to be seen, during the whole of the winter, 
 on the scours, at the edges of deep strong w^aters, and 
 sometimes in shoals where there is a deep hole in a warm 
 situation. But, in such cases, they will only remain 
 where the sea flows in freely. 
 
 For some time before the salmon quit the higher parts 
 of the fresh waters, tliey become very sportive among 
 tlie flies that frequent tlie rivers in autumn, and select the 
 more retired situations in strong deep waters. When they 
 begin to descend towai'ds the sea, they remove daily to 
 
 some 
 
166 
 
 $orne fresh spot, and, in many places, disappear sud- 
 denly j as tliough tlie least brackishness in the water sum- 
 moned them to the ocean. 
 
 The time of their return into the rivers is extremely 
 uncertain ; for many are seen, during favourable winters, 
 to run up so early as January j indeed, some liave been 
 taken in that month full of spawn. The generality may 
 be expected in May, perhaps a little earlier. 
 
 It should seem, tliat salmon are not invited by cir- 
 cumstances in any degree respecting warmth or tla\'our 
 ill the fresh waters, to quit the sea ; but that they retire, 
 in all probability, from hosts of thu; natural enemies, 
 which would devour tlieir young, and perhaps tlie spawn 
 itself, were the means left for them to do so. 
 
 After so ample an explanation, I trust tlie leanier can- 
 not feel himself at a loss in regard to the situations \s herein 
 he is likely, at various seasons, to hnd salmon (intleed 
 they do not study concealment so much as other tishes in 
 general). He will also have informed himself as to their 
 probable seasons, for that does not aj^pcar to be }'et a 
 settled point. 
 
 In some waters, salmon are taken all the year round 
 in good condition. These amjmalies, and deviations from 
 the ordinary course, are not to be the angler's guide ; 
 though he should take ever}' advantage they may alFord. 
 
 The tackle proper for salmofi-Hshmg is of the lieavy 
 class. If tlie 7^^ is used, a rod of about 18 feet long will 
 be requisite 3 this should not be so pliant c\9> fly-rods in ge» 
 neral, but well made, and witliout the smallest blemish^ 
 especially towards the tip. 
 
 The wire loop at the end ought to be very thick, and 
 every tiling suitable to die struggle a very vigorous lish, 
 
 weighing 
 
'1G7 
 
 •^relgliing from 10 to 40 pounds, 'must be expected to 
 make. 
 
 The reel should be of tlie largest size, and furnished 
 with a sound line of not less 'han 40 yards long. Those 
 who angle for salmon in Scotland, use a very stout line 
 made of horse-hair, generally black, wound on a cross 
 stick fastened to tlie butt,, as has been already described. 
 
 The Scotch people angle for them in earnest ; being 
 often for six or sev-en hours up to the middle in the 
 stream, into which they wade, so as to tlirow their flies 
 over the salmoiis, haunts. 
 
 Wlien you think the salmon runs large, your hook 
 should be on doul)le gut -, else, with the best manage- 
 ment even, you will i-arely land a good fish. 
 
 Many /a//j of catching salmon w'lXh single hairs 5 but, 
 admitting that such may have happened, under favourable 
 circumstances, no man in his senses would expect to be 
 successful, who had no stronger check vipon the fisif s dis- 
 position to go his own way. 
 
 Indeed, 50/772077 -fishing is not such a finical amusement 5 
 it is a laborious one, and requrresTboth skill and a strong 
 arm, to follow with any advantage. Those who have 
 ever felt a fish of 20 pounds weight at the end of their 
 line, must be sensible of tiie necessity for having very 
 strong tackU. 
 
 Further, the salmon Is extremely voracious, and when 
 on the feed, does not stick at trifles 5 that is, in proper 
 waters. In still clear water, where tlie deception may 
 l)e discovered at some yards off, he is at least as pmdent 
 as his neighbours. 
 
 Under the head of FlieSy those suited to salmon will 
 be shewn ; ihey are best used in tlie middle of cool breezy 
 
 days. 
 
168 
 
 6:Ap, during the summer, and will sometimes prov^e 
 highly successfiil in tlie evenings following sultry noons. 
 
 The greater pait of our English anglers make a great 
 fiiss about the proper tlies for salmon ; whereas the Scotch 
 anglers, who ai'e very skilful, and possess many admi- 
 rable qualifications for the sport, content tliemselves with 
 either a heron's or a bittern's hockle, or the red feather 
 from the wing of a turkey-cock, wliich answer for the 
 wings; while a little tine wool, of a sulphur yellow 
 (sometimes rather deeper), makes the body of such a fly 
 as the salmon seem to relish gi'eatly. The Scotch anglers 
 all busk their own flies, for so tliey call the art of manu- 
 facturing them. 
 
 In the morning, that is, so soon as you can after the 
 day dawns, your best sport w ill be with the worm. For 
 this purpose take two well-scoured lols, run one up (as 
 described in tlie directions for baiting) above your hook, 
 which should be No. 1, or No. 2, and let its tail hang 
 down, and cover the second worm, \\hich should be 
 threaded so as to occupy your hook entirely, and to have 
 about half its length, or less, pendent. 
 
 Your gut t^^y be treble, but should at least be double, 
 for about six or seven it^i. At a foot distance from your 
 hook, put on a swiui-shot -, and before you loop your line 
 on to the s\vivel, which sho\ild, in this branch of angling, 
 be at tlie top of your gut, slip on a coffin-lead, already 
 described, to sink your bait so as to play on die bottom. 
 The swan-shot will keep the lead from going too low, 
 but will not fix it, nor prevent the line from drawing 
 through when a fish bites. 
 
 Let the above point be ever attended to ; that is^ never 
 4o attach your coffin- leadj or any other heavy weight, to 
 
 your 
 
169 
 
 your line : if you do, the fish must drag tlic weight \vlien 
 he attempts to move your bait, which lie will instantly let 
 go, on feeling the least detention , whereas, when your 
 line passes through the weight, tlie fish can carry away 
 your bait witliout feeling the smallest impediment , the 
 weight laying still, and allowing the line to draw through 
 it to any extent. 
 
 A float is not only useless, but an hindrance, when 
 angling for salmon, wdiich will not in general take a 
 tripping-bait, or one suspended to a float. When the 
 water is deep and rapid, you will find roving an excellent 
 metliod, especially among foaming eddies, and under im- 
 petuous <talls, where the salmon leap. 
 
 When a salmon takes your bait, you will feel the line 
 tighter ; sometimes yon will feel a sudden pull : in the 
 former instance, give the fish time to gorge, and then 
 strike pretty sharp, but not violently ; in the latter case, 
 it is ten to one but tiie fish has hooked himself, and you 
 should strike more moderately ; but, in botli instances, 
 keep a tight Hne. 
 
 Avoid, however, irritating tiie fish, and let him keep 
 low do^^^l in the water, unless the bottom be tbul ; if it 
 be so, keep tiie fish well in harid, yet without provoking 
 him to ascend, which he will be apt to do if urged, and 
 will then leap and lash in a very dangerous manner. 
 With calrnness you will soon subdue him, especially if 
 you can contrive to lead him gradually into~ still wa<^^r, 
 w here you can controul him much better tlian among the 
 rapids. 
 
 Although salmon are \cij strong and active, yet I d» 
 not think them very diigcult to manage. Witli a go(;»i 
 
 I lotiom- 
 
no 
 
 loHom-rod, about 1 6 feet in length, and stout tackle, ffi 
 an advantageous situation, the angler should not be afraid 
 *oftlie largest 5a/7«o?z. I consider ?i jack of the same 
 <^fc^ight, to be far more formidable. 
 
 Salmon will sometimes take a live bait, but may be 
 fiaore readily caught by tlie common method of trolling 
 %vith a minnoiVy especially if you can anchor a boat in tiie 
 middle of the stream, . so as to have an ample . scope for 
 spinning your bait across it, as you sit at tlie stem. In 
 this way you may have good sport, keeping an excellent 
 command over the fish. 
 
 If there is a good ripple on die water, the salmon will 
 bite freely, particularly on the tails of strong currents, 
 running on sand or gravel. They do not frequent muddy 
 situations. 
 
 Some troll for salmon with small gravlings, or last^ 
 springs, as they are called in some parts 3 others use 
 small ^ro^^/5. They are no doubt all "good baits; but I 
 have always remarked, tliat though the largest are the 
 most enticing, tlie smallest are tlie most certain. If you 
 play your bait with a quick motion, so as to make it con- 
 spicuous, and to conceal tlie device, you may be assured, 
 that, if the large fishes are on the feed, they will not be 
 long in announcing tliemselves, and will take a minnow 
 as soon as a gravling, Sec. 
 
 The angler, when he is intent on catching salmon, will 
 fmd it necessary to keep as much out of sight as possible, 
 and to avoid moving his rod. This precaution, indeed, 
 holds good in every branch of angling. 
 
 The salmon is very singular among fishes in one par- 
 liicolar, viz. so soon as hooked, or i,etted, it ii<stantly 
 
 empties 
 
171 
 
 empties its masv, in which notliing is ever found. I^ 
 this it resembles tlie woodcock and the snipe^ which void 
 their excrement whenever they take wing. 
 
 Before I quit this part of our subject, I must inform 
 my readers, tliat great numbers of salmon are taken in 
 the Highlands of Scotland, in tliose pools generally 
 formed by the impetuosity of the current, under falls, b^ 
 means of what is caled tlie stangcr. 
 
 This is a stiff pole about 12 feet in length, with a no^e- 
 tal loop at its end, and rings along it, as in rods -, through 
 these a strong hair line is passed, having at its end a very 
 strong double hook, very sharp at the points, and deeply 
 barbed. The superfluous line is^ wound on a cross stick, 
 as before described. The operator lets down the hook 
 into tlie water, to the depth of 12 or 15 feet, holding 
 down die point of his rod as low as he can reach. After 
 allowing it to remain in this position for a litttle while, he 
 raises the jx^iiit of his rod, as far as iie can reach, with a 
 sudden pull. 
 
 It has sometimes happened, that a salmon has been qa 
 each hook \ This would appear a very improbable man- 
 ner of catching fisli j never dieless, I have seen seven 
 caught in an hour j and know Jor certain, that the maxi 
 who caught tliem did, in the course of one day, thus ob- 
 tain upwards of seven scores of salmon, weighing from 
 six to fifteen pounds each: some were caught by tlie 
 head, otliers by tiie belly, or near the tail, just as they 
 chanced to be in tlie way of tiic hooks when they , were 
 jerked up. 
 
 Even in-this mode of catching, some skill was requlreid 
 
 to get the lish safely out of tlie watery it being impossible 
 
 Xo judge ho\r far the hook had penetrated. Eacli fish. 
 
 J 2 wai 
 
 \ 
 
172 
 
 ^vas rtierefore managed with care, and led to tbe stiB 
 Witter, where a landing-net was in readiness to receive it, 
 as soon as ascertained to be firmly hooked. 
 
 Iti regard to the jnnior classes of salmon, their habits 
 being precisely tlie same as those of their seniors, not lying 
 particular need be said concerning the mode of taking 
 thcfrft. They begin at a very early age to nibble at a 
 worm; and, when about the size of a small mackerel, 
 are extremely keen after tlie fly, especially those of a 
 dark colour. 
 
 They frequent the long flat scours on die sides of rivers 
 near the sea ; and \\ hen the .surface is rufHed by a smart 
 breeze from a Mann quarter, towards the autumn and 
 fall, may be caught in great numbers. 
 
 Yoiir tackle for' this sport sltould be very fine, and the 
 flies Off hooks not exceeding No. 6 in size ; indeed No. y, 
 or 8, v.'Wl be sometimes foimd to answer best. If you 
 do not wade into the water up to mid- leg. }'our line will 
 require to be let out to a considerable length j as the 
 fish?s generally lay some distance from the shore, at the 
 edgt of tlie deep water. 
 
 ^ * Do not consider it a wonder if, in casting for the in- 
 ''fcu ts, you should hook one of the parents j \\hich, in 
 guch waters, ^^'ill give you much trouble, by frequent 
 leaps, and lashings with the tall. 
 
 Salmon being often too heavy to be taken out of the 
 water by a common landing net, the gqff^ is in common 
 use among those who pursue this diversion. 
 
 I have already described that instrument, and shiill 
 briefly observe, before 1 j.ass to the next chapter, that 
 the gaff, i)aving a cord fastened at about a foot from tlie 
 upper end^ may le cairicd over the back^ much in the 
 
 game 
 
173 
 
 same mnnner as muskets are slung by soldiers, the other 
 end of the cord being tied to the butt of the hook. 
 
 But to s.a}- the most of it, I do not think a gaff' is indis- 
 pensable j while it is^ on the other hand, a dangerous 
 companion. 
 
 Of the Salmon-Trout. 
 
 Tliis fish, though somewhat singular in its form and 
 appearance, is nevertheless often mistaken by anglers for 
 young salmon -, but it is not so flat in proportion as a sal- 
 mon I indeed, it in some respects is more like a mackerel, 
 and is, besides, more bright in its marks. 
 
 The scales under the lateral line exhibit a pink tint, 
 %vhich gives them a peculiar and beautiful lustre. Besit> •., 
 it is more variegated about the head and gills tlian the 
 salmon, being marked with rich specks of red and black j 
 in some more inclining to clay colour> and deep browa } 
 but such are generally going out of season. 
 
 Sahnon-trouts rarely exceed five pounds in weight* 
 2nd their average may be taken at about two. I have 
 heard of some being taken that weighed eight pounds, 
 but such must be very uncommon : perhaps, as above- 
 stated, there was some mistake. 
 
 I'hese fishes frequent the same parta of rivers with the 
 salmon -, but they are far more keen after the fly, being 
 very sportive and ravenous. They spawn in tlie autumn, 
 about Michaelmas, and immediately after run down to 
 the sea 5 disappearing, in general, from the time of the 
 first frosts until tlie cherry begins to blossom, when they 
 return in shoals into some waters. 
 
 Like the salmon, they run high up the rivers, and 
 
 sometimes work their way over shallow flats, with inex. 
 
 1 3^ pressible 
 
174 
 
 ]Jresi$\>fe HTgour and nimbleness. They are in season 
 when they come from the sea in the spring -, but gradu- 
 ally lose their flavour, colour^ and appearance of health, 
 as their spawning season approaches. Some arc found all 
 the year round 5 but in the cold months they are not 
 worth dressinsc. 
 
 Angle for them after a fresh r or as in some parts called 
 a spit, when tlie water is strong and discoloured, with a 
 well -scoured brandling, or a large red-tvor7B. At such 
 times they often take tlie bak near the surface, espe- 
 cially at the edges of whirls and eddies. Botli trolling 
 and roving are good modes ; but }'our dead lait ought 
 not to exceed the size of a minnoiv. 
 
 When the water is clear, you must try tlie rapid scours, 
 and under milUaprons, weirs, and all small falls from 
 which the water runs smartly. Most of these places are 
 deep where the water tumbles in^ and harbour the finest 
 fishes. 
 
 Your tackle should be strong, but fine j such as a veiy 
 substantial single gut for your foot-lengtli, and increasing 
 it afler about two feel, by twisting two moderately thin 
 ones together very neatly ^ this may continue for about 
 four or five feet more, and then loop on to a very small 
 swivel, whereby it should connect with a taper hair Hne. 
 
 Such win be found applicable, not only to salmon- 
 iron ts, but to all fishes of tliis class which do not exceed 
 seven or eight pounds > tliough with proper management, 
 and vmder favourable ch-cvimstances, it ought to hold 
 fishes of far greater bulk. 
 
 Your hook should be No. 3, where the fishes run 
 
 -large > but where they do not exceed four pounds. No. 4 
 
 will be preferable. As tliis fish has a good-sized mouth, 
 
 ' you 
 
175 
 
 vbu may ^^rij^t? almost as soon as he lites. This should 
 indeed be more taken as a guide when fishing for the pre* 
 datory tribe^ than it seems to be 3 for it is obvious, that 
 those which have small mouths, however ravenous in 
 their dispositions, cannot so soon gorge the bait. 
 
 Of this the larlel is a strong instance ; while, on the 
 other hand, we find that little fish, the miller's- thumb, or 
 bull-head, owing to its capacious jaws, almost invariably 
 gorges the bait at once, and gives some trouble to get tlie 
 hook out. But when you rove for salmon-trouts, you 
 must be guided by the feel of your line, as directed in a 
 former instance. 
 
 This fish does not readily take a tripping- 1 ait, any 
 more than the salmon ; therefore never use a float for 
 them, but have one good shot about a foot from your 
 hook : if the water is deep and rapid, two, or eventually 
 three, may be necessary to keep your bait down. 
 
 When you hook a salmon- trout, give him line, for he 
 is both strong and impetuous : be careful not to let him 
 get down too deep, where the bottom is rocky, or in 
 other respects foul 5 for he will endeavour to entangle 
 your line, and thus give you the slip. 
 
 These fishes take the Jly freely during the summer, 
 but are apt to be very shy when their spawning season is 
 at hand. I have remarked, tliat they are partial to a red-' 
 spinner, and to such double- winged flies as are made of" 
 deep brown, or black, covering drab- colours, or tawny. 
 
 They sometimes take a dropper 5 that is, one put on at 
 some distance from your stretcher^ or end-fly, by means 
 of a short piece of gut, looping on above a knot. See 
 Fly-Fishing. 
 
 The salmon-trout is, however, Hke the salmon j during 
 1 4 the 
 
176 
 
 die very hot part of tlie year> partial to higlily-colourcd 
 and bright iiies : both are sometimes taken 1)y means of 
 the ja^*s iving for legs. But their taste for such is of very 
 filiort continuance. 
 
 Imitations of the brown and of the green locust, some- 
 trnies answer admirably. Indeed, when those insects 
 can be had, they prove excellent baits -, but great care 
 must be used in comimitting them to tlie water, as tliey 
 would inevitably ily off, if the least violence were used. 
 
 Of the JVhite-Trout, WhUUngy or Soivin. 
 
 These, and many more, such as hull-trout, Ucachers, 
 I'ulgerSj scurfis, &c. are all names for tliis remarkably 
 iine fish, which comes up from the sea late in -the spring, 
 and is to be found until the first frosts, when they return 
 to the salt water. 
 
 Some spawn in the rivers in September, and others are 
 to be found retiring from them full of roe ; but as this 
 only occurs where the nortlierly winds prevail strongly in 
 October, we may, perhaps, be right in concluding, that 
 they cannot bear cold ^^'eatller: their very late access 
 from tlie sea is some confirmation of this opinion. 
 
 Some are deeper coloured on the back than others ; 
 but in general there is a brilliancy on every part, which 
 causes them to appear quite white at a little distance. 
 They are of a light bluish brown down the backs, and are 
 beautifully marked with spots of red } a few smaller 
 black ones being intermixed all over the sides, down to 
 the lateral lines, which are richly but delicately coloured. 
 
 The head of this fish is bluff, not unlike that of the 
 chuL ; its fms are strong and stiff, and the tail is broad, 
 but not much forked. 
 
 They 
 
177 
 
 They are extremely partial to brackish water ; and are 
 caught in great numbers at the entrances of rivers by the 
 fishermen, who, when the tide is coming in, carry their 
 nets out obliquely from tlie shore, and sit in their little 
 coh-l'iHUs at the outer end, watching for tlie fish, which, 
 when entangled, agitate the net considerably : their ge- 
 neral shape is longer than that of tlie common trout. 
 
 Some autliors state, that diis fish weighs '* from one to 
 thre^ pounds 3" but my own experience tells me, they 
 generally ruu frou\ two to ten, or even to twelve, pounds. 
 I once saw a whitling of tliat size -, I have bought them- 
 frequently weighing from six to ten pounds; and my own 
 liook has procured, me more than one very little under 
 eiglit. 
 
 From the abov^ description the learner will collect, 
 that the. tackle proper for this fish corresponds with what 
 has been, direeted for saltnon-trouts^ Ho\\'ever, I am 
 rather iudinedto think, that ivhitLings of a. small descrip- 
 tion ruu higher up tiie rivers, than those \\'hich.have ar- 
 rived at greater bulk 5 wherefore, lighter tackle must, in 
 §ome situations, be preferable.. 
 
 The rod ought to be about VQ feet long j not so much 
 owin^ito the great size or strengtli of iv hit lings, -but be- 
 cause they in general lay out in the stream, and require a 
 great extent of line to reach their haunts. 
 
 They must, wdien hooked, be managed Witli . great 
 caution, on account of their propensity to rising out of tlie 
 water, even when delicately treated 3 sometimes in five 
 ,pr six successive leaps, to the height of four or five feet. 
 
 These fishes will take the worm very well in some sita- 
 
 ationsi. therefore, rove for them, if under falls, or in 
 
 ^ "5. cleep 
 
178 
 
 ^eep rapids^ with well-scotired IrandUngs and red-worms : 
 when on the shallo\\'s, if you will wade out^ or can get 
 above them, so as to let out 12 or 14 yai'ds of line, fine, 
 but strong near tlie hook, with one or two shots, you 
 may, by allowing your bait to play near the ground, on a 
 gravel or sand bottom, catch many about sun-rise. 
 
 Towards the middle of tlie day they generally bask in 
 shallows, where the water is rapid and unfrequented. At; 
 *uch times, and during the whole of the evening, espe- 
 cially if there be a ruffling wind from a warm quarter, and 
 between slight showers of heat-drops, tliey are keen after 
 almost any fly that is on the water. 
 
 Generally speaking, however, I should expect to find 
 them rise best at the yellow May-fly, while it is in season ; 
 and at a red, or a black, or a grizzle, or a grousers 
 hockle; the hook being about 4, 5, or d, according as 
 the fishes may run for size. 
 
 You will often find tvhitUngs in streams whose surfaces 
 sire smooth (because tliere is but little current), while the 
 beds are interspersed witli large pebbles, or pieces of rock : 
 in such waters they snap eagerly at whatever tempts them -; 
 and, like the common trout, dart from under ledges and 
 shelves of stones, or from under stumps^ &c. witli asto- 
 nishing rapidity. 
 
 But they have a wonderful faculty of checking them- 
 selves, or discovering the deception, and quickly eject 
 what, in their hurry, may have been mouthed. There- 
 lore, when you find them to be thus disposed, you must 
 be quick in striking the moment you thhik they have takeo 
 the fly. 
 
 In worm-fisbingr they do not require much time for 
 
 pouching. 
 
179 
 
 pouching, they being extremely greedy; but, like all 
 short-jawed iishes, possessing the greatest promptness ia ' 
 ejecting whatever gives uneasiness to their stomachs. 
 
 They may sometimes be seen labouring thus to disgorge 
 your bait, when the hook has penetrated into tlie maw. 
 This consideration should cause tlie angler to strike ix|r 
 time. 
 
 The flesh of the ivkitling is of a liglU rose, or some- 
 thing approaching to a reddish cream colour j peculiarly 
 firm, but not so fat as that of tlie common trout ^ it flakeg 
 like that of the salmon, and requures rich sauce. 
 
 Of the Black Trout. 
 
 This fish is little knovrn in the South of Britain ; in* 
 deed, it is chiefly to be found in the large lochs (or lakes) 
 in the northern parts of Scotland j and I have heard, tliat 
 some of the \\ aters in Ireland abound therewith. 
 
 Tiie black trout is remarkably handsome, its back 
 being of a deep tawny hue> its sides partaking somewhat 
 of tlie same cast, but brightened by a rich yellowish tint^ 
 tliat relieves its appearance considerably. The spots ar^ 
 of a crimson, and of a deep gold colour ; and the lateral 
 line, as well as the head, bear some dots of a smaller 
 size, but at least equally rich. 
 
 llie tail and fins are yellowish red, and, when in sea- 
 son, somewhat speckled. In the water, this fish is beaut 
 tiful : its very short head, broadtail, large fins, and great, 
 depth, give it a certain resemblance to the carp. 
 
 Black trouts are in season, and indeed in most circufl;>f 
 stances correspond, witli the common trout: they are^ 
 however, more powerful, and greater strugglers, render- 
 ing it indispensably necessary to use them very gently. ^ 
 I a They 
 
180 
 
 They bite freely at tlie A^^orm, are very partial to a large 
 bait, being very greedy ; but prefer quieter waters tharT 
 any other of the /row/ species. This suits them well to 
 the lochs ; however, tiiey are to be found in all the great 
 rivers, though chiefly above the cniives, or otlier impedi- 
 ments ; whence I cmiclude, they do not relish brackish 
 water. 
 
 Black trouts do not take the minnow well : they are 
 to be caught by roving with a worm, and with the fly, 
 from the end of May to the end of November : while the 
 snow is on- the mountains they retire to the deep \N'aters^ 
 and are ver)^ rarely to be seen. 
 
 During the summer, they take flies of rather a bright 
 appearance 3 but as the year approaches to a close, the>* 
 prefer such as seem mealy, heavy,- and deeper coloured. 
 
 As^ this fish generally runs from hvo to six pounds, and 
 has a large mouth, your hook should be No. 4, or 5 > 
 your gut very select, and single for about eight or nine 
 feet. Your line very long -, for they sometimes lay at a 
 ^eat depth, and will not rise near tlie surfece so readily 
 as the other sorts of trout, when a worm is offered. 
 
 You will r-equire two large shots, and a neat swivel> 
 letting your bait sink very low, in. the Lochs especially ; 
 for in some the depth of water is immense. Loch Ness^ 
 which abomids with llack irouls-^ is said to be unfa- 
 tliomable. 
 
 The flesli of llack trouts is remarkably fine, not very 
 led, but more of a strong cream colour. When in sea- 
 son, they are rich and firmy nor do they fall, off either iix 
 fiesh, or in fiavour, so early as others of the same species* 
 Prom their being caught witb full roes botli in July and in 
 October^it 1$ probable they spawn t>vice during the season?. 
 
181 
 
 Some, however, are occasionally taken l)ig with ro^ 
 <luring the whole of tjie interval between those months, 
 wliioh we may, perhaps, correctly pronounce to be their 
 regular periods for gestation. 
 
 Of the Commo7i Trout, 
 
 Of this admirable fish there are many varieties j each, 
 however, so trifling, that in describing one, I shall de- 
 viate but little from those anomalies with whieL every 
 thing in nature is more or less diversified. 
 
 The common trout is a very handsome fish, having a 
 %\ell-formed boily, not unlike that of a salmon, though, 
 ratlier stouter in proportion to its length : its head, how- 
 ever, is short, and not so pointed y its eye more bright 
 and expressive ; its tail not so^ much forked y and its fins 
 more lightly tinged, they being of a yeUowiiih red cast, 
 towards their edges especially. 
 
 This fish abounds witii beauliflil red and black spots, 
 \\ hich ornament the body in general, as well as the gills, 
 while it is in season 3 and wliich appear more faint and 
 distinct as it approaches to its spawning time, during 
 which it is scarcely eatable. 
 
 Trouts continue a long time sickly after spav/ning, and! 
 retire to tlie deep water 3 where tliey remain for a long 
 time in a state of languor approaching to torpidity. 
 
 They usually spawn in all October and November; 
 tliough some are earlier, but none, I. bcHeve later. When 
 iirst impregnated, they are peculiarly high in colour, and 
 present a rich glowing tint on their sides 3 in some pink, 
 in others straw coloured. At such times they are excel- 
 lent for the table. 
 
 Trouis are fond, of sharp waters, especially such, as ma 
 
among masses of stone, and other obstructions, causing 
 every where little falls : they lay also under weirs, banks, 
 and other secluded haunts, where tliey find abundance of 
 food 5 for trouts are extremely ravenous, and destroy 
 immense quantities of small fry of all kinds. 
 
 They are very partial to those situations where they caa 
 lay concealed, especially if the long flowing water- weed 
 is played over them by the current -, there they lay in 
 safety from the net, and are ready to dart out at whateveif^ 
 prey may offer to their view. 
 
 The males are by far tlie keenest, but are not so strong 
 in the water as the females ^ which are deeper in the 
 body, and are in general richer and higher flavoured, but 
 not so firm as the males. 
 
 Trouts var}^ in size according to the waters they inha- 
 bit 5 in some places tliey are considered as very large 
 when they weigh two pounds ; in otliers, many are caught 
 weighing seven or eight pounds, and are only deemed 
 Jinejishes, I have heard of some reaching to fourteen 
 pounds; but such must be rare indeed. 
 
 rfhose bred in small streams seldom attain to any great 
 size ; but they become very numerous, and afford excel* 
 knt diversion by their eagerness, especially after ihtjly. 
 
 The largest are almost invariably found in great waters, 
 and in those parts which are frequented by the larleL 
 Indeed, I have seen many trouts of eight or nine pounds 
 weight, taken out of those holes where gentlemen have 
 been angling, with greaves on tlieir hooks, for larlel. 
 
 "When iroiits are on the feed, they generally run upon 
 the scours, being then in chace of minnows, and other 
 small fishes. In such case, you cannot do better than 
 troll with a minnow, or throw a fly over them i that is 
 
183 
 
 to- say, a foot or two before them : by this means tlief 
 have not time to contemplate the object, and are caught' 
 quite by surprize. 
 
 The cool of the morning, and of the afternoon, are the 
 best times to angle for them. In tlie morning they take 
 the worm, but during the rest of the day tlie minnow, or 
 
 Tliough irouts are extremely voracious, they are, neverf 
 theless, equally cunning, and do not run very blindly 
 into a snare : on tlie contrary, of all the river fislies^ tliey 
 are, in my opinion, tlie most knowing. 
 
 Whether it be from the immense quantity of bungling 
 tackle presented to their view, they acquire that habit of 
 discrimination which marks aU their actions, when they 
 have time to look about tliem j or that tliey ar« instinc^ 
 tively subtle, I cannot take upon me to say ; this much, 
 however, is certain, that tliose who angle for trouts must 
 possess much skill before they can command success, I 
 consider luck to be out of the question on this occasion .5 
 for I am fitlly convinced, that he who uses the finest 
 tackle, and the best baits, applying them properly, and 
 keeping out of sight, must, in the same waters, conoh 
 pletely distance all competitors who are deficient in any 
 4)f those requisites. 
 
 A trout-rod should, for trolling, roving, &e. be about 
 14 feet long, very firm, and well mounted in all respects. 
 The reel- line should be strong, but not too thick. The 
 fiook, about No. 5 } but if the fishes run large, No. 4, 
 The bait, well-scoured hrandlings, marsh-worms, red* 
 'buorms, grubs, &c. according as you find the trouts dlS'^ 
 posed to take any one kind in preference^ 
 
* No float, unless in very deep channels, M-here you caa 
 proceed gently by the river side, or follow in a boat ^ ia 
 such case you \^ill frequently, daring hot days, find the 
 trouts inclined to bite ; but you will be more subject to 
 tlie attacks of perch, barbel, and chids, if they are in 
 tlie waters. 
 
 When you use a float, a swivel will be unnecessary ; 
 but I do not recommend a tripping' bait, knowing from 
 experience, tliat trouts prefer such baits as play freely in 
 the water, at about half depth usually j or such as lay 
 near the ground. . But there are waters in which the float 
 is almost indispensal^le. 
 
 Trouts iu-e keen after flics of all kinds, but are particur 
 larly partial to the red and the black palmer ; also to tjie 
 yellow May-Jlyy \^'hile it is in season > the woodcock"^. 
 wing, tlie grouse-hackle, and tlie small brown locust. 
 
 During tlie very close summer c\-enuigs, they willi 
 take the double-winged fly, i. e. deep broiun and drab, 
 as well as the brown and the black ant-Jties. 
 
 The hooks in such flies ought never to exceed No. 4 ; 
 and in the common course of angling, perhaps No.' 5 will, 
 prove equal to eveiy purpose. The foot -length should he 
 well-selected g///, coloured to tJie same tint as the water 
 you angle in ; or if it be very clear, your gut should bp 
 of a very light blue> or green cast 3 so as not to shew so 
 conspicuously as white £•«/ is apt to do 3 when the si^fx 
 shines especially. 
 
 The cunning of the <roj//« renders eyepy pEecaution nefc- 
 ^eseary ; therefore your knots must be very small, and 
 neatly tied down 3 your gut ^ 1 ould be single, but taper.a. 
 little ', being rather thinner near the hook^ and becoming 
 1^, gradua% 
 
185 
 
 «r»*a(!iially stouter as it approaches yoiir hair-line. This " 
 will make it throw with greater ease, and prove far more 
 deceptive to the fish. 
 
 Some suppose, that troiits breed worms after spawn- 
 ing j but I know not of any foundation for such an 
 opinion. All fishes are weak after spawning 3 and we 
 ought to conclude, that such a great change as takes' 
 place in their bulk, almost suddenly, must affect their 
 system in proportion -, this, added to the alteration as to 
 the disposition of those juices which nourish the spawii, 
 will account for that lassitude which no doubt preys upon 
 them at such periods. 
 
 With respect to the varieties of it outs, only one appears 
 to deserve particular notice, viz. the Gillaroo trout, 
 found in some parts of Ireland. This has the extraordi- ; 
 nary peculiarity of a kind of gizzard, resembling those , 
 in poultry, which is esteemed a great delicacy. It does 
 not, however, appear to be connected with digestion^ 
 being more fleshy and less compact tnan a real gizzard, 
 and without any cavity. Its purpose remains unknown. 
 
 I shall conclude this chapter with remarking, that 
 natural Jties, grubs, &:c. such as you can provide in the 
 fields, or from trees, bushes, docks, &:c. are ail excellent 
 baits for trout -, but as they will not bear to be thi*own 
 out at the end of your line, you should put them on your 
 hook very neatly 5 having first formed artificial wings for 
 such as have none, by lapping a bittern's, or a black, or 
 red cock's hockle, round the butt of your hook, which for. 
 such purposes may be No. 3, or No. 4 ; according to th^ 
 $ize of yovu' natural bait. 
 
 Shorten your line, and dip from behind bushes, &c, 
 into places where you think tlje /?'oz^/^ frequent : if you 
 
 manage 
 
1S6 
 
 manage well, success will genenilly cro-^vn your efforts. . 
 In this way you will probably fall in with c Am ^5 5 espe- 
 cially under banks bordered with osiers^ &c. where the 
 water is deep and strong." 
 
 You cannot be too cautious in regard to keeping corti- 
 pletely out of sight, and preventing your rod from moving 
 unnecessarily. The spring is tlie best season for the fly j 
 during summer the trouts will take worms, minnoivs, 
 and every kind of good bait that is properly tendered to 
 tliem ) especially after afresh. 
 
 Of the Shedder, or Chedder, or Samson, or Gravlhig, 
 
 There is a motley tribe of fishes, which are known in 
 various parts by all the above different names ; and indeed 
 by many more 5 but tliese are the most general. Not only 
 anglers, but naturalists, have been somewhat puzzled 
 how to class them ; for they are very various m theif 
 marks, are seldom found witli roe, and appear to asso- 
 ciate as though of one species. 
 
 They cannot be brought to any particular standard 5 
 for they are eiidently of many different kinds. The most 
 general opinion seems to be, that they are the young of 
 the salmon and of the trout in their several varieties. 
 Their being about four to six inches long, when they first 
 appear in the spring, and their being sometimes four or five 
 ounces weight in the latter end of the season, w hen some 
 contain roe, seem to favour this opinion ; especially as they 
 are in the first instance, destitute of those beautiful spots, 
 which come out upon them as the summer advances. 
 
 Whatever they are, tlie angler will find ver>' pretty 
 pastime in whipping for them on the scours, with very 
 fine tackle 5 using small black flies, on hooks No. 7* ^^• 
 
 No, 
 
187 
 
 No. 8. When in the Humour, tliese delicious little fishes^ 
 bite very freely 5 especially when the surface is a little' 
 rufHed by a warm ^vind. 
 
 They sometimes may be seen in shoals, in deep hole» 
 Under steep banks, enjoying tlie sun*3 warmth 5 but when 
 so situated, they for the most part disregard every kind of 
 bait, and after one has been taken, commonly qioit the' 
 haunt, retiring to some more secluded deep. ' 
 
 For salmon aiid ior jacks, the gravling is an excellent 
 bait, if selected of a suitable size. It is remarkable, how- 
 ever, that even when only five or six inches in length, 
 they may be seen chacing the minnows and small fry ; 
 whence we may derive some confirmation to their title 
 to be classed among the predatory tribe. 
 
 Of the Jack, Pike, or Luce, 
 
 This is properly called the fresh water wolf for cer-* 
 tainly it is the most bold, merciless, and voracious of all 
 the fishes within our rivers. It does *iot confine its de- 
 predations to those of other kinds, bitt attacks without 
 reserve such of its own species as it can swallow. 
 
 Hence we obsen^e, that the jack is a solitary animal, 
 not mixing in shoals with others of its own kind -, while 
 on the other hand, all otlier fishes, large and small, inva- 
 riably retire on the approach of a jack. 
 
 Indeed, I have on several occasions been led, when the 
 weather and other circumstances have been favourable, 
 on finding I could not induce any familiar fishes to bite, 
 to try for zjack, and very rarely failed of catching one in 
 a xtry few minutes. Such is the dread occasioned by the 
 vicinity of this ferocious plunderer^ that even such fishes 
 
188 
 
 as it cannot master, viz. salwon, troyjt^ perch , &c. of a 
 large growth, avoid him as though he were infected ! 
 
 One exception may however be made to this, other- 
 wise invariable iTile, namely, that no jack will touch a 
 ftv;rA of any size : on tlie contrary, he will go and rub 
 against a tench ; especially when sickly or out of season, 
 or after being hooked ^ just as though he received benefit 
 or solace from the contact. 
 
 Nor does the tench appear to avoid, or to be any ^^'ay 
 apprehensive from the visit 3 he remains quiet, and allo\\ s 
 the jack to do just as he pleases 3 seeming to entertain a 
 perfect confidence as to his own safety. Other fishes 
 -likewise resort to the te?ich when sickly, or in pain 3 
 Mrhence some call it *' the fishes' physician'* 
 
 The jack spawTis generally in March, though some- 
 times in the last week of February, or in the early days 
 ^f April : according as the weather may be more or less 
 mild. At tliis period^ the females retire among tlie heavy 
 inasses of weed, generally growing at tlie edges of the 
 waters in shallow places, where she casts her spa\\n, the 
 male attending her with apparent solicitude. 
 
 So soon as the spawning is over they return for a few 
 days to the deep water, and during the middle of the day 
 lay on the surface^ basking in a state of torpidity, enjoy- 
 ing the warmth, and for tlie most part, with their faces 
 towards tlie sun. In tliis state they are frequendy taken, 
 by what is called ^' haltering ' or '' snaring,'' 
 
 This operation requires a stout pole, such as is used to 
 hay-rakes, kc. at tlie top a piece of strong cord about 
 two or three feet long is fastened, having at its lower end 
 a piece of stout brass or copper wire, formed into a draw 
 
 loop* 
 
189 
 
 loop, large enough to allow a man's head to pass tlirough. 
 In using this you must look die jack full in the face, 
 keeping your eyes fixed on his ; whereby he will be in a 
 manner fascinated, and will remain motionless. 
 
 Lower your pole very gradually, so that the wire loop may- 
 pass under his level at about a foot before his nose ; when 
 you think you have got it to such a direction as may girt 
 him all around, without touching him in any part, you 
 must gradually move the noose or loop forward, until 
 you have passed his gUls j then witli a sudden jerk, pull 
 tight, so that tlie loop may draw close upon his shoulders, 
 and without any delay lift him out of the water. See Fig, 
 5, Plate IV. 
 
 The learner will perceive that a steady hand, and a no 
 less correct eye, are requisites to ensure success in this 
 brahch of the sport. He should be careful that his tackle 
 is sound ; for when he has to deal with a jack of ten or 
 twelve pounds weight, ^^•hatever defects tJiere may be, 
 will soon disclose themselves to his great mortification and 
 chagrin. 
 
 The M'ire for this purpose ought to be as thick as the 
 thinnest size of knitting needles ; and as it is very apt to 
 be brittle and untoward, if used as it corhes from the 
 mill, the angler will do well if he purchases a m hole 
 ring, which may be had for about a shilling, and put 
 it into a small earthen vessel, filling it up with dry sand, 
 or brick-dust, &c. This being set on the fire, will in a 
 little while heat the wire sufficiently to render it more 
 flexible, and take off the brittleness to which it is sub- 
 jected in milling. If it be not sufficiently softened by 
 tlie first JicaUng (as this process is termed,) let it be re- 
 peated until tlie wire is tough and pliant. 
 
 It 
 
4 90 
 
 ■ It is a great peculiarity among jach, that tlie- largest 
 fishes are the most apt to indulge in basking : the blood 
 of all fishes is cold, biit I have always thought, and the 
 more I considered it the more was I convinced, that the 
 •blood of jacks is pecrJiarly so. 
 
 Possibly, this is occasioned by their living wholly on 
 animal food ; for the jack does not, I believe, at any 
 season, partake of the vegetable sustenance on which most 
 other fishes, at least partially, subsist. This, howeve^^ is 
 completely involved in darkness, and seems to be con- 
 tradicted by the great shyness evinced by jacks at tlieir 
 basking seasons, tliat is to say, early in the spring, and 
 late in the autumn j tliough they may be seen basking 
 even during the summer. At such times they will seize 
 a bait with great seeming eagerness 3 but for the most 
 part relinquish it instantaneously ! : 
 
 When the jacks are thus shy, the angler must take 
 them at tlie snap -, that is, he must be quick in striking so 
 soon as tlie bait is seized. This requires a particular ap- 
 paratus, whereby tlie fish rarely escapes, under proper 
 jnanagement. 
 
 The snap tackle may consist of a single hodc, larger 
 and stouter than any witliin the register, which being 
 fastened to strong girnp, is inserted at the mouth of a 
 gudgeon J or otlier small fish (the smaller, indeed, the 
 more certain), and brought out either at tlie middle of its 
 side, or just before the vent. 
 
 But tlie trelle-snap is by far the best : being made of 
 .three such hooks tied fast together, and secured to a 
 piece of gimp ; which being inserted by means of a 
 ^baiting needle at tlie vent, and carried out at the mouth, 
 which is afterwards sewed up and perforated by a lip- 
 hook. 
 
191 
 
 hook, as has already been shewn under the head of dcad^ 
 halts, tlie tliree hooks behig spread into diflferent direc- 
 tions, it is a thousand to one but that tlie ;ac^ is hooked. 
 See Figs, 2, 3, and 4, Plate III. 
 
 There is a pecuUr kind of hook made expressly for this 
 purpose, called *' the double spring -snap.'' It is on a 
 construction admirably suited to the intention 5 and, if 
 in good hands, cannot fail to fix itself in tlie fish's jaws : 
 it is made as in Fig. 6, Plate IV. 
 
 The size of tlie hooks of every description employed in 
 this pursuit, should be accommodated to the sti*ength of 
 the line ; and both should be applicable to the growth of 
 the jacks in tiie waters where you angle. We may in the 
 long run, consider them as weighing under ten pounds -, 
 though I have killed them much larger, and that too, 
 where I v/as assured there was not one of five pounds 
 weight. Jacks y however, are great ramblers, and I pos- 
 sibly fell in with those from a distance. 
 .;. I never killed one exceeding seventeen pounds, but 
 • have seen one of twenty-five, and have heard of others 
 being taken that weighed thirty-two pounds ! Authors 
 inform us, that in tlie Irish lakes they sometimes rise to 
 the enormous size of seventy or eighty pounds ! ! ! 
 
 Whatever may be the length or thickness of )xnar line, 
 you will always find it useful to have a small sw^ivel on it, 
 somewhere ; if within a yard of your hook, the bett^. 
 You should be extremely carefiil in your management of 
 2. jack when hooked ; for he will, if possible, run into the 
 most desperate situations, and try the strength of your 
 tackle, by various stratagems. 
 
 Treat him tenderly, for liis mouth is v^ry hard, and 
 
 frequently 
 
192 
 
 frequently you will find, tliat the hook, instead of ha\ing 
 gone tlirough the jaw, rests by a very slight hold of the 
 point on some tough part, from which it is easily displaced : 
 w^hen such is tlie case, your hook is in danger of snapping 
 at the bend, against which tlie point acts as a lever, ^^'hen, 
 so situated. 
 
 I consider it very hazardous to let a jack have more 
 line than he will run off the redi when he first seizes tlie 
 bait 3 because he \\\\\ to a certainty, if there be any 
 weeds, or other shelter at hand, go in, and lead you into 
 difficulty 5 but circumstances must govern on ever}-' oc- 
 casion. 
 
 When the jack takes your bait, if the water is clear, 
 you may see him to a great depth ; at least tliere will be 
 a perceptible agitation of tlie water, proportioned to its 
 depth, and to the size of the fish : for a jack generally 
 seizes witli violence, even tliough the bait be close to 
 him. 
 
 At all events, if you do not see any of tliese syratpoms 
 you will soon feel him. If you are prepared in the snap 
 way, strike lirmly, but not with a jerk, lest you tear 
 away through his jaw, or break your hook. 
 
 If you have gorging tackle, as described under the 
 head of Dead-laits, you must let him run as far as he 
 may please j avoiding to check him, and pointing your 
 rod down in the direction he takes j so that there may be 
 no hindrance, and he may not feel the smallest control. 
 Give him time to swallow your bait, which he will do 
 almost instantaneously, if he be of a good size, and not 
 too full of other preyj as sometimes happens. 
 
 In general, 2ijack will lay quiet while he pouches the 
 bait 3 but if it be too large, or that any other Jac^ be in 
 
 sight, 
 
193 
 
 sight, he will run witli it until he can lay concealed^ so 
 as to turn and chuck it about according to his fancy. 
 
 You should make it a constant rule to give alundance 
 <f time, and not to le sparing of Hue, in tlie first in- 
 stance 3 for though a large jack may bolt the bait so soon 
 as seized, tJie snajor part of tl:iem, more particularly 
 where they average from one to three pounds only, will 
 -require -eonie time, l/at them lay a few minuter, say 
 about four or dve, and then so soon as tliey move, strike, 
 and manage with caution. 
 
 If, ho\^'e\er, after laying a minute more or less, or per- 
 haps two mitiutes, tlie /ac^ runs again, it may be prudent 
 for you to strike .; especially if he is intent on gaining a 
 dangerous <:over. In thi« jou must be gui<ied entirely by 
 circumstaiKes.j fbr if tiie /aiiis obviously large, and your 
 bait small, there can be little hesitaion ; since in all pro- 
 bability, he gulped it do^vn witliout dilfficulty 3 but wheb 
 you have reason to think your bait is rather too large for 
 the fish, you cannot sliow too mucii ktfbearasnce, provided 
 you are hi a safe water. 
 
 On the wliole, you will find the greatest advantage 
 result from giving plenty of leijAire for the iish to swallow 
 the bait : you ensure the prize ; because if he has potiched 
 .he cannot escape 5 and if he has not pouched, you ought 
 not to di-sturb him. 
 
 When a j.<i€k evinces his bulk by tlie agitation of the 
 V. ater, or by rising so near the surface after your bait as 
 to be distinctly seen, and after stopping for a few seconds, 
 shakes your line and runs off, you may be tolerably cer- 
 tain that he has pouched, and i^ desirous to eject the 
 baitj which, if you use a double ^or^e-^oo)^, he cannot 
 possibly do. See Fig. 0, Plate III. 
 
 K / In 
 
I9i 
 
 In sucli cases you have anly to keep a tight line, am! 
 prevent his running among ^^'ecds. 
 
 Willi respect to the choice of s)wp or gorging hooks, 
 you must be regulated entirely by the season of the year, 
 and by the waters in which the fishes lay. 
 
 During tlie basking seasons, the jacks are very shy 
 so far as relates to pouching, therefore tlie sualj tackle is 
 tiien indispensable ) it. is also pro}>er where }ou cannot 
 venture your line beyond a very limited length j for 
 instance, where you dip with a dcad-haitj or have a live- 
 bait widi a float, in small open bre:iks, at places where 
 the sm-face is generally covered \\\\h clocks, tvatttVy toi/, 
 Sk,c. in such waters you would not act prudently in giving 
 much line j but if die season Jdc appropriate in oilier res- 
 pects to iho gorging system, you may allow a Jitlle more 
 lime before you strike, than you would in the basking 
 ^u^asons. 
 
 When you see a great number of \cry small bubbles 
 rising fn m tlie spot where you know, by the direction 
 of your line, the jack is laying, you should forbear from 
 striking ; it being a certain sign that he has not pouched 
 your bait. I request tlie reader to refer to tliat cliapter 
 which treats *' of bulhles in the water,'" for a full dis- 
 cussion of this point. 
 
 Jacks will sometimes take down the water-rat -, but, 
 whether owing to the resistance that animal makes, 
 which I have witnessed to be very tierce (and that too 
 under the water), or tliat the hiiir or tlie scent dis- 
 pleases, I know not, how ever it does not appear they are 
 ytxy partial to that quadruped. I have repeatedly seen 
 the rats pass such jacks as wtxe obviously on tlie alert^ 
 and of a good size too^ witliout being attacked; though 
 
 the 
 
195 
 
 the former generally seemed lo liave all their eyes about 
 them, and to keep close in shore. 
 
 In my opinion, unless the jack should seize a rat 
 about the middle, so as to press the lungs, the former 
 would stand but an indifferent chance, in regard to mak- 
 ing a meal. As to mice, they staiKi no chance j tliough I 
 think them a very indifferent bait, and not to compare 
 wilii a good yellow frog. 
 
 I have great reason to believe, tliat unless veiy hungry^ 
 Jacks will not rise to the surtaee : for on many occasions, 
 1 have seen tliem follow my bait until it was nearly out y 
 but not being in time to make a snatch before it was on 
 tlie surface, they Iiave suddenly darted down : on dirow- 
 iiig in again, and giving deep play to my bait, I liave 
 x^Jways liad them at me very quickly. 
 
 Possibl}' the fislies begin to smeU tlie trick as tl:e bait 
 retires Irjm the deep •, ^v]lcn, even tliough they should 
 not see tl)c angler, they feel some diffidence, cot to be 
 overcome but by a keen appetite. 
 
 I do not knovv' any branch of angling that requires 
 more patience, temi>er, and skill, tlian jack-f.sh'm^, A 
 knowledge of the mo.st likely haunts is easily attained ; 
 for jacks wiW seldom remain in tlie clear parts of the wa- 
 ter, mil ess in search of prey ; tl:ey prefer what are calkd 
 *' llack-naicr^y' i.e. such as either being overhung by 
 arborage, or banks; are shady and gloomy; or where 
 there are deep holes among, or near to, heavy masses of 
 weed. But when on the feed Uicy occasionally frequent 
 the shallows ; laying concealed among nishes, iiags, or 
 shaded hollows -, from .which tliey dait fortli upon Kl^iit- 
 ever tiiey think they can swallow. 
 
 ^2 It 
 
1% 
 
 Jt IS sometimes highly interesting to watch the mo- 
 tions of these depredators, when they get on tlie shal- 
 lo\\'s in pursuit of dacCf gravJhigSy &c. I'hey sometimes 
 are so extremely eager, as to run absolutely out of their 
 clement, and to lay exjwsed on tlie shore. But tliey 
 are very alert in gaining the water. I have seen several 
 large jacks so situated; indeed I ha\e kno^\'n one of 
 more tlian six pounds weight, to be caught by a boy, 
 who put his foot on him and lifted him \ery neatly. 
 
 Here it is proper to observe, that iijack has remarkable 
 sharp teeth, both in his jaws and on his tongue ; ^nd 
 that his bite is extremely severe ! On this account, it is 
 dangerous to handle him for the purpose of taking the 
 hook out, as you would do \\'ith other fishes. Tiie only 
 safe way is to take him by tlie eyes, pressing your thumb 
 and finger strongly into their sockets. 
 
 If the jacks are very large, tlie sjiarc is an admirable 
 aid 5 for when once you have them haltered, and fast by 
 the eyes, you can manage them well enough. 
 
 When you want to get your hook out of the /arA's jaws, 
 turn him on his side, and set the hollow of your foot close 
 behind his gills; then, -with your sfrnd, A^rench open his 
 mouth, and inti'oduce your disgorger. 
 
 If the hooks are in the maw, as they usuall)^ are under 
 the gorging system, open the fish's stomach about the 
 middle, and you will be about opposite to, or rather under 
 tlie points; so tiiat your gimfy \\ill be safe. Cut away tlie 
 parts that are hooked, and unslipping the knot tliat holds 
 the gimp to the reel-line, draw your bait, hooks, and 
 gimp, all through the aperture you made in die stomach, 
 yhis will disfigure the fish far less tjian cutting down 
 
107 
 
 the jaws, until the hooks can be got out thirough tlie 
 mouth. 
 
 In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, I must re- 
 quest my reader to look back to the directions regarding 
 live and dead baits, where he will find many particulars 
 immediateh relating to this part of the subject. They 
 are of tiie greatest moment, and should be completely 
 underiitocd^ else little success can be expected mjach" 
 lishing. 
 
 I dwell a little on this point, because I hold this chap- 
 ter to relate to one of the most pleasing branches of the 
 art 3 and from the conviction that a good jack-Jis her will 
 not fail, with common attention^ to become expert in all 
 the other branches. 
 
 I shall now offer a plan for catching jacks in th«;c 
 waters, where, owing to the borders being either long, 
 sliallow marshes, or to the immense quantity of flags, 
 &c. which grow in the water, it is utterly impossible to 
 use a rod, or any ordinary tackle. My mode is peculiarly 
 applicable to those lakes and streams thus situated, but 
 -which are not more than forty or fifty yards wide, and 
 whose channels or middles are tolerably clear. My in- 
 variable success enables me to recommend it to tlie angler's 
 attention. 
 
 Take a strong compact line, such as is used for hang- 
 ing w indow-leads ; in length, equal to the utmost breadtii 
 of the water you mean to fish in. At each end fasten on a 
 slight pole, about seven feet long ; and on each pole fasten 
 a reel of ratlier a Lirge size, so as to hold abundance of 
 line. 
 
 On the cord, at about ten feet on each side of its cen- 
 
 tre (or in the centre, if you use only one reel), tie a ne^t 
 
 ».3 httle 
 
198 
 
 Rttlc Hock with a pulley in it : this need not be more than 
 suffictent io pass a reel-line. 
 
 Each reel-line is to *be passed tliroiigh that I'lock 
 which is nearest to it j and then to be made fast to 
 either snap or go/g'nig tackle, as you may judge proper 
 (see Plate V. Fig. 1.) 3 but well loaded. 
 
 All being ready, draw your cord tight, and begin 
 •At the end of the lake, or if it be a river, let one person 
 cross to the opposite side with one of the poles in his 
 hand, carried upright. 
 
 The two persons holding the poles being opposite to' 
 each other, on different sides of the water, move on at 
 the same pace, the poles overtopping the rushes, &c. and 
 the baits lowered down into tlie water, to such depth as 
 may be proper. 
 
 When any weeds, &G. may be in the way of eitlier 
 hook, the persoii to whose reel it is attached, winds it 
 up, or lifts his pole 5 as may be requisite. 
 
 The motion of the cord occasions the baits to pby ad- 
 mirably, and seldom fails to attract snch jacks as get a 
 sight of tliem. So soon as one takes the bait, he is ma- 
 ii.'iged precisely the same as in any other situation ^ the 
 two pole-bearers fixing their poles on the ground, and 
 straining to keep the cord tight. 
 
 In fhi8 manner the jack is soon exliausted ; the elas- 
 ticity of tlie cord being extremely distressing to him. 
 "When he is overcome, the two persons may retire to 
 such place as may be convenient for landing him. 
 
 If it be a pond, no difficulty occurs, but in lakes and 
 streams, it may be necessary to tiike olf the reel from 
 that bait which is at liberty, and fastening its line to the 
 butt of its pole^ to veer away, until he whose line holds 
 
 the 
 
199 
 
 ihejach, Tiiay have secured his prize. The reel-line will 
 tiion draw the pole back^ and the operation can be con- 
 tinued. 
 
 Obser\ e^ however, that the flat-reels I invented are par- 
 ticularly applicable to this device ; as they direct the line 
 every way. 
 
 Barrel-reels, however, answer extremely well for this 
 purpose, if at the top of each pole, a small block or pul- 
 ley be fastened, to direct the line up thereto 3 whence it 
 \v\[\ afterwards run along parallel with the cord, until irs 
 passing through the pulley in the middle 5 from whicfr 
 the bait is suspended in the water. 
 
 It should further be obser\^ed, that in drawing tlic 
 baits through waters whose banks are perfectly free from 
 bushes, and other impediments, the two persons manag- 
 ing tile tackle may tie the cord ends round their waists j 
 and have the reels upon short batons or on walking sticks. 
 In this way they could stretch the cord very tight. 
 
 Under the head of ''floats,** the reader will find tlie 
 description given of what are called fox- kouncls, oxflijing- 
 ^floats } these are made of bladders^ to which baits are 
 suspended, and are sent to sail, as it were, on extensive 
 waters. By such means it is said, that very large Jac^^ 
 are taken : I never tried that method in the way there 
 described 3 but have found a bladder-float excellent in 
 jack-fishivg with live-baits 3 and also with dead-laits, 
 when there has been a strong wind at my back. 
 
 All you require is, to tie the line to the neck of the 
 bladder, leaving sufficient of it below for the bait, and 
 after casting both the bladder and the bait, clear of the 
 V eeds, Scc. near the shore, to ve^r out as much line as 
 you may judge proper 3 then fasten down with a stake, &:c. 
 k4 In 
 
20€ 
 
 In this nrcinner the ^vind will drive the bladdtr about, and 
 give the bait good motion. 
 
 '.rhough jacks ^viIl take both live and dead fish, and 
 frogs, rats, &c. yet they will at times bite freely at the 
 worm. I have often been in a ticklish dilemma, by 
 their attacking the bait intended for some of the fa7niliar 
 tribe 3 my only chance was, to make a bold effort, and 
 to pull the partly unwelcome visitor, without ceremony 
 on to a sliallow,. where I could seize on him with my 
 hands : or if I could get at my landing net, to raise tlie 
 jack up to the suriiice as soon as possible, and during hig 
 Ftmggle to get the net under him. 
 
 I iiave succeeded in both ways at times, but only with 
 moderate sized fishes ; such as were under two pounds. 
 When they have been larger, I could not treat them so 
 roughly, and always had the mortification to see them 
 cut my gut, and go off with my hook. 
 
 When I have not been able by any mean6 to obtain 
 small fishes for bait (a thing that will now and then hap- 
 pen), 1 Ixave hadrecourse, and with occasional good result, 
 to iinother device of my own invention. 
 
 Observing that jacks were very fond of a large bait^ 
 :uid that they would snap at guts. Sec. tlirown into the 
 water, it occurred to me that a very large bait of worms 
 would answer well. Accordingly I took two pieces of 
 gimp, of equafl lengths, about two feet each, and at the 
 four ends set on four very stout hooks , such as I use in 
 my snap tackle. I then doubled the two gimps in the 
 middle, and fastening on a strong swivel, fixed it to my 
 line firmly by a draw-loop. 
 
 The four hooks were each baited with two large lol'S, 
 and tlie whole were kept together by a tie just above 
 
 them ; 
 
201 
 
 them J taking care that the hooks stood back to back ; 
 all pointing outwards. In this manner I took the jacks 
 citlier at the snap, or otherwise j just as I judged proper : 
 and caught some very respectable fishes. 
 
 I found it necessary, in some waters, to have a piece 
 of thin sheet-lead carried once or twice round my gimps 
 at a fevv' inches above the worms, in order to give them 
 good play. I also caught one very fine perch in this 
 manner. 
 
 Tlie pater-jioster, or many hooks on one line, is a VQry 
 common apparatus among the country people ; who pull 
 out the fishes they hook witliout any mercy, sometimes 
 lifting large jacks of ten or twelve pounds, clear over 
 their heads. 
 
 The crown-nety as it is called, is a basket about three 
 feet in diameter, which is thrown by those who frequent 
 tlie fens in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, into the 
 sliallows 5 where numbers of jacks generally lay. The 
 basket kis a round hole at the top, through which the 
 fisherman puts in a stick, on feeling which the jack will 
 instantly display himself. He is taken out with a short 
 gaff] or a harpoon, or witli a small net. 
 
 This kind of net, or rather basket, is in use in various 
 parts of the world, where, during the inundations, such 
 fishes as get into shallow water, being quickly perceived, 
 are pursued, and the inverted basket is thrown over 
 them. 
 
 I can easily believe that much amusement arises from 
 what is termed (by a gentleman who wrote a treatise on 
 angling) ^tt^/77^ • tliat is, driving a goose or a duck into 
 water where there are jacks, with a bait tied to one of 
 the bird's legs. No doubt but the contest must be plea- 
 i K.5 sant: 
 
5?0? 
 
 sant ; but I apprehend, that if a duck is employed, li 
 should be a full grown bird -, forjachs are apt now and 
 then, to take down those of a lesser size, and sometimes 
 to make free with a good si'^ed gosling. Indeed in- 
 stances have occurred of their attackuig dogs, and chil- 
 dren while bathing. 
 
 It is a very remarkable circumstance, tlvdt jacks inva- 
 riably swallow stich fish as they catch head foremost. 
 This no doubt is occasioned by their sense of the difficulty 
 tliat must attach to beginning with the tail; whereby 
 they would feel some inconvenience from tlie scales and 
 tins ', which is not tlie case when the head goes first. 
 
 But tliat little fish, the lonsticle, oi' prickie-back, which 
 abounds in the fens, and in many other waters, swims 
 close to the jack widiout fear, conscious, no doubt, of 
 the security afforded by those sharp prickles on his back 
 and sides. ' 
 
 Nor will ^jack meddle with such perch as, from their 
 size, are able to present a formidable spike on tlieir back 
 :fins ; but they do not stand on such ceremony witli those 
 of a more tender age. When you bait witli a perch, you 
 must cut off tlie back fin, else, though a jack may seize, 
 lie will in all probability let go so soon as he feels the 
 spike ; of which he entertains great apprehension. 
 
 Those who put jacks and perch into the same water, 
 Tinder the idea that the latter will not be molested, are 
 right so far only as relates to the grown fish j but the 
 "breed will cease > for iliQ jacks will to a certainty destroy 
 "aii the young fry : nor will the perch pay more deference 
 to the very young jacks. 
 
 The cunning and boldness of jacks, when they per- 
 ceive tlie inteiition to net them, are wonderful ! on such 
 
 occasions 
 
203 
 
 occasions they \vlll wriggle betv;een the net and the 
 bank *, or they will sometimes use their teeth, witli 
 such effect, \\'lien strenuously opposed, as to make your 
 assistants decline the contest. 
 
 I recollect a curious instance of a very fine pond being 
 dragged for tiiree da}'S successively -, until the owner 
 fissured me he had not left either a perch, or a tench, or 
 a carp, or -a jack, cf half a pound weighty for he took 
 away all tliat were worth removing in a cart every dav, 
 throwing back the small ones. Knov/ing, however, tlie 
 nature of thejac^, and having seen that, while the people 
 were dragging, it v/as possible for them to have escaped, 
 I ventured a small wager that I would in the course of 
 iliree days, catch a jack, at least as large as any he had 
 removed 3 none of which were equal to iive pounds. 
 
 During the iirst day I did not get a bite, the fishes 
 being all alarmed at what had passed } but on the second 
 evening, I caught two very fine jachs, one upwards of 
 seven, the other not quite nine pounds ! 
 
 It must be observed, that I had derived considerable 
 advantage from the cleaning of the pond, which, before 
 the net could be got in, was weeded by four men, who 
 brought a boat for the purpose -, they v/ere nevertheless 
 upwards of two days clearing less tlian an acre of water. 
 My advantage arose from being able to dip where, and 
 how I thought proper : so that if a jack remained, it 
 was next to impossible but he must see my bait ; whidi 
 was all T wanted. 
 
 I have before said, that the UvC'l-ait is by no means 
 
 -eligible, w here a dead one can be used. Before I was 
 
 " up to the trick,'' I used to sit very patiently, following 
 
 tlie advice of some who thought themselves excellent 
 
 K ^ anglers^ 
 
504 
 
 anglers, and watching my large float j but the few bite* 
 I obtained in that way, added to the instractions of a near 
 relation, who is very ex^^rt in every branch of angling, 
 made me try the dead- baits -, wherewith I have since 
 killed abundance of immensely fine fishes ! 
 
 The young angler, when intent on catching jacks, 
 must not overlook those little pools and ditches which 
 sometimes api>ear to afford little shelter ; for in such he 
 will often meet with fislies tliiit will make his rod groan, 
 and put his tackle to the proof. 
 
 At the time 1 am. writing this, a ditch is in my view, 
 no where six feet broad, nor tliree feet deep, where I 
 see jacks of six or seven pounds weight laying in num- 
 bers i but tliough there is not, I am confident, a single 
 fish of any other kind in tliat water, yet I never have 
 been able to induce one jack to bite. 
 
 The ditch in question, communicates writh a very small 
 river ^ at least it is so called, though the spring which 
 feeds it is barely sufficient to turn a small mill,: and its 
 bed is scarcely any where larger than the ditch in ques- 
 tion. It 15 remarkable, tliat when tlie jaclts enter the 
 river from the ditch, they take tlie bait freeiy. 
 
 "With regard to taking jacks with the /ly, I am not 
 able to say any tiling from my own experience > but I see 
 no reason why they should not rise to one of ^ very large 
 size, made of gaudy materials, so as to entice. 
 
 I am rather of opinion with an author who writes con- 
 fidently on this subject, and who, indeed, asserts tliat 
 he has taken jflcii with a fly (or more properly speaking 
 a bird), made somewhat resembling, and as large as a 
 wren j though far more shewy. 
 
 1 have frequently seen a jack rise at a swallow, as Lt 
 
 sl:immed 
 
205 
 
 Bklmmed along the surface -, and as I once saw a Hr^li- 
 land boy (to whom I had given a little tackle with which 
 he was whipping witliin a few yards of me), catch an eel 
 of near a pound weight, with a red-spinnerjiij, I really 
 cannot see any argument in opposition to a jacli$ rising 
 to a proper lure. 
 
 I never have had occasion to make any trial of a fly,, 
 having always had the good luck to induce die jacks to 
 take my iish, or worms, or frogs, with as much readiness 
 as the season, and attendant circumstances, could lead me 
 to expect. 
 
 I shall conclude this chapter with remarking, tliat in 
 the summer time jacks rarely take freely in the middle of 
 the day -, unless in very gloomy unfrequented places : 
 but tliat during the rest of the year they will come for- 
 V ard according to tlie weather and to the situation : we 
 may however expect, that in the winter they will take 
 best during tlie middle of the day. 
 
 I'hey are very averse to cold; and when the nor- 
 therly winds prevail, or that a frost is on the ground, 
 will seldom stir, though you place the most tempting 
 baits close before them. I have already said, that at such 
 >easons, they appear to be in a torpid state. 
 
 Of the Perch. 
 
 This very wholesome and well-flavoured fish abounds 
 in such fresh waters as are clear, deep, and not too ra- 
 pid ', though perch are oceasionally found in quicker 
 streams, and where tlie water is subject to be much dis- 
 coloured by freshes. 
 
 In ponds they breed very fast, but soon extirpate other 
 kinds, being extremely bold and merciless. They are 
 
 apt. 
 
206 
 
 apt, unless the bottom be of chalk, gravel, or snnd, to 
 acquire a very muddy taste } from which, however, they 
 may be purged, by keeping in pure water for a few days. 
 
 Whether in rivers or in ponds, the perch attains to a 
 good size, frequently averaging from one to three pounds 
 each, and sometimes reaching to five pounds. I tliink 
 ihey acquire greater bulk in ponds 3 but have not so 
 much vigour, nor are they so firm, nor so high coloured, 
 as those bred in strong clear waters. 
 
 The perch is one of the predatory tribe, and has very 
 sharp teeth j his scales are not very large, but have a pe- 
 culiar rough feel. His back has a sudden rise from the 
 setting on of the neck, giving that peculiar appearance 
 we call '* hog-lach," Penh are very strong, and afford 
 excellent play. 
 
 You should bait for tliem with two worms on your 
 hook, wliich should be about No. 5, or 6, according as 
 the fish run; or you may use the minnoiv, the sliclde'" 
 lachy or the loach', putting your hook through their lips^ 
 or through the fleshy part of the back. When you use 
 tlie stickleback, you must cut away the back and side 
 spikes, else the perch, though he may bite, will not gorge* 
 
 Where the perch run very large, you may use a small 
 gudgeon 3 taking care to have such a float as it cannot 
 pull under water. The best worms are the middle- sized 
 Irandlings, especially those found in tanners' rotten 
 bark : next to them I should choose the common red- 
 worm, or the well- scoured cow- dung I oh. 
 
 Your tackle must be strong ; such as a very thick gut 
 for your foot-length ; or if you suspect there are jacks, 
 you may substitute the smallest sized yellow^im/), which 
 J find they take better than tiiey do the white sort. 
 
 Angle 
 
207 
 
 Angle for perch in such places as are overgrown with 
 weeds, under shelves and banks j or where you see 
 small fishes skimming about near to deep holes, and in 
 the whirls made by gentle streams. 
 
 These fishes do not seem partial to muddy bottoms, 
 nor \\ hen on the feed do they hesitate to go into the shal- 
 lows. But they very rarely,, if ever, lay upon 5co«r^^ or 
 other very rapid places j unless in the hottest time of the 
 year, and then only to refresh 3 for in such situations- 
 they do not bite well. 
 
 As you should give a perch time to swallow your bait, 
 you may use two or three rods of rather a light construc- 
 tion, and with rather thin lines on your reels. But you 
 must be carefal how you strike 3 for the perch's mouth is 
 hard, and if yotir point comes against a bone, a jerk 
 might break your hook : besides, as he has a \Qry large 
 mouth, a too forcible twitch might draw the bait clear 
 out. 
 
 When you determine upon p erch- fiAimgy you should 
 bait the hole for a few days ; for no fish can be more re- 
 gular than tliey are in attending to such supplies ; they 
 usually take at mid-water. 
 
 Roving is particularly appropriate to them ; at least, I 
 have always been most successful when I adopted that 
 mode ; using, however, small lohs, as the perch is very 
 greedy, and does not hesitate long in pouching the bait, 
 if the hook be properly concealed. 
 
 Perch bite best in the months of April and May j in 
 the midst of summer, they are glutted witli tlie small fry 
 of Other tishes, and, indeed, of their own kind. In 
 September, if tlie weather proves favourable, they are 
 tolerably keen. Cloudy weather^ with a brisk wind 
 
208 
 
 from a warm quarter, are extremely favourable, and induce 
 them to take good baits with great eagerness. 
 
 They do not bite well when about to spawn, which is 
 generally towards the end of JNIay^ nor for a while after- 
 wards. 
 
 In some waters, particularly where tliey are shallo\\', 
 the perch intermix with the dace, and take a fly : this, 
 however, is not tlieir general habit. They prefer a rich 
 palmer, or a heavy-bodied yellowish fly. 
 
 I have taken great numbers by lolling over a h\\<\\ 
 into a gravelly hole, with a natural fly, but especially 
 with a liu'ge caterpillar. They will also take tlie cadbate, 
 when it has attained its proper colour by keeping, as de- 
 scribed in treating of that bait. 
 
 I have read oi perch biting well in the winter, but my 
 own experience does not in the least corroborate that in- 
 formation 3 on tlie contrar}^ I think, after (he jack, they 
 are, of all fishes, the most dilhcult to allure from the 
 middle of November to the end of February, when they 
 will begin to feed, provided tlie weather proves open. 
 
 Of the Eel. 
 
 Although so common in our ponds, and InLind waters, 
 it is nevertheless a sea fish, and only comes up our rivers 
 for the purpose of securing its young, which are all born 
 alive, and may be seen in vast numbers, at the edges of 
 streams, working up as far as they can reach before the 
 winter floods carry them to tlie sea. 
 
 These little animals are cdWed elvers -, but such is the 
 rapidity of their growth, that by the end of the year they 
 will be from eight inches to a foot, or paore, in length : 
 they are then called grii^'gs. 
 
 There 
 
209 
 
 Tliere are four kinds of eel, three of wkich are Ycry 
 common, the other being far more scarce. First;, tiie 
 silver eel, which has a coffee coloured back, and a bright 
 belly; the head rather narrow, and some\yhat conical. 
 This rarely reaches to a pound weight. 
 
 Next, the green eel, which is much flatter, has a 
 deeper belly-fin, and has a belly something of a water co- 
 lour. This grows to about two pounds. 
 
 Then the black eel, which has a very dark coloured 
 back, and a yellowish belly. This often is seen of four 
 pounds, and some have weighed nearly eight ! If the 
 produceof clear waters, running chiefly on chalk, gravel,, 
 or sand, they are well flavoured and wholesome 5 but 
 when taken from foul or stagnant waters, with muddy 
 bottoms, they are not only very unpalatable, but ex- 
 tremely unwholesome, often occasioning the cholera 
 morbus, and at times proving absolutely fatal. 
 
 When eels of any description are taken from such wa- 
 ters, they should be put into a tub, or pan, with plenty of 
 good water from a chalk, gravel, or sandy bed, and have 
 about tliree or four inches deep of fine sand to work 
 into. 
 
 In tlie course of a few days they will feed on crunjbs, 
 malt, oatmeal. Sec. ; and by a week's end will have purged- 
 themselves from that deleterious oil, engendered in the 
 slime they inhabited. 
 
 The fourtli kind of eel is tlie ha^vlis-bill ', it is ex- 
 tremely scarce, and rarely comes beyond the flow of the 
 salt water. It has a greenish back, with a beautiful 
 clear, brightish green belly. Its head is very small and 
 pointed, and the upper jaw hangs o^'er with a little 
 hook. 
 
 Tills 
 
SiO 
 
 This fish rart'ly exceeds half a pound, and is som<"times 
 ra light by turning up the sands where the water is brack - 
 isli. Its flesh is peciiliady wholesome, but rather dry. 
 It very seldom takes tlie worm, but may be caught with 
 the pr.rriwinkle, or a piece of muscle, &c. 
 
 Few eels will bite in the day time, except in deep wa- 
 ters, or where tliey are in muddy holes. Sometimes, 
 indeed, the smaller description of eels, especially the 
 silver^ will bite freely during the whole day, either at 
 the viimiow or the prickleback : of the latter they are 
 extremely fond, but its prickles must be cut away. They 
 are in season throughout the summer and autumn ; ia 
 the winter they are lean and flabby. 
 
 With regard to baits, the eel (particularly the Hack 
 sort) will take almost any thing : they are greedy to an 
 extreme, gorging instantly, whether it be ivorms, gutSy 
 Jish, or greaves ; and, as I have experienced, not even 
 rejectmg the slug. But they give loose to their voracity 
 chiefly at night, when they sally forth in search of prey, 
 and may be seen running upon the scours in great num- 
 bers. 
 
 During dark gloomy nights, and especially when 
 thunder is at hand, the eels bite very keenly ; sometimes 
 so fast, as scarce to allow time to attend to a second rod. 
 
 If you fish on the scours, you may keep a rod in each 
 hand, letting your baits lay on the gravel, by means of 
 two or three shot. All the above baits are excellent -, 
 but I think when wasp-maggots can be had, they are 
 peculiarly acceptable to this fish. When you angle in 
 deep water during the day, your tackle should be stout ; 
 for you may sometimes meet with very heavy fishes, 
 i^'hich ^\'ill not only writhe, and pull hard, but with their 
 
 file. 
 
$11 
 
 iilc-Ilke teclli cut your line asninfler. ' I have therefore 
 to recommend to the angler^ to use very fine gimp of the 
 yellow kind. 
 
 In treating of r//^A/-//7/6^>?, I have shewn why n^fr/zp is 
 preferable to wire j it is proper to add, that they should 
 be laid for eels under banks and stumps, near to mud 
 banks, or such loose sand, or small gravel, as the eels 
 can penetrate into. 
 
 The finest sport may be expected near bridges, old 
 buildings, and especially near to (and rather below than 
 above) large towns, mills, &c. wdiere there are large 
 pebbles and stones laying confusedly in tlie water, as is 
 generally the case in mountainous countries, where the 
 impetuosity of the vernal and autumnal Hoods, washes 
 away the smaller parts of the soil, leaving only such 
 bulky and hard substances as are not easily dissolved, or 
 moved. 
 
 Where there are holes in bridges, piers, and other old 
 buildings standing in the water, and in the sides of 
 stranded vessels, you will find very large eels ; these will 
 not always come out to a bait 3 but if one is artfully in- 
 troduced into the fissure, or cavity, wherein an eel har« 
 hours, he will generally take it. 
 
 This practice is called sniggling, and is managed by 
 means of a slender switch, just stiff enough to convey 
 the bait into the hole ; the point of the hook is placed 
 slighdy upon the end of the sw^itch (or sniggling-rodj , 
 and the line is held rather tight in the other hand 3 the 
 bait being thus conveyed into the eels haunts, the rod is 
 withdrawn, and the angler sits patiently in his boat, wait- 
 ing for the line being drawn further in. 
 Time should be allowed for gorging 5 and when proper 
 
 to 
 
212 
 
 to Strike, it should be done very gently. If there be n6- 
 opposition, forbear to pull, and allow the fish to draw 
 in again. But if die eel opposes the retraction of the 
 bait, give one little twitch, so as to fix him well, and 
 keep the line as tight as it will safely bear. At first the 
 eel will bear hard against you, but in the end will relax^ 
 and come out. 
 
 Violence should be particularly avoided, for it never 
 does good : you may pull your hook through its hold, or 
 tear away the eel's jaw -, but until he becomes tired and 
 numbed, by tlie constrained position in which he opposes 
 you, no effort can be successful ! 
 
 Some, instead of hooks, use snlggUng-needles 3 these 
 are short pieces of steel (see Fig, 3, Plate Y.), on which 
 a worm being threaded, the line is tied round the centre 
 of the needle, from which it cannot slip, if properly 
 drawn tight on tlie groove. The end of the needle is 
 then set into a very small cleft in the end of the rod, and 
 being put, as above shewn, into tlie eefs haunt, by 
 sliaking the rod a little, it disengages. 
 
 The needle is rather surer than the hook ; for if your 
 line be of good whip -cord, and the needle once fairly 
 down in the maw, it must fly across the eel's throat, and 
 have a better hold than the hook, w hich is more subject 
 to accident. 
 
 Eels are not very scrupulous about the fineness of 
 tackle ; but I have always had best sjwrt when my foot- 
 length has been of very stout gutj or rather of iveeel, 
 which I think is peculiarly applicable to this purpose. 
 The hook, from No. 4 to 6, as tlie fish may run 5 very 
 stout, and short in *the shank. With regard to night- 
 Unes, no hook can equal the common kind made parti- 
 cularly 
 
213 
 
 cularly for the occasion, with an eye for the reception of 
 the line. 
 
 Eels swallow fishes head-foremost, the same as jacks 
 and perch -, but they have a canning trick of taking your 
 dead baits by the tail, and of stripping them off the hook. 
 
 I sometimes matcli tliem, by wrapping some common 
 sewing worsted round tlie tail of my dead-baits^ so as to 
 secure them to the gimp y the fibres getting among the 
 eels's teeth, cause him to desist, and to swallow the bait 
 without further trouble. Wire does not answer this pur- 
 pose near so well, as it is apt to cut the bait when pulled; 
 besides, the ends wound the eel, and frighten him. 
 
 Towards the latter end of summer, and in autumn, 
 many rivulets abound witli griggs, which bite very 
 keenly at a worm. They are taken in great numbers at 
 such times, by what is called boblbig. A moderately 
 stout pole sustains a good laid-cord line, which at the 
 end spreads into four directions, and perforate the four 
 corners of a piece of sheet-lead, about six inches square. 
 
 llie lead is pierced in many places besides. A num- 
 ber of thick worms, or chickens' guts, being threaded, 
 by means of a kind of baiting-needle, on a long line of 
 common worsted yarn j they are tied up in loops under 
 the lead, which^ being thus prepared, is let down into 
 the water, very gently, to within two or tliree inches of 
 t ke bottom. 
 
 The griggs soon attack the worms, swallowing the 
 loops, and endeavour to cut the worsted, which entangles 
 among their teeth. In this state, tlie line being gradu- 
 ' ally lifted, indeed very slowly, the griggs will come wil- 
 lingly to the surface 3 but they try to get quit as soon as 
 their noses are above it j therefore, tjie person holding 
 
 the 
 
21i 
 
 tlie rod should caiit tlie eels to the shore w ith a quick but 
 steady motion, so as not to jerk them off: for tlie}' are 
 held merely by the fibres of the yarn. 
 
 A boat is a great help on tliis occasion, as tlie eels, 
 uhen disengaged, give no trouble to luint for them as 
 they do in the grass. 
 
 Thc*re are various devices for catching eels, such as 
 wooden boxes baited with guts, &c. ^vhich being sunk at 
 their haunts, tliey soon enter 3 and not being always dis- 
 posed to go out when they have made their meal, such as 
 remain are taken out with the box, when it is drawn up. 
 
 1 recollect, when I was quite a boy, seeing an eel 
 taken out of a box wherein, from the utter impossibility 
 of its then passing through any of the augur-holes, it was 
 supposed to have been for a long time. The box was 
 taken out of a pond (near Wandsworth) which was clear- 
 ing out, and no person knew tliat a box had been sunk 
 in it 
 
 In all probability it had been left by some former pro- 
 prietor. I should remark, that in the eel were found 
 tvvo smaller ones ; whence we may conclude it was lat- 
 terly compelled by hunger to destroy its own species. 
 l*he fish weighed several pounds. 
 
 Baskets made of tvltheUy or osier, are set in many 
 places at the bottom of the water, for the puipose of 
 catching eels, or whatever may oflfcr. lliese are called 
 by various names in different parts, such as hullies, hells, 
 krails, ivires, weirs^ cags, cages, Jlues, and I believe 
 as many more. Some are small, and are laid chiefly for 
 gudgeons ; while those in use principally among the mil- 
 lers in the West of England, are as big as a hogshead, 
 and are very strongly bound together. 
 
 Thi^ 
 
215 
 
 This latter kind are usually put under one of the mill- 
 gales, or sluices, and receive innnense quantities of eels, 
 w hich, during the first heavy winter floods, come down 
 the streams in their wa)- to the sea. I have heard of near 
 half a ton of cds being caught in one night at the mills on 
 the Avon, between Milfoj^d and Bristol! I ! Some have 
 weighed six and seven pounds! but the average were 
 under twehe ounces, 
 
 I believe it is almost impossible to get eels out of such 
 waters as have deep muddy bottoms. They burrow to a 
 great depth, and are extremely cunning when they hear 
 tlie spade near them. When using an eel-fork, I have 
 seen their wrigglings by the agitation of the mud, so soon 
 as they felt the instrument's approach. Ihey are not so 
 easily taken in this \% ay as people suppose j especially in 
 soft mud. 
 
 I have more than once found an eel some feet from the 
 water, in the night time ; whence I am inclined to be- 
 lieve what is stated, regarding their being ramblers from 
 one water to another. They sliould by all means be kept 
 out of ponds where tliere are valuable, fishes ^ for they are 
 worse than even jacks and perch in destroying small fry. 
 Eesides, they feed principally at night, and therefore are 
 more certain of tlieir prey. 
 
 Large eels may sometimes be haltered, or noosed in a 
 snare, as is practised with jach -, but it requires rather 
 more skill and judgment to carry tlie wire to a proper 
 depth, so as to slip over the eel\ head, as he will usually 
 lay deeper tlian tlie jack, and some allowance must be 
 made for the great deception to which we are subject^ in 
 estimating the deptli of water at sight. 
 
 The snare should be carried over so far as to pass the 
 
 ec'/'s 
 
216 
 
 fers pectoral fins, so that the greater weight of the parts 
 behind them may not allow of receding, whereby the 
 head might else be drawn back through the snare, unless 
 it were di*awn extremely tight ; for the eel's skin is pecu- 
 liarly slippery, it being coated with a kind of slime. The 
 skins of eels make a very fine glue. 
 
 Eels cannot endure severe cold, which accounts for 
 their immersing themselves in the mud, and for their 
 taking advantage of the winter floods, to escape from 
 such places as do not afford them shelter in frosty wea- 
 tlier. When kept in ponds, they usually remain torpid 
 during the winter j but if a number of straw trusses be 
 bound tight at their several ends,^ and be thrown into the 
 pond before the eels have plunged into the mud, they 
 will get into the trusses for warmth, and may tlius fre- 
 quently be taken : if the ends were left open, tlie eels 
 would easily escape. 
 
 Of the Chuh, Chevin, or Nol\ 
 
 We now enter on the familiar tribe, though I really 
 have my doubts whether this lish does not, in some mea- 
 sure, appertain to the prt'fi^a/ory. lam sensible that the 
 chuh is considered as subsisting on worms, weeds, flies, Sec. 
 and is supposed not to prey on small fishes j but having 
 caught one while trolling with a minnow, and having 
 observed chubs at times very busy among small fry, tliere 
 appears some reason for concluding tliat, when pressed 
 by hunger, they are not over scrupulous in tliat particular. 
 The general habits of the chuh are assiu*edly innocent, 
 and its not having teeth in its jaws, evinces that Nature 
 intended it to be so. 
 
 The chub is extremely well formed^ and is altogether 
 
 very 
 
^17 
 
 yery handsofiite ; not very dissimiiar to the carp, but nu^ 
 so deep in the body. His meat is not delicate, and, 
 owing to the immense number of small bones to be found 
 in every part, is not much esteemed. 
 
 Just before tlieir spawning time, tliey are worth catch- 
 ing for their roes ; which, made into a pye> well sea>. 
 soned, and witli a dash of vinegar, are delicious. Tho 
 month of March, or beginning of April, is tlie best 
 time for the above purpose. Dui-ing a fortnight, or more, 
 «fter spawning, they are w^eak, and consequently, flabby;" 
 but they recover gradually, and are in high season about 
 ChrisUjias, at which time the small bones are not so nu- 
 merous, or, perhaps, become more distinct^ and conse- 
 quently, not so dangerous or troublesome. 
 
 In various waters, these fishes grow to different sizes r 
 in small brooks they very rarely exceed three pounds, but 
 in larger rivers, where they get plenty of food, and a 
 rapid change of water, they reach to a lai^e size'. I saw 
 fbur caught under a jvelr in one evening, of which the* 
 smallest we^.ghcd eight pounds, the largest upwards oC 
 nine. Ihey ttfford excellent sport, being peculiarly 
 strong and impetuous. 
 
 When rendered desperate, they will run, head on* 
 against a boat, kc. and make furious plunges to the bot- 
 tom, especially in deep strong watei's. 
 
 Tliey will not lay much in muddy siluations, but pre* 
 fer sand, or those clay holes found under steep banks 
 overshado%ved with arborage : they are partial to the 
 steep sides of the nights (or small islands) in the larger 
 rivers,, jwher^ they creep into the holes made by water* 
 rats, cHcc. 
 
 It is extremely common to see veiy iixic £shei tnkcjR 
 L out: 
 
•^ S18 
 
 out of such places by groping with the hands, taking care 
 to move very gently in the water, so as not to alarm the 
 chubs while they lay sleeping in the holes. They also 
 frequent rocks, and heavy stumps, that lay in or near 
 strong waters j for tlie chub will not stay long in a slack 
 stream. At the bottoms of weirs, locks, mill-aprons, 
 &c. the chub will lay at times in the eddies, and some- 
 times at tlie tail of the rapids. 
 
 They may occasionally be seen on the scours, where 
 they are very active, and, in my opinion, then prey on 
 minnows, &:c. 
 
 From tlie above description it will be seen, that good 
 tackle should be used when angling for chubs \ but, on 
 account of tlieir peculiar timidity, it should be as fine as 
 you can trust to. 
 
 Your float should be only of quill, for a cork one 
 alanns them. Your hook, about No. 4 (for their mouths 
 are pretty large), baited with two well-scoured worms, 
 either brandlings, red-worms, or cotv-dung bobs. They 
 are mist readily induced by salmojis roe ; and, owing to 
 their habit of laying under foliage, whence many sorts of 
 caterpillars, &c. are shaken by the wind into the stream, 
 they shew a great partiality for baits of that description. 
 
 The cock-chaffer, and black or brown beetle, answer 
 admirably; the outer hard wings being previously cut. 
 away, and the insect suspended tail foremost, so as just 
 to dip into the water. 
 
 This is called ** dipping,"' and is practised in hot wea- 
 ther from behind bushes, keeping out of sight com* 
 pletely, and scarcely moving your rod, for the chub will 
 fly even from its shadow. 
 . If you cannot obtain tlie salmons roej usq the paste 
 
 described 
 
919 
 
 described as a substitute : you will find did Chcsliire. 
 cheese, not tlie rottca part, but wliat is white and 
 crumbly, <m: the spinal marrow from the back bones of 
 oxen, or of calves or sheep, answer pretty well ; the 
 marrow should be left in its skin, to resemble a large 
 wiiite maggot, of which, as well as of gentles, cadiates^ 
 Sec, ckuhs are «ager devourers. 
 
 Cliuls prefer rising to the bait ; but if you fish at all 
 under water, it should be near to the bottom, as they lay 
 deep, constantly eyeing the surface. Their bite is ex^ 
 tremely quick and deep j tlierefore, you slwuld strike 
 soon, but ratlier gently. 
 
 In very cold weather tliey grub into the sand, or gra- 
 vel, and Itiy in hollows among tJie clay, mostly in veiy 
 deep water, and often among the barlcl, if any of them 
 remain so late : tliey dart among weeds, or under banks, 
 and into holes, at the least alarm. 
 
 Chuls bite durlr.g the summer all day at a fly, but 
 diiedy in the niDrnnigs and evenings a'c a wonn. The 
 best time for dipping is the evening, in sultry wea- 
 ther. During the cold months, or when the wind has 
 been for some days from a cold quarter, they will oiiiy 
 Inte in the middle of the day, and then not freely. 
 
 When you use tlie fly, you cannot have too fine tackle; 
 that is, in proportion to the size of tlie fishes. The best 
 mode is, to whip from the head of a boat, which should 
 be allowed to drop very slowly down tl^ streaip, by wh^ 
 seamen call *■•' kcdging-/* tliat is, with a very light an* 
 chor, or stone, out astern, with just sufficient ro|)e to 
 allow the anchor to trip over tlie bottom, occasionally 
 checking the progress, so as to go rather slower than the 
 current. 
 
 L 2 IjB 
 
In this manner stdhd in the fore part of the boat, ^ni 
 throw before you down tlie stream } using either a very, 
 nice red'Spinner on No. 5, or 6, or an ant, or a gnat fly, 
 on No.v S, or 9 5 for at such ihey will rise well, and, 
 afford excellent sport. 
 
 When you have hooked a fish, you can render tlie boat 
 stationary by serving out more rope -, or you can cause tlie 
 waterman to pole away to such a part as may, appear 
 better suited to allowing a good scope of line, w^hich, witljf 
 such small tackle, must be freely given, else you will) 
 lose all the large fishes. 
 
 Take care to subdue wvW before you venture to draw 
 too close to the boat^ for at sight of }ou the fish will 
 make desperate exertions, and do all he can to avoid your 
 landing-net. 
 
 In tliis way of proceeding, \\hich I have detailed under 
 this head because it is peculiarly appropriate to chubs, yon 
 will frequently catch fine, t routs, and perhaps occasionally 
 some per£k -, tliough the latter prefer the worm to the 
 fly. 
 
 By casting over the scours, and upon the shoals, as 
 you hedge down, you will ha\ e variety of fishes, espe- 
 cially very fine dace, and graylings, \\ here they are in 
 tjjie waters. 
 
 . If you have not a boat, try from a headland; and, 
 keeping carefully out of sight, take tlie advantage of the. 
 wind in your back to blow out a very fine line, baiting 
 a small hook with a common house-fly, or a blue- 
 bottle, &:c. . 
 
 I have heard that chubs axe to be taken with cherries ; 
 but I never made the trial : I should, however, rather 
 thmk it time thrown away, and that tlie angler would 
 
 have 
 
mi 
 
 liaiT far better sport with any of the abo\^e-mentioned 
 baits. 1 have noticed this hire (if it really be one), 
 that I may not appear deficient in regard to any matter 
 ^hich may tend to inform the learner^ or to diversify the 
 pi'actice "oftke more experienced. 
 
 . Of the Tenck, 
 
 This is a very handsome fish, having a peculiar colour 
 ^hen in season^ which makes it appear in some points of 
 viev/ as though bronzed. It is remarkaHy tenacioii.^ of 
 life, and may be conveyed, under proper management, 
 to a considerable distance. 
 
 Being, however, more conxraon in ponds than in rivers, 
 and remarkably fond of laying on a muddy shmy bottom, 
 k usually acquires a bad flavour, and neqtiires to be kept 
 m clear water, in which it should be fed on crumbs, bran, 
 malt, or worms, for at least a week before it is consigned 
 to the kitchen. Such as are taken from hard bottoms, 
 but especially from gravelly rivers, are peculiarly deli- 
 cious. 
 
 The tench is covered with a slimy or mucilaginouJ sub- 
 stance, which renders it very slippery : from the common 
 practice of otlier fishes to rub themselves against him, for 
 even the ;*rt<:^ will -do so, and never offer any violence, it 
 is supposed this slimfe possesseis some peculiar qualities, 
 especially as only sick or wounded fishes resort to him 
 tor, wbat we suppose to be, a cure. 
 
 I rather think the slime acts merely in a mechanical 
 manner, by sheathing the wounded parts after they have 
 been rubbed, and consequently become smeared there- 
 with I perhaps any other mucilage Uiat would resist the 
 water, might be equally efficacious, 
 ' ' l3 This 
 
This fish delights in recluse deep waters that are tnrfeid 
 and ibvil 'j in such it increases very fast in size, and pro* 
 pagates veiy rapidly. It spawns about Midsummer, of 
 later, in some waters ; it being earliest in those which arc 
 warmest : it falls off very much after spawning, and does 
 not recover for at least two months, when it begins to get 
 firm, and increases in condition untrl it spawns again. 
 
 The mouth of the tench is moderately large, and as it 
 Sometimes reaches to a good size, namely, as for as four 
 or five pounds, your hook should be about No. 5, or not 
 less than No. 6, on a good gut; though I think for pond* 
 fishing, weed is preferable, as th^ colour of the water is in 
 your favour. 
 
 Ciist among weedy patches, generally below mid- 
 water : if }'ou have previously baited tlie hole, you may 
 reckon on good sport ; if that has not been done, throw 
 in some malt, or grains,, and clay-balls with worms stuck 
 in them. 
 
 The best baits are tlie Irandlwgs from rotten tan, 
 which are full of a yellow liquid. Your float should b& 
 ijght 5 but if you bait with grubs, palmers, wasp- 
 maggots, gentles, or cad bates, it should be as small as 
 can be used. 
 
 Tench do not swallow very quickly, sometimes hold- 
 ing it in their moutlis for a while 3 therefore give them 
 good time, and let diem either keep the float down, or, 
 as is often the case, let them rise with the bait, so as to lay 
 your float on the water. 
 
 This is an excellent sign, and warrants your striking ^ 
 but rather gently, lest tlie fish should be only sucking tlie 
 bait ; for he will seldom retui'n after it is drawn from liia- 
 mouth. 
 
223 
 
 The tench is a great struggler, and very fond of 
 plunging down with your hook when he feels its point : 
 give lair play, for in waters where they abound, you will 
 rarely find tiiose \ery small that take your bait : they ge- 
 nerally weigh at least half a pound, and, taken one with 
 another, \\ ill amount to full a pound and an half each^ 
 1 do not think they grow near so large in rivers as ia 
 ponds. 
 
 Like the generality of fishes, the tctjch bites most freely 
 "during the cool of the morning, and of the evening, in 
 summer : indeed, during tlie winter tiiey are not easily 
 taken. I have, however, observed, that the time of day 
 makes very litde difference if the water be deep, and 
 especially after it has been sullied by heavy rains, or by a 
 fresh. 
 
 With regard to the Jiy, it is of little or no use -, for 
 though possibly a tench may now and then be caught in 
 tliat manner, it must not be construed into a habit. In- 
 deed, from their peculiar tendency to suck the mud, we 
 may more properly conclude that they subsist chiefly on 
 maggots, &c. they find therein; and diLs is confirmed by 
 their sometimes biting at snails, perriivi?ikleSj and gentles-, 
 they likewise take the small green willpw-caterpillar, 
 and such as are found on the leaves oi currant-bushes, on 
 rape, turnips, &c. 
 
 Of the Carp. 
 Carps form so large a portion of the stock in our fish- 
 ponds, as to be entitled to particular notice, especially as 
 they afford fine sport to the angler, being very strong, 
 great strugglers, and remarkably cunning. They are 
 jgreatly admired wlien stewed -, without which prepara- 
 X.4 tion 
 
S21 
 
 "lion tbeir ^^h is net very palatable, being coar?©; fm3 ra- 
 ther full of small bones. Their roe is remarkably fiiijc^ 
 and, with proper ingredients, makes admirable sauce for 
 all kinds offish. 
 
 The carp is, like the tench, apt to be extremely muddy 
 Tfi'hen taken from ponds j but the river carp is not only 
 more free from that impurity, but is superior as to the 
 quality and delicacy of its flesh. . ^ 
 
 The carp bites best about its spawning time, which oc* 
 etirs so often, that some naturalists say they breed every 
 two months. They certainly are seldom without roc, 
 and tliey increase in numbers beyond all calculation. 
 
 They are best in season during the spring, and about 
 tlie fall of the elm-leaf ,* at which time tlieir colour i» 
 more glossy, aiid their eyes display more vivacity. 
 
 To catch an old ca?^ is, sometimes, a very difficult 
 matter; for they either are so diffident, or so crafty, that 
 your tackle must be fine, and be well managed, befora 
 €ne will bite. 
 
 Of all fishes tlirs requires the finest gut, and , tlie 
 greatest art in respect to offering the bait, which should 
 be the best blood-worms ; fine, but rather small, Irand^i^ 
 lings, cadlates, or green caterpillars. These should b6 
 on a hook about No. 5, on a well-stained gut, veiy 
 round, and free from the soiallest ruggedness, or flaw j 
 your joints very well tied down, and your float as small as 
 may be practicable. 
 
 • Use but little shot, and fi^ near the bottom, in deep 
 shady places, where the cun-ent (if in a stream) is very 
 gentle. Above all tilings conceal yourself, and be not 
 in a hurry when the fish bite, unless you find them in 
 the humour to nihtlale, as iis often the case j when it wiU 
 
BS3 
 
 be neccssar}' to keep yonr line as tight as the wind may 
 permit, and to give a gentle twitch whenever your float 
 sinks in the least : this requires some judgment^ a quick 
 eye, and an obedient, delicate, hand. 
 
 In large waters, especially if you cannot approach tlie 
 chief haunts, you should bait the spot where you intend 
 to angle, for some days previously, with malt, grains, 
 bran, Hood, or refuse worms. 
 
 Tlie carp will sometimes take a piece of salmon's roe, 
 or its substitute ; but I never knew one to rise at a fly. 
 \\ hen about to spawn, they generally lay near to the sur- 
 face, with their noses out, or under such parts of the 
 dock, or other leaves, as do not lie close down upon tlie 
 water. In such situations they may be heard to pout all 
 A£[y, but especially towards the evening, in close weather. 
 
 When this is the case, you will have little or no suc- 
 cess with a float, or by sinking your bait low down 5 on 
 the contrary, you should put a very fine worm, or a 
 gentle, or a cadlate, or a greerL caterpillar, on rather a 
 small stiff hook, v/irhout any shot on your line, or, at 
 most, only one, and cast, or rather gently ^/rop, your 
 bait, so as to hang over the edge of a leaf, and to be only 
 in part immersed in the water : obsei-ve, that the carp 
 has a very small mouth. 
 
 If you manage tliis point dexterously, you will hook. 
 many fine fishes 3 but as to getting them out, that is 
 quite another affair. The moment the carp feels the de- 
 ception, he will give either a desperate splash oti the sur- 
 face, or d^rt down like an arrow, leading your line into 
 tnatiy -an awkward labyrinth. . ; 
 
 The contest in general ends with his escape ; unless. 
 
 Indeed, y^u can, by more than common good lucfc, bear 
 
 1. 5 liim 
 
9?G 
 
 him up info a dear part, and there depend on your line t^ 
 prev-cnt his tricks from taking effect. 
 
 The river carp are chiefly found in the deep, wcedy^ 
 foul parts of the water, and are not a whit less discreet 
 than those in ponds : it really at times is highly provoking 
 to see how they will keep playing at the bait, so as scarcely 
 to agitate the float. 
 
 I have remarked, that when in this humour, they 
 Inibble occasionally; and that when tliey do so, they 
 rarely give a fair bite r generally they draw down ver)v 
 very slowly ,* and wlien tliey take tlie bait really into their 
 moutlis, rise a little, and lay the float down, seemingly 
 "yvith tlie intent to feel whether any thing be attached 
 Wiercto. In the latter in-jtance, the angler is generally to 
 blame if tlie flsh escapes, provided the water is clear of 
 "v^-^eds, &c. 
 
 We commonly call it a good carp when reachi*ng two 
 poiunds weight ; but in some waters, especially if not 
 overstocked (as is not often the case), they ii^equently 
 weigh four or five ! I have heard of their being much 
 larger, but not so well authenticated as to autihorize my 
 stating it as a fact. I never saw one that weiglied six 
 pounds in this part of tl^ world ; though I haf\-e seen the 
 rooee, w^hich is the uhiie carp, taken out of the Ganges, 
 ©ften equal to 50 or 60 pounds, and once nearly 80. 
 
 Jn hot climates they thrive immensely 5 but being only 
 exotics, do pot in our latitude bear any comparison, in 
 regard to tlieir ultimate bulk abroad. Nor, indeed, does 
 the perch, though I believe a native of our waters, com- 
 petite with the black perch, or cutlah, of Hindostan* 
 ^hich often attains to 60 pounds weight. 
 
 I shall conclude this article witli observing, that he 
 
 wha 
 
227 
 
 who can command success among large carps (for I look 
 upon die young ones in a very dift'erent light), must pos- 
 sess several qualifications extremely valuable to tlie angler, 
 and bids fair, by general practice, to be, according to the 
 old saying, '' able to teach his master.'* 
 
 1 ought testate, that one author directs green pease, a 
 little boiled, as a bait for the carp : not liaving tried that 
 lure, I cannot speak as to its merits. 
 
 Of the Grayling, or Gray Trout, or Umber, 
 
 I cannot boast of any great intimacy witli this fish, 
 Txot having had so much access to it as to other kinds, 
 owing to the grayling being found only in particular 
 rivers. Such, however, as 1 have caught, gave me the 
 opportunity of making some essential remai'ks ; and local 
 information has supplied me with sufficient, I trust, to 
 answer tiie purpose of my reader. 
 
 Ihis fisli grows to about four pounds, though they 
 average about two ; they are keen after the double- 
 winged fiy, as also after tlie llack-spinner , and the May-' 
 fly, both grey and yellowy when in season. Ihey are 
 not however strong, nor do they stmggle nearly so much 
 as the trout. They are best suited by a hook No. 6, their 
 mouths not being quite so large as their size should indi- 
 cate : the line should be very fine. When you have a 
 bite, give a little time, and strike gently -, for their lips 
 ; re ratlier tender. 
 
 Angle at the bottom without a fioat, baiting with cad- 
 lates, gentles, salmon s roe, or very small llood-tuorms. 
 They are very fond of nibbling away the bait, unless it 
 can be taken into tlie moutli with ease; but they wrU 
 pouch it readily when it is so. 
 
 1. Cr I found 
 
9SS 
 
 I foun<5 that No. 8 was the best size in bottom-fishiDg'; 
 though I believe some authors advise No. 5 : perhaps I 
 may err, but I confess myself partial to small tackle ii> 
 general, being completely satisfied of its superiority. 
 
 I found the gray lings always among the trouts, and 
 generally caught about tlie same number of each. They 
 bit admirably when the sky was overcast with approach- 
 ing rain ; but \^'hen tiie wind \vas neither, or to tlie 
 iiortlv of east, I seldom had one at my hook, whether 
 bottom or fly. Ihey are extremely fond of tlie latter, 
 and are perpetually rising after it. I found all hours 
 much alike ; and that they were far bolder, as well as 
 more simple, than the troui. 
 
 The meat of the grayling is very fine ^ equal, in my 
 opinion, to any fish 1 ever tasted. They would not take 
 my /ro//i/2^-baits y and I was informed, that although 
 they chace tlie minnows, it is only in sport, as tliey are 
 «aid never to t(Hich one : of thisr, however, 1 have my 
 doubts. 
 
 The grayling spawns in May : 1 found several in Uiat 
 month, as also in the end of April, remarkably big with 
 roe, which gave them an extraordinaiy appearance (as it 
 does, indeed, to all lislies diat are at all flat-sided) j the 
 more so, as they have hut little iacrease of deptli liom 
 their noses to their vents, which lay nearly in a right 
 line. 
 
 From this fish disappearing when the frosts set in, that 
 is, the generality of them, I am disposed to believe they 
 visit the sea during the coldest months j at least, that 
 they go to the mouths of rivers, and recmit by means of 
 the brackish waters. Of this I am tlie more convinced, 
 )5|ccause, with the exception cf the Humber and Trent, 
 
 which 
 
$29 
 
 which nm into the German Ocean> I believe all ihi 
 rivers containing graylings lie in the West of England, 
 and in Wales : besides, they are never found but where 
 salmon abound. 
 
 Of the Bream. 
 
 As this fish Is found in but few waters comparativelj, 
 ft rarely becon^s the object of the angler's attention, 
 usually being an unexpected visitor^ and not always a 
 welcome one 5 for though it presses hard for a few se- 
 conds, it soon throws up, and lays on its side. 
 
 It is a species of ihecarpy tliough but little resembling 
 it, except about the mouth, and in the form of the body. 
 Not being very palatible^ but i^abby, and full of bones, 
 few persons care to have it dressed when caught. Its roe 
 is, however, rich and large. 
 
 It frequents quiet deep waters, where there is a sandy 
 bottom 3 and about Midsummer retired among the thick- 
 est patches of weed to spa\^n, remaining very poor for 
 near two months. At such times they scarcely ever touch 
 a bait, tliough they will rise, and throw themselves out 
 of the water in the evenings. 
 
 Their first effort being extremely forcible, your tackle 
 must be rather strong, on a hook about No. (). Your 
 ibait, a gentle^ or a very small Hood-worm, or "a bit of 
 salmoiis roc, or its sulstltule. 
 
 Breams take a natm*al fly, especially the Iht^-lottle, 
 and the large grey sione-Jiy, or the gad. You should 
 ^ngie for this fish much in the same manner as for roach -y 
 both early in the morning, and in the cool *6f the even- 
 ing : tliey take well in some places all tlie year round, 
 observing in cold w^atiier to choose. the njiddlc of tlie day. 
 
 Yoii 
 
230 
 
 You will find great advantage from the use of groujid" 
 laits J and if you throw in lumps of clay mixed with 
 clotted blood, you will be sure to attract them^ and per- 
 haps some carp and tench. 
 
 The Iream being rather a shy fish, you should be 
 careful to keep out of sight, and to lower your bait very 
 gently into tlie water. 
 
 The large bream, such as weigh more than a pound, 
 are sometimes very bold, and give a ver)' decided bite , 
 but owiug to the smallness of the mouth, it is prudent 
 not to be too quick in striking : when struck, be ready 
 to give plenty of line, where the situation admits 3 if it 
 stands the first or second pull, you may conclude the fish 
 is your own. 
 
 I should not omit to state, that the bream will rarely 
 be found in narrow confined waters 3 it being particu- 
 larly timid, and fond of laying out in tlie broadest parts*, 
 where the shadows of men, cattle, &c. do not aft'ect it. 
 
 Of the Bar lei. 
 
 This is a remarkably handsome fish, but its flesh by no 
 means corresponds with its outward appearance 3 being 
 poor, stringy, and dry. The roe is held to be poisonous, 
 and even in small quantities, will occasion violent gripings, 
 and sickness at the stomach : this fish attains a very large 
 size, sometimes weighing near thirty pounds ! 
 
 It is remarkably fond of those irregular depths in the 
 gravel, which are called by the seamen '* over-falls y* 
 that is, sudden shallows, and holes, alternately. Barbels 
 jnay be ofte^n seen from the tops of bridges, &c. in great 
 numbers, some large, some snuiUj though I have re- 
 marked^ that the very small ones^ such as are und^r, a 
 
 pound 
 
"SSI 
 
 pound weight, are extremely uncommon; whence I 
 consider the assertion of their going to the salt water after 
 spawning, as being well founded. It is certain that 
 larhcls are never seen but in streams communicating with 
 tlie sea 5 and that about Martinmas they all disappear. 
 
 These fishes dig holes with their sncwts, which are 
 much like those of 3\Vine, and burrow in the gravel or 
 sand, at the bottom of those large cavities, mer which 
 the stream runs with velocity; especially under heavy 
 tanks J camshofs, &c. They are in their appetites not 
 unlike swine, preferring carrion and greaves to more 
 sweet food. When men, &:c. are drowned, the larhel 
 never fails to repair to the spot, and to make a meal as 
 soon as an opening may present itself 5 for having no 
 teeth, it is obliged to suck, which it does very greedily. 
 
 The stiff spine on the larlets' backs, no doubt pre- 
 sence them from molestation on the part of predatory 
 fishes, but they are sometimes attacked by leeches, 
 w^hich probably are attracted by their sanguinary appe- 
 tites. 
 
 The larlel spawns about Midsummer, but has not^ in 
 general, roe proportionate to its bulk. Nor do I think 
 it is a fast breeder, for I never caught one under twa 
 pounds weight, that had any roe in it. They retire gra- 
 dually into the tide's way as the sun gets to the south- 
 ward j and may sometimes be taken in such parts, while 
 not one is to be seen in the summer haunts. 
 
 You may angle for barbels either with a tripping bait 
 on a hook No. 4 or 5, with five or six stout shot at about 
 a foot above your hook, and a double gut, foot length } 
 -or one of weed^ and a cork float ; letting your bait, 
 which sliould be greaves^ or lob-wormsj go down with 
 
 the 
 
ilie stream m-er the holes where they hy, at about two 
 or three inches from tlie bottom 5 or you may lay at the 
 bottom with a coffin- lead, as described before for salmon. 
 
 They also take salmoiis roe freely, but I never knew 
 one to take the substitute paste. I have often baited with 
 cheese, &c. as advised by several authors : but to no 
 purpose. 
 
 Though the larlel almost invariably remain attached 
 to some particular hole or over-falls, yet you will find it 
 advisable to use ground-bait, both before and while 
 •anglings it being a great chance but you get a good 
 trout by so doing. For this purpose, clay and clotted 
 i)lood slK)uld be mixed into large balls^, and be thrown 
 in, so as to lay where you keep your line. 
 
 Give time when you have a bite, unless yonr rod be 
 pulled I when you should lose no time in striking. 
 
 When you have hooked a fish manage him cautiously^ 
 for, like the chul, he will be apt to run head on, at what- 
 ever he can see, and will even lash with his, tail at your 
 line, and rub his nose against stones, stumps, or what^ 
 ever offers, in the endeavour to disengage your hook. 
 "Therefore hold him well out, in clear water, yielding 
 moderately when he pulls hard, so as to keep him in 
 temper. 
 
 As yoiu* gut is apt to be chafed by the coffin-lead, 
 especially when you are obliged to throw yo\}i line out, 
 I recommend the fine China twisted line, which is sold 
 at all the tackle- shops in London, and at some ill the 
 country, as being more calculated to resist the weight ; 
 It has not those knots, which in guts, hah, &c. are in- 
 evitable, and are extremely apt to give Way, when a lead 
 is used. X ' 
 
 The 
 
sss 
 
 Tlie China line I allude to, is sold in small circular 
 bundles, running from thirty to forty j^ards) though 
 some are sfaorlier.: b^ particular in observing, that it is of 
 tlie twisted sort, composed. of three strands or threads j 
 for tliere is -atiotlier kind made up in the same form, 
 which is all of ow^ twist, and does not answer, as it opens 
 in the water : this last kind is, however, when chosen of a 
 proper thickness, veiy good for the first string of a violin. 
 , JBoth kinds are made of white silk, and are of prodi- 
 gious strength. Care should be taken to open the skein 
 completely to its whole length ; suffering it to lay on the 
 grass, &c. to get out the extra twist ; also rubbed gently 
 with a bit of soft flannel, &c. it makes an admirabje light 
 teelrlme ; capable of subduing a iish of twenty poundf 
 weight, under fair circumstances. 
 
 Before I conclude this article I mnst remark, tliatthe 
 harhel bites best about sun-rise, and sun-set, in warm 
 tvieather j that he will not touch a bait in general, when 
 a cold \^ind blows, except there is a fresh in tlie water f 
 and that unless your baits are very neatly set on, notwith- 
 standing his swinish similarity, he will seldom bite at all. 
 You m«st not expect them to bite freely before the firostj 
 are entirely gone, and the spring well advanced. *: 
 
 ' Jn taking this fish out of the water, beware o£ the 
 stiff ray, or spine, on his dorsal or hack-fin ; and if yoa 
 are disposed to serve him up to table, give directions^ 
 or ratlier see, that the roe be thrown away ; else those 
 i;\4io do not know its baneful effects may eat of it. The 
 harhel is best baked, with a rich pudding in his belly : it 
 is, indeed, one of tliose fishes that depend entirely on a 
 food sauce. , 
 
 OS 
 
234 
 
 Of the Roach. 
 
 This is perhaps the most common fish' m the English 
 waters, and in consequence, is not so much valued as those 
 that are more rare, yet do not exceed in point of flavour. 
 The roach, when in season, which it is chiefly during the 
 winter, is both firm and well tasted. They are tolerably 
 good in the early part of the spring, and until they have 
 spawned, which generally happens in May ; though I 
 have caught tliem full of roe so late as tlie end of July. 
 
 They are fond of weedy situations during tlie summer j 
 when they associate witli tlie dace, and sun themselves in 
 shallow water; generally preferring sandy, gravelly, or 
 chalky bottoms : where there is either ycUow or blue 
 marl, they thiive prodigiously. 
 
 Such as are found in rivers are far brighter coloured, 
 stronger, and less muddy, than those bred in ponds. 
 They grow to a good size in some waters, averaging from 
 about six ounces to a pound j though they occabionally 
 reach to two pounds weight j but such are very rare. 
 Those of a middling size are the best flavoured, but are 
 troublesome eating, on account of their numerous small 
 bone^. 
 
 The roach bites freely before it spawns, and will do so 
 shortly after having cast her roe : the winter is the best 
 time for angling for this fish, when tliey lay down at the 
 bottom, under tlie deep slow currents, and take a fine 
 worm very well : the best bait for tliem, especially at 
 such times, is the salmons roe 5 though they will bite 
 passably at its substitute j they likewise take the gentle, 
 the cadhate, and most grubs j nor do they refuse 
 
 those 
 
235 
 
 those flies which are taken by the dace-, but they do not 
 rise so well as that fish. 
 
 Your tackle for the roack should be remarkably fine } 
 for though it is a silly fish, it will not readily take when 
 the line is coarse. Your hook should not exceed No. 7, 
 and generally a smaller will be preferable. Your gut 
 should be coloured, with only one shot about six inches 
 from the hook j if you want more, let them be at about 
 six inches higher up : a light float is indispensable, 
 for their mouths are \ery small, and their bite very deli-? 
 cate, whence it will be advisable to keep your line ready 
 to strike. 
 
 In rivers, they often draw the float down until they get 
 to the bottom 5 when this happens you must not be in a 
 Jiurry 3 for it is almost a certain sign, that they have only 
 laid hold of the worm's tail^ and want time to complete 
 the bite. 
 
 You will find it proper to bait the hole where you fishj 
 with oatmeal, a little browned over tixe fire, and thea 
 made up into balls with a small quantity c^ treacle : this 
 draws them together far better than any other gTound- 
 bait I ever heard of. Throw such a ball, about the size 
 of a marble, now and then, where your hook lies : it 
 will gradually be dissolved, and attract numbers. 
 
 When the roach lay in tlie tide's way, you must only 
 expect them to bite when the flood comes in j especially 
 at the first of it, when they commonly are very keen. 
 If there is a fresh in the water, they will bite during the 
 latter part of the ebb : at such times tliey lay chiefly on 
 the flat gravels and sands, on the sides of streams, espe- 
 cially below bridges. 
 
 As you seldoiia have occasion for a reel when angling 
 
 fot 
 
gS6 
 
 fcr roach, -tliough die pmdeait sportsman w'lW never be 
 without one, when to be had^ yon should have a Hne 
 expressly for such purposes, about ten or twelve feet in 
 length, according to your rod 5 which I always consider 
 to be such as suits tlie general run of fishing, and will in 
 fidi probability measure fourteen feet. Such a line should 
 b^ taper, becoming full four times as thick at' the tq>, as 
 it is at the lowest link of hairs. 
 
 r The experienced angler well knows the great powers 
 of such a line 5 and that it is far superior to such as are, 
 lbroi\ghout, uniformly of the same thickness. 
 
 Where the roach are very numerous, and well on the 
 feed, you may take them witli a mifinotv line (provided 
 your centre gut be strong enough), often two, and thre* 
 at a time 5 but yovi must be quick with your landing net> 
 and not give them time to dash about 
 
 In the evenings of very sultry weather, when a slight 
 fhower has fallen, they will take the common house 
 fly, either on the surface> or at some depth 5 on the 
 ^'hole, 1 think that, next to the salmons roe, you will 
 have best success with gentles, cadhates, and blood" 
 worms. But above all tilings, have fine tackle -, that is;* 
 a small hook, on a well chosen piece of superfine gut 
 
 Of the Dace, or Dare, or Dart. 
 
 . This is more compact in its make than the roach'^ 
 indeed in many points, it bears a very strong resemblance^ 
 to the chuh ; its flesh is firmer, and better eating, besides 
 being far less bony. Its mouth is ^Iso wider, whence 
 it can take a large bait, of which it is very fond. 5 gene- 
 rally giving a decided bite, .and struggling much on being 
 struck. 
 
 Dac9 
 
r Daec swlpi idgethcv m immense shoals, often covering 
 cxtenBive shallows where tlie water is clear, and rathec 
 gentle ; or laying on tlie scours, wiiere tliey snap at 
 every tiling that falls into, tlie water. 
 
 Hence tliey are easily taken with the fly 3 for which 
 purpose you may have a stretcher made of a red-spinner^ 
 or a very small douile-winged Jiy ) and two, or even 
 tiiree dippers (or drofypers) at about a yard, or less, froni* 
 each other, the whole on a good tapering gut line, whichr 
 slK)uld be tlircwn so that the flies, especltiUy tlie stretcher 
 (or end fly) may light in the "w ater (but without the 
 smallest splash. or agitation), a foot or two above where- 
 you perceive the leading nshes to lay. 
 
 I have paid great attention to this point, and have found 
 tliat tlie leading fishes, by which I mean such as lay at 
 the head of tlie shoal, are, for the most part, the largest, 
 and keenest. When they have declined my fly, it has 
 always been a bad omen 3 for I generally found tlie rest 
 treat it with indiflerence 5 or, if they did approach, it 
 was so deliberately, as to convince me they did not intend 
 to bite. 
 
 The best flies for dace, at all seasons, I have found io\ 
 be the small \A2iC\i ant-fiy , or i\\Q gnat-fly, oh a hook 
 No. 8, or No. 9. Your single droppers must be on 
 short pieces o^ gut, not nrore than three inches in lengtli 3 
 so as not to entangle on your line, as they would inevi- 
 tably do if longer.: loop them on above knots; which> 
 should ah'i^ays be well tied down, with very flne dark 
 brown silk, properly m axed. 
 
 You will sometimes find the very large dace in the, 
 deep sti'ong waters, among the gravUngs, and trouts : 
 in such places they bite very sharp, and struggle with; 
 ■ "^ great 
 
238 
 
 great violence. If your tackle is very fine, as it should 
 be, you must treat them very gently, or they may break 
 ^way ; at all events, get them to some distance from the 
 place where you perceive other fishes ; which will else 
 take the alarm, and become so timid as to spoil your 
 sport. 
 
 When you use bottom tackle, take care that it be 
 delicate, but sufficiendy firm, for the dace lay in deepish 
 \';*ater, such as is frequented by larger fishes 3 though in tlie 
 summer they will be found associating with the roach, 
 among weedy shallows ; and, like them, rather averse to 
 bite during the middle of the day. 
 
 After slight showers, or even heavy rain, following 
 upon very sultr}', clear weather, when the air is cooled, 
 the dace will take freely all day ; but they will often take 
 at the deeps, when they will not rise to a fiy 3 notwith- 
 standing their peculiar fondness for tlie latter. 
 
 Angle for them with fine worms, of almost any kind, 
 but the more transparent and glowing the better 3 or 
 with well prepared cadlates, or three or four gentles ; 
 or a piece of salmon's roe (but not the substitute, for they 
 seldom touch it), on a hook about No. 6 or 7 ; your 
 line slightly leaded, unless in a stream 5 when perhaps a 
 cork float may be indispensable, otherwise a swan quill 
 is best 5 and throw in now and tlien some balls made of 
 brovtTied oatmeal and treacle, ^s before described ; or 
 some ground malt. Do not use any thing for ground- 
 bait that they will make a hasty meal of ; for they are 
 very greedy, and quickly satiated -, not caring to leave 
 what they are eating. 
 
 Dace will not stay long where the water is not gene- 
 rally clear, and the stream tolerably free ; hence, they 
 
 by 
 
239 
 
 1>7 no means thrive in ponds : when found in standing 
 waters, you may be assured there is some very strong 
 spring, or some inlet, riear which tliey take their station. 
 They are not so good as the river dace, nor do they make 
 such efforts when hooked. 
 
 The young angler cannot do better than devote one 
 summer entirely to whipping for dace ; he will thereby 
 acquire many excellent qualifications : for his hand will 
 move very lightly, so as to cause his fly to light tmper^ 
 ceptifjly on the surface ; which is an object of the greatest 
 moment. He will learn to direct his line correctly, to 
 any particular spot -, and as he will at times be attacked 
 by fishes of a superior class, he will acquire a knowledge 
 in respect to playing of fishes, and be ultimately con- 
 vinced, that fine tackle is not only the most attractive, 
 but in good hands, is generally equal to the subduing of 
 such fishes, as the bad angler could never manage, even 
 with stouter apparatus. 
 
 I lay some stress on this point, being thoroughly satis- 
 fied as to both its utility and the indispensable necessity 
 of such an opinion being inculcated, and received, before 
 the learner can be said to have made any proficiency. 
 In a word, throwing the fly for dace, may be considered 
 as tlie best school to which the angler can resort. 
 
 During the evenings he may ivhip for them, from 
 about two hours before sun-set, till the fishes can no 
 Ipnger distinguish the fly: when it grows darkish, he 
 should use flies of rather a brighter colour -, such as deep 
 purple, chocolate, or coffee colours, and of rather a 
 larger size I which, however, must be thrown with the 
 Utmost delicacy^ as their bulk will cause them to fall 
 
 with 
 
240 
 
 widi more force tlian the smaller sorts "before recom^' 
 mended. 
 
 Jf the dace do not rise readily at the bare fly, use such' 
 as have only wings j the. shanks of tlie hooks being left 
 naked for the reception of a. gentle, &c. which ought to be; 
 slipt up until it lays close to the wings, and appears 
 like the body of .a fly : such a device h peculiarly 
 killing. 
 
 When (lace all o» a sudden run into the shallowest 
 water, betraying fear and uneasiness, you may suspect 
 that some predatory fish has appeared, and should be, 
 prepared for an attack. I have had small dace and bleaks- 
 taken off my hook by Jacks and trouts several times* 
 
 OftheRi{ff\ or Pope. 
 
 This is a diminutive species of the perch 3 its form 
 being similar 3 its scales possessing the same rough* 
 nes^ and appearance 3 and its haunts the same. They 
 are, if any tiling, more thick in proportion, and their 
 flesh is, at lieast, equal to that of a perch. They rarel}'" 
 weigh more tlian four or five ounces, but when in. 
 the humour, bite so very freely, that the angler may 
 speedily procure an ample dish of them. They spawn- 
 twice, viz. in the spring, and about Michaelmas. 
 
 They do not touch small fry, but take fine, well 
 cleansed worms, particularly such as have been kept in 
 nioss, well moistened with sour cream 3 whence, they 
 probably derive a flavour which renders them peculiarly 
 acceptable to tlic rz/^! 
 
 Some angle with three, or even four rods 3 but I 
 think, two are as much as can be well managed 3 indeed> 
 
 1 hav« 
 
241 
 
 r hare Dccaslonally seen them so keen after my cream- 
 fed worms, that I could scarcely find time to bait •' 
 second hook. 
 
 Ruffs are very voracious, and, like the lull-head, arc 
 apt to gorge tlie bait in a second ! this is in the angler's 
 favour, when he uses more than one rod ; as he is then 
 tolerably sure of all that bite, if left to themselves 3 but 
 he must keep his disgorger at hand. 
 
 I do not know any fish that, including all seasons, 
 bite more promptly, or more decidedly : they seem to 
 be little choice about weather, especially when they can 
 get a good haunt, among thick weeds, with a gravel, or 
 sand bottom, about three or four feet in depth. They 
 will occasionally bite, even when there is a sharp frost ^ 
 but such is rare. 
 
 I cannot say that I ever saw a rvff but in running 
 wrater : and then chiefly in retired tranquil parts j such as" 
 the backs of small islands^ where tlie current was very 
 moderate, and the bank little frequented. They are not 
 so shy as fishes in general j for they will play about a boat, 
 though the persons in it are in motion, and do npt 
 remain either silent or steady. 
 
 As you may expect perch, and large roach where tlie 
 rvffs commonly lay, it is prudent to have sound tackle ; 
 your hook, on account of this fish having ratlier a large 
 mouth, may be No. 7 -, your gut fine, and weM sLiined ; 
 only one small shot, and a very delicate float. When 
 you have a bite, give a little time, and draw tight ; \l\e 
 rnffWiW hook himself in general. Take care how you 
 handle him, for his fins are rather sharp. 
 
 With respect to their proper season, I really have never 
 
 been able to form an opinion ; having found tiiem at all 
 
 *« times 
 
942 
 
 tinics remarkably fine : when big with roe they are deli- 
 cious 3 especially when broiled in buttered paper. 
 
 J am of opinion, that these tishes change their haunts 
 but seldom ; for I never knew a place where they once 
 assembled, tliat was at any season totally deserted by 
 them ; unless from the water becoming stagnate, when 
 they speedily quit for some new haunt : as before ob- 
 served, I tliink they cannot remain in standing water ; 
 and consequently are not suited to ponds. 
 
 I never knew one of them rise to a fly, though I have 
 tried ail colours. 
 
 OftheRudd, or Fin' Scale. 
 
 This is a very scarce fish, and is much admired for 
 tlie delicacy and sweetness of its flesh ; especially those 
 that grow to a good size 3 it rarely exceeds a pound and 
 a half 3 though 1 have heard of some being taken equal 
 to three pounds. There is something handsome in its 
 appearance 3 produced probably by the spots on its gill- 
 covers, and by the rich colour of its fins : it has the pe- 
 culiarity of double nostrils. 
 
 The riidd being a great struggler, must be angled for 
 with strong tackle, such as a hook No. 5, on a good 
 single gut 3 without shot, and allowing your bait, for 
 which a fine blood- worm or a cadi ate are preferable, to 
 play about with a very gentle motion about a foot deep, 
 among weeds that are not very thick 3 now and then 
 lowering your bait to mid-water, or more. 
 
 Angle in this manner in the deep bends of gently 
 meandering streams 3 early and late, when the weather is 
 clo^e and sultry 3 but when there is a moderate, ruffling 
 breeze, you may catch them at all hours 3 especially in 
 
 tlie 
 
213 
 
 the spring, and fall ; and sometimes in the winter, when 
 the weather has been mild for some time, and there falls 
 a little sleety rain. 
 
 These fishes are partial to soft water, such as ilo-^^'s 
 over chalk, marl, or deep, slimy mud j but not to clay 
 soils j nor are they found much where tlie bed of the 
 stream is coarse or pebbly j on fine sand, where soft 
 weeds float,' tliey are soaietimes to be seen in numbers ; 
 especially in the spring, when they are about to cast, 
 or have spawned. If you use a float, let it be very small 
 and put only as much shot as will make it stand. 
 
 The rudd will sometimes rise with great avidity at a 
 neat, brown fly j or at a red-spi??ner ; but they are ex- 
 tremely cunning, and are more easily taken by means of 
 a natural fly } especially tlie grey stone- fly, and the 
 ytllow cow-dung fly 5 botli of which diey seem to be par- 
 tial to. 
 
 When you angle for this fish, keep well out of sight j 
 for it in general, swims near tlie surtace; and from its 
 haunt among the weeds, looks around very sharply > 
 scudding away at the least appearance of danger. 
 
 You may occasionally use other baits j such as gentles t 
 Inked wasps, and the salmori^ roe ; but, in my opinion, 
 the worm and high coloured cadhate are by far the best. 
 
 I believe the rudd is never found in ponds, or any 
 water that has not some current. I recollect conversing 
 widi a brother angler, whom I met by chance some 
 years ago at IFansford j when, on my mentioning the 
 rudd, and inquiring whether there were any in the river 
 Nen, which passes through that town, he said that one 
 had been caught full of roe, and was conveyed into a pond 
 on a gentleman's estate ; where however it did not live, 
 M 2 but 
 
24t 
 
 but was seen a few days after laying dead on a shelving 
 part of tiie shore. 
 
 The pond was said to be extensive, covering many 
 acres, and the water very deep. We may from this h: 
 led to infer, that tlie rudd cannot live in standing waters : 
 but on the other hand, this solitary instance should not 
 suffice to fix the hypotliesis 3 more especially as the fish 
 in question was wounded by the hook ; a circumstance 
 to us apparently trivial, but fatal to great numbers, which 
 pine after being hurt in the moutli. Hence bunglers 
 often destroy as many iisli as a good angler would tak© 
 out of tlie waters. 
 
 Of the Ckarr, or Torgoch, 
 
 This is a delicious fish, found only in large lakes in tlie 
 West of England, in Wales, and in Scotland; it thrives best 
 in such waters as are supplied by the thaws of snows 
 on high mountains, and is partial to dark rocky bottoms, 
 where it breeds fast, spawning in tlie autumn ; at which 
 time it will take some baits weU, such as a very small, 
 well- scoured Z/oof/-26'orw, a cadloie, or ix gentle. 
 
 It is said tliat tliey seldom rise at the fly, and that tliey 
 rarely quit tlieir native lakes, to enter the rivers with 
 which they are connected, unless when tlie tliaw cornea 
 down them strongly 3 in short, the charr seems j)articu- 
 larl/ attached to very cold waters. 
 
 They are usually caught with long deep nets, and are 
 in seabon all the spring, and till they spawn : in the early 
 months their flesh is as red as the salmon's, but it loses its 
 colour after the fish is impregnated. 
 
 The charr rarely we'ghs half a pound, but is a great 
 stru£gler ; at least, such I found the few I once caught 
 
 at 
 
245 
 
 ?it Loch Leven, near Kinross, in Scotland. They weife 
 extremely shy, and it was some time before they would 
 bite ; however, about mid-day, I hooked four or five : 
 tliey had a great resemblance to salmon-trouts, but their 
 sides were more beautiRilly coloured, 
 
 I was told, that my success was remarkable j for that 
 many gentlemen had tried for years, and scarce ever 
 caught a charr. From the complexion of my informer, 
 a needy boatman by whom I was poled and sculled about 
 the lake, I thought it very probable he had the same 
 morsel of flattery ready for ail who employed him 5 and I 
 was rather coniirmed in this (perhaps unjust) sentiment^ 
 from being afterwards assured^ that charrs were fre- 
 quently hooked in numbers. 
 
 My baits were small red-worms, fresh taken from old 
 stable dung ; and I am inclined to think, notwithstanding 
 what 1 heard to the contrary, that with a fly my success 
 would have been much greater 3 for tlieir appearance^ 
 especially about tlie mouthy indicated their lent to be 
 towards the surface. 
 
 It may be proper to explain my meaning ; which is 
 simply, that obser\^ation has taught me to consider such 
 fishes as are broad, flat, or much hog-backed, as being 
 ^est suited by worms, &c. as in bottom-fishing, or roving j 
 while such as are more round and long in the body, almoat ' 
 invariably are keen after the Jiy : a very slight reference 
 to the descriptions given in this Volume, will suifice to 
 prove the truth of this position. 
 
 The charr is not known to anglers in the South of Eng- 
 land, except from its excellence when potted 3 though 
 even in this particular they are under some deception ^ 
 for tlie people who prepare them m tiiat manner, it is 
 M 3 said. 
 
246 
 
 ?aid, are not very exact in putting nothing but charts into 
 tlie pots : if report be true, tliey mix up many a good 
 truuf, and, now and then, a bit o( salmon. 
 
 From the great quantity of M'hat is called '' potted 
 charr" consumed by epicures, &c. I am ratlier disposed 
 to believe that the above opinion is not unjust -, for I do 
 not think such a quantity, oicharrs-Qi\\Y, could be collected 
 in any one season j they be;ng a very scarce commodity, 
 even in some of their own \(^aters. This kind of deception 
 j)( rvadcs many matters 5 thus, we see more Madeira 
 'trine annually imported, than that island could furnish 
 in ten or twelve years. 
 
 Of the Gudgeon, 
 
 Of all the fishes to be found in our rivers, none, I be- 
 lieve, is so much persecuted as tliis little delicious one : 
 it is not only taken by the hook for the purpose of being 
 ser\'ed up at table, but is caugiit in hullles, keils, Sec. 
 with the intention oih^Sxmgjack-hoohs, &c. 
 
 The gudgeon is remarkably fond of gravelly, or slightly- 
 muddy situations ; and pro^^agates remarkably fast on 
 c halk soils. It is properly a river fish, but is occasionally 
 found in ponds supphed by ample drains, &c. in which 
 il:ere is a constant flow of water. Gudgeons seldom take 
 but on, or veiy near to, the bottom, and then will bite 
 at almost any insect, but prefer small llood-tvorms, 
 gentles, cadi at es, and gruh. 
 
 If you mean to set in seriously for ^z/d'^^ow -fishing, 
 your best way is, to fix a punt across tliat part of a clear 
 gentle stream where the bottom is of fine gravel, and 
 tolerably level, also free from weeds. Plumb the depth, 
 and set your quill-float to such a length, as may cause 
 . • you^ 
 
247 
 
 your hook to trip along the bottom with the current ; 
 drawing up whenever your float begins to lean towards 
 you. 
 
 This, done very gently, will generally attract the gud- 
 geons ; especially if the water be not so deep but that you 
 can siir up the gravel smartly, now and then, with a 
 long-handled rake : this will occasion them to crowd to 
 the disturbed part, at the same time that it conceals your 
 line, w hich should be very fine, and rather shorter than 
 your rod : your hook about No. 8, or Q. 
 
 The gudgeon is extremely greedy, and having a very 
 broad mouth, can take a good sized bait : do not spare 
 your worm-bag 5 but when a worm has been in the least 
 injured, change it for a fresh lively one j thereby 3 ou 
 will not fail to have excellent sport during the whole of 
 the day, especially in hot weather, from the end of 
 March till the end of October. Observe, that gudgeons 
 very rarely feed but when the sun is up. 
 
 I am much inchned to believe, that the gudgeon 
 spawns both in the middle of spring, and about Michael- 
 mas 3 especially at the latter lime, when tlie young fr^ 
 may be seen in shoals that darken the shallow sandy, 
 or fine gravelly, bottoms, in \\'hich they greatly delight. 
 
 I have generaUy found the best mode of taking them 
 was by means of my jnimwiv-iine, letting my baits all 
 lay on the bottom j but when on the eve of spawning, 
 and for a few weeks after, they do not shew much dispo- 
 sition to feed. In cold weather they leave the shallows^ 
 returning to the deeps, and do not bite freely. 
 
 When you are angling for them, throw in some pieces 
 
 of coarse biscuit j also a few shreds of unsoaked greaves, 
 
 M 4 cut 
 
us 
 
 cut small i taking care they sliould sink about the place 
 where your hook trips. 
 
 Give a little time before you strike, especially if your 
 bait is rather large j and remove tlie hooked fishes as fast 
 as you can out of die water, else tlie whole shoal will 
 take the alarm, and be with difficulty brought back. 
 
 You will find, that the minnow-net is an admirable 
 instrument for taking gudgeons, when the water is shal- 
 low. You must first rake the spot wellj then lower 
 your net gendy to die bottom, and, over the place where 
 it lies, throw in grains, meal, &c. In this way I have 
 often taken more dian a peck of gudgeons in a few pulls. 
 
 Of the Flounder, 
 
 This is properly a sea-fish, and is rarely found but in 
 waters communicating with the ocean 5 yet flounders 
 not only will hve and propagate in odier streams, but 
 even in ponds, growing to a greater size than when in 
 the tide's way. 
 
 This fish delights in a soft, flat, or gendy declining 
 bottom, where they will take various baits, but princi- 
 pally well-scoured worms, and greaves. You will have 
 but litde sport unless the place be previously baited, for 
 they are remarkably indolent j though when once as- 
 sembled, no fish can keep the angler better employed. 
 
 Use strong gut with a hook No. 7^ or 8, radier stiff in 
 its make ; put four or fi\e shots on your line, and let 
 your bait go close to the bottom, or lay upon it -, give a 
 little time when you have a bite, for the flounder is a great 
 glutton, and will, if possible, gorge your bait, provided 
 he be not disturbed. 
 
 You 
 
24£> 
 
 You may use two or three rods, especially where the 
 itveam is moderate, and the water deep : in such places, 
 however, you will probably find barbel, and large eels, 
 which are generally caught promiscuously when angling 
 for this fish ; especially in gloomy weather. 
 
 When the tide comes in strong, tlie flounders are all 
 on the alert, and bite very sharp, particularly in the slow 
 eddies which flow over flat sandy banks, after the water 
 has passed through a bridge, &:c. They are not particu- 
 lar as to hours, nor, indeed, in regard to weather, so 
 much as most fishes. 
 
 When you hook a flounder, treat him gently, for he is^ 
 a great struggler, and will sometimes hug the bottom, or 
 skim under a bank, so as to give you much trouble 3 be* 
 sides, many of them grow to near a pound weight, and 
 require good gut to hold them in. 
 
 Their hold is apt to break if you strike too soon 3 there- 
 fore, it is best to allow a few seconds for tlie fish to gorge 
 your bait, then you will make sure of him. Observe, 
 tliat a small brandling, or a blood-worm, are the best 
 baits ; and that^ if the flounders run small, you should 
 use a hook in proportion , sometimes minnow -hooks ^ 
 i, e. No. 9 and 10, are most serviceable. 
 
 Much cannot be said in praise of tlie flounder, as an 
 article for the table j but, when very fresh, they arc 
 sweet and nourishing. Those taken in brackish water, 
 and in the tide's way, are generally smaller, but much 
 firmer, than such as are taken further up the rivers, 
 which they ascend sometimes to very neai* their sources. 
 
 Theflounder spawns some time in the summer -, gene- 
 rally about tlie beginning of June 3 tliough some do not 
 - cast till September, while others cast in April and May : 
 u5 this 
 
250 
 
 this depends much en tlie water, and on tlie state of the 
 weatlier. 
 
 They are in high season when full of roe, but become 
 remarkably flabby and woolly when they have spawned ; 
 nor do they probably recover until they get into the tide*s 
 way again. 
 
 Cf tha Smelt. 
 
 This is a very voracious fish ; and if we consider the 
 form of its moutli, as well as tlie many teeth with which 
 both its tongue and its jaws are furnished, we might, in 
 all probability, be correct in classing it among the preda* 
 tori/ tribe. 
 
 I believe it is not a settled point, whether the smelt is 
 a separate species of the salmon, as Linnaeus states it to 
 be, giving it the name of Salmo epmiatius -, or whether 
 it is the young of some other kind : I am disposed to the 
 former opinion, from our never seeing any fish of a size 
 larger than the smeli, such as M^e should suppose it to 
 appear after tlie growth of another season ; and because 
 tliis iish, when it arrives at a moderate size, is frequently 
 found full of roe. 
 
 Smells rarely exceed eight or ten inches in length ; 
 tliough I have seen a few at table, that could not have 
 measured less than a foot. 
 
 The smelt is in high season twice in the year, viz. 
 during Christmas, and again about July : they are best 
 during the winter months. They spawn in March ^nd 
 April, and immediately go to the salt v\ ater, leaving their 
 young fry in the rivers 5 they return in about six weeks, 
 or tw^o months, very firm and well flavoured : in taste 
 they much resemble a fine cucumber^ though jsome think 
 
 tliey 
 
251 
 
 tliey are more like t^ violet. When dried, they make 
 an excellent relish, being sold at tl:ie oil-shops under the 
 name of '^ sparlings." The flesh of the smelt, when 
 just taken, is peculiarly delicate and wholesome. 
 
 Smelts never stray far from salt water, or, at least, from 
 where it is a little brackish : thus, they come in with the 
 flood, especially during spring tides, and return with the 
 ebb. They are fond of deep holes ; and, when the tide' 
 is nearly full, may be caught with a stout jninnowAmQ 
 (or a very delicate pater-nosterj , in such places. 
 
 They sometimes get into docks, and are shut in after 
 high \^ater ; in sucli cases the young angler may have 
 excellent sport, baiting with gentles, cadhates, or llood^ 
 worms y on hooks No. 10. To attract them, a little 
 burnt oatmeal, or raspings of bread, should be now and 
 then tlirown in. With good tackle, and with good ma- 
 nagement, a peck may often be caught in a tide. 
 
 They vary in their depth of swimming, but in general, 
 lay about seven or eight feet from the surface, and still 
 lower in very deep water. If fresh raw shrimps can be 
 had, or small pieces of raw lohster, or crah, they will 
 prove very superior baits. 
 
 A certain similarity, added to tlie periods in which 
 smelts frequent the mouths of rivers, render it probable 
 there may be some truth in the conjecture, that the 
 white- bait are the fry of the smelt. Their habits and 
 localities are exactly the same.. The latter are often 
 caught in immense quantities. 
 
 Of the Lamprey. 
 
 This little luscious fish is found in several waters ; but 
 
 there are two kinds, viz. one that is only found in salt 
 
 M d water^ 
 
259 
 
 -w^ter, or where tlie brackish water flows^ and lives in 
 5and, or among coarse gravel ; the other, that burrows 
 into the mud, and is common in some inland streams. 
 
 The sea lamprey often measui'es a foot in lengtli, while 
 the others rarely come up to eight iiK:hes, and are rounder 
 in their bodies tlian the former sort. 
 
 The heads of both kinds are remarkably small ; their 
 eyes are scarcely to be discerned, but are sometimes co- 
 vered with a blue membrane, such as the black eel, in 
 particular, often draws over its eyes. 
 
 The sea lamprey is easiest caught in a basket, which 
 being put into the holes near tlieir haunts, and baited 
 with any olfal, or blood, but especially with crahs^ or 
 other shell-fish beginning to decay^ will attract them in 
 numbers. Many are thus caught in eel- boxes, but they 
 are remarkably qmck, and dart through the holes like 
 lightning: when they attempt to escape tlirough the 
 intervals m the wieker-work, they stick fast for a while, 
 during which the water is draining out, and leaves theni 
 exposed to view. 
 
 When you angle for them, which, by the by, is a very 
 tedious operation, you must bait the hole well for several 
 days, and be careful to go at such hours as you have been 
 used to throw in the ground-bait, which should consist of 
 htale shell-fish, or greaves. 
 
 Bait with apiece of raw crab, or of shrimp, on a hook; 
 No. 10, and give time to gorge, which the lamprey will 
 do very greedily. 
 
 The fresh-water lamprey is very difficult to catch witb 
 a hook, it being so veiy small 5 nor is it to compare with 
 the sea lamprey for flavour, though extremely rich: 
 tliey aire all best potted^ or made into a pye. 
 
 They 
 
553 
 
 The lamprey Is viviparous, and casts her young during 
 the summer, among clefts in the rocks between high and 
 low water generally, where, indeed, the old ones will 
 often be taken by sniggling, as for eels -, but be careful 
 not to let the flood tide overtake you, for it comes in 
 very rapidly in some places; where the shore is bold 
 especially. 
 
 I have heard that lampreys are sometimes taken in 
 great numbers, when the weather is cold, by putting 
 some worms, &c. into the foot of a worsted stocking, 
 which, being thrown into their haunts, will sometimes 
 contain many lampreys. I never saw this practised; but 
 -am disposed to think better of such a device than I am of 
 angling for this little fish. 
 
 Of the Mullet. 
 
 I consider this fish as the link which joins those that 
 - remain in the fresh water for certain periods, witli those 
 that appertain exclusively to the sea. The mullet is, in 
 some countries^ found in shoals at the distance of a thou- 
 sand miles from the sea, but only in rivers communi- 
 cating therewith : they run up the Ganges as far as it& 
 source, stemming the most rapid currents, and swimming, 
 in vast numbers, wqth their eyes out of the water, snap- 
 ping at small flies, and at such things as may appear 
 eatable. 
 
 Witii us, however, this flsh is never found but near 
 the sea, in such rivers as have flat entrances, c«i which 
 they are very sportive, and will take most kinds of artifi- 
 cial flies, especially the doulle-winged, the Hack palmer, 
 and the gnat fly: nevertheless, the best sport is with a 
 natural fly, on a hook not exceeding No, 6, carefully 
 
 covered 
 
254 
 
 covered by the bait ; for the mullet is both cunning and 
 strong. 
 
 You may likewise take them with very small Hood- 
 worms , or gentles, when the water is a little coloured ; 
 being careful that your gut is tinted in a suitable man- 
 ner, and keeping your bait near tlie bottom. They never, • 
 1 believe, exceed two pounds and a half weight. 
 
 No fish requires more care, in regard to concealment, 
 than the mullet ; so much so, that when tliey ai*e sur- 
 rounded by tlie net, in places w^here they abound, if a 
 man, or a dog, &c. approaches, tliey will all leap over 5 
 whereas, when properly managed, they submit with re- 
 markable resignation. 
 
 Mullets aie fond of sandy shallows, in which they grub 
 and leave their marks : they visit tlie coasts in summer, 
 and are then ii) high season ) their flesh is remarkably 
 fine. 
 
 I speak, however, with deference to a modern autlior, 
 who says, " it is not so delicious as the ancient Roman 
 Viulletj which appears to have been a different species,'* 
 
 This seems, to me, to be rather a bold assertion j for I 
 do not think it a very easy matter to determine so intri- 
 cate a question as> in spite of tlie antiquity alluded to, is 
 peremptorily decided by the above fiot. I leave tlie 
 reader to make his reflections on the value of a publica- 
 tion, in which this mode of examination or -of descrip- 
 tion, forms a ver}' prominent characteristic. But, peace 
 be to the Doctor s ashes ! 
 
 The mullet is rarely found with roe ; but when so, 
 looks extremely heavy and dull : this generally is the case 
 about the latter end of suri:mer, or perhaps as late as the 
 end of August; after which, mullets become very scarce. 
 
 Some 
 
255 
 
 Some are caught later, but they invariably appear to be 
 diseased. 
 
 Those fishes which are caught on the sands about the 
 coast of Sussex, during the fall of the year, are, however, 
 very fine, and are much in request among epicures. 
 They aj-e then called sea mullets, though obviously tlie 
 same as tlie above. 
 
 Of the Bleak y or Blear, or Blanc. 
 
 This little fish, which peculiarly resembles the anchovy 
 in its form, though it is not quite so round, comes in sea- 
 son during the summer. The lleak is remarkable for 
 having a transparent skull -, its sides are extremely bril- 
 liaat, owing to tlie smallness of its scales, which are em- 
 ployed in the imitations of pearls. 
 
 The young angler may, with almost any small bait, 
 but particularly a gentle, or a house-fly, on a hook No. 
 ] 0, have excellent amusement at the borders of rivers, 
 and in shoal waters, by dipping for bleaks. I have seen 
 a lady catch ten or twelve dozen, in th's manner, in the 
 course of the evening. They are remarkably sweet 
 eating. 
 
 Of the Minnow, the Pink, the Stone-Loach, and the 
 Bans tide, 
 I shall not say any tiling j they being beneath the angler's 
 notice, except as baits, under which head the modes of 
 taking them have been described : they are all, however, 
 very palatable. I have described them in the Appendix,. 
 and given the outline of tlie first. 
 
 OP 
 
$56 
 
 OF SALT-WATER FISHING. 
 
 On many parts of our coast, those who are fond of the 
 sport may find ample scope for tlieir amusement, from 
 piers, headlands, &:c. while such as are more venturous, 
 and who are not subject to be incommoded by the motion 
 of a boat, may find a thousand opportunities of gratifying 
 tlieir curiosity by a small douceur among the fishermen j 
 who, under such circumstances, will frequently take 
 young folks with them to the fishing stations 3 either with 
 net or line. It is true, tliey do not relish such a visitor, 
 who is ratlier apt to be in the way ; nor can they afibrd 
 any veiy pleasant accommodation, or any choice fare. 
 
 The adventurer must, therefore, equip himself with a 
 good glazed hat, a very stout great coat, a pair of trow- 
 sers, strong boots, &c. togetlier with some good spirits, 
 tobacco^ and a few eatables ready dressed, suflicient for 
 the use of his comrades 5 who will, when thus treated, 
 do all in their power to render the trip agreeable. 
 
 With regard to hooks, lines, baits, and all the neces- 
 sary apparatus, no provision need be made , tlie crew 
 w^ill furnish every thing of that description, far more ap- 
 plicable to the occasion, than could be procured from any 
 directions that might be herein given. 
 
 But as the angler will somt times wish to amuse him- 
 self from such parts of the shore as may give him a com- 
 mand of the water, or eventually near to the beach, in a 
 boat, I shall give a few hints, such as will, I trust, be 
 found serviceable ; and enable him to pursue his amuse- 
 ment with pleasure and success. 
 
 Two sizes of line, and of hooks, are, generally speak- 
 ing* 
 
257 
 
 ihgy all that will be wanted. The larger tackle should 
 consist of a line^ about seventy or eighty yards long, as 
 thick as a good sized crow quill^ very firmly made, and 
 either white or black ; but I prefer the latter, on account 
 of its not increasing so much in tliickness when wet 3 and 
 tJiat it throws off the water better when drawn in 3 con* 
 sequently, is not so long in drying, and less hable to rot. 
 
 To such a line, you should have a hook about tv^ o 
 inches long in the shank, about tliree quarters of an inch 
 broad from the point to the shank (measuring to the out- 
 side), and about tlie same deptli in the bend : the point 
 very sharp, the beard very well cut and raised ; and tlie 
 tip of the butt a little flattened, to prevent the whipping 
 from sliding off. 
 
 The lesser line should be of the smallest sized whip* 
 cord, and about forty yards long : the hook about an inch 
 long, with a suitable bend, sharp point, &c. as above 
 described : it ought to be very stout. The first kind may 
 be had under the designation of small cod-hooks 3 the 
 latter under the name of mackerel- hooks -, togedier with 
 the appropriate lines, under the same terms. 
 
 Each kind of line will require to be leaded, according 
 to the depth, or strength, of water in which it is cast. The 
 best that can be used are the coffin- leads, already de- 
 scribed, which should be kept up at about a foot, or twa, 
 from the hook, by means of a piece of packthread inter- 
 woven among the strands of the line, so as to form a neat 
 knot, or rather a kind of collar for the lead to rest upon. 
 The sizes of these leads may be from one to four ounces. 
 
 The angler will derive convenience from having a neat 
 spliced loop at tlie top of his foot length 3 which should 
 be about four feet long, and anotlier at the bottom of his. 
 
 line 
 
258 
 
 line (each loop about four inches long), for the purpose of 
 taking off and on 5 so tliat he may change his hook, &c, 
 in case of accident, and take it off altogether when he 
 has done fishing j for he w ill find the good folks at the 
 sea- side rather forgetful, in pocketing other people's 
 tackle : mistaking them no doubt for their own ! 
 
 In fishing from a boat, some little practice will be re- 
 quisite before you can ascertain when you have a bite ; 
 unless indeed, when some large or ravenous fish, whiqh 
 is often the case, makes a dead pull, and leaves nothing 
 for the exercise of your judgment j he hooking himself 
 at the first attack. 
 
 The proper position of tlie line must be understood ; 
 thus : 1^ the back of your wrist fiat on the side of the 
 boat 3 the hand being overboard, witli tlie back down- 
 wards, and in a horizontal position : let the line pass over 
 the flat of the hand, and over the middle joint of the 
 fore-finger, which must be thrown something forward 
 into tlie direction of the luie -, the otlier tliree fingers 
 partaking a little of the same inclination, but doubled 
 down so as to keep tlie line firmly in tlie hand. 
 
 The thumb lays fiat between the fore and middle 
 fingers j not pressing the line, but keeping it steady in its 
 direction over the middle of the fore-finger 5 which prin- 
 cipally governs the line. 
 
 The boat will rise and fall considerably ; especially if 
 there is any wind, or any swell 3 drawing the line up and 
 sinking it, alternately, in proportion to its own motion ; 
 rvhereby the bait is well displayed to the fishes. Eut 
 this motion comes sometimes rather suddenly, and occa^ 
 sions a sensation on the fore-finger, not unlike a bite : a 
 very little practice will teach the difference. 
 
 Whea 
 
259 
 
 When a fish bites but gently, you must be all atten- 
 tion, and in readiness to strike him at the second pull ; 
 whetlier it be slight or strong. To do this, you should 
 not lilt your arm, but merely witli a twitch, bring your 
 hand up ; the wrist serving as a pivot for its motion : if, 
 however, the boat is descending at the moment when 
 you have occasion to strike, you must raise your lower 
 arm with your hand ; making the elbow the pivot^ and 
 keeping your upper arm close by your side. 
 
 A very few instances will suffice to give expertnef?s 
 to him who is at all conversant in tlie more common 
 branches of angling, and will accustom the hand to the 
 weight on the line ; which, to the novice, is sometimes 
 very perplexing and deceitful. 
 
 When tlius employed, you will frequently have occa- 
 sion for a good stout knife -, nor will a disgorger be super- 
 fluous ; for many of the sea fishes, taken on our coasts, 
 have very large mouths, and make nothing of pouching 
 such a bait as would astonish a trout ! 
 
 Moderate sized baits are however to be generally pre- 
 ferred ; but you must take care to conceal your hook 
 well J though sea fishes are not so very particular in that 
 respect as the fishes in fresh water. Let not this tend to 
 indifference on that head 3 for, as I have always said, he 
 who has tlie best tackle, under equal skill, &c. will always 
 kill most fishes. 
 
 Such persons as make coasting voyages, such as from 
 Leith to London, and are fond of fishing, may frequently 
 find opportunities for casting a line 5 especially in the 
 summer time, when vessels are obliged to anchor, during 
 an opposing tide^ for want of \^ind to bear against it. 
 
 Oftea 
 
260 
 
 Often we see vessels admirably situated for casting a line, 
 and wonder that no one on board should be provided. 
 
 But it will be necessary, previous to embarkation, t6 
 obtain, if possible, a few live crabs, or lobsters, or mus- 
 cles, &c. for baits ; or if such cannot be had, those that 
 have been boiled : or fresh herrings, pieces of cud, had* 
 blocks, &c. may be substituted. 
 
 I was once in a vessel, of which the captain had some 
 good tackle, though but indiiferent baits j yet witli some 
 raw beef, and a few slips of fat bacon, he contrived to 
 catch us several very nice fish, while at anchor off tlie 
 coast of Norfolk, and at the mouth of the Thames. 
 
 It is necessary to premise, that the larger fishes of 
 almost every kind I shall treat of, are to be found only in 
 particular situations, generally on certain banks far re- 
 moved from our shore : the angler therefore must con- 
 tent himself with a smaller race of adventurers, when 
 he remains on terra firma: he will, however, on 
 many occasions have excellent sport 3 especially if he 
 chooses good situations j which, in a short time, he will 
 distinguish at first sight. 
 
 Sea-fishes always bite best when the tide is rising ', 
 they then seem to be confident as well as hungry. As 
 the tide begins to ebb, they commence their retreat, 
 often rather suddenly -, perhaps they are fearful of being 
 left on the sands. 
 
 Having said sufficient, I hope, to serve as a general guide 
 to those who, being particularly keen, follow their game 
 to a distance from the land, I shall proceed to give a brief 
 description of the several fishes they will probably find at 
 their hooks, together with their appropriate baits, &c. 
 
 Of 
 
261 
 
 Of Sea Baits. 
 
 These are extremely various ; for those fishes which are 
 found far at sea will take any thing that is eatable : thus, 
 the shark, the alhacore, the honeta, and many others, 
 take salt beef, pork, &c. nay, I have even seen them 
 bite at a piece of potatoe. 
 
 But, generally speaking, such fishes as frequent our 
 coasts, subsist on shell-Jishes 3 viz. muscles, crahs, 
 shrimps y oysters, &c. all of which prove ver)' alluring ; 
 as are also every kind of bait used for river fish -, espe- 
 cially lobs and greaves. 
 
 Few sea-fishes will refuse a bit of one of their own 
 species j but the flesh of the salmoji and of the alhacore 
 (which is not unlike bad beef), seem to be preferred by 
 the greater number. 
 
 There is a peculiar kind of sea-fish, if it may be so 
 called, which grows on the rocks, in many places on our 
 southern coast -, it is extremely common in many parts of* 
 Europe, and indeed, of the whole world, but abounds 
 chiefly on the rocks surrounding islands, especially ia 
 warm latitudes : it is, of all the baits I am acquainted 
 with, the very best. I never knew a fish to refiise it 5 
 but have, on the contrary, seen all kinds competiting to 
 get at my hook. 
 
 This bait is called the animal-Jiower, the actinia sociata 
 of naturalists 3 and is thus described. 
 
 '' The actinia sociata is a tender, fleshy substance, 
 which consists of many tubular bodies, gently swelling 
 towards the upper part, and terminating like a ball, or 
 very small onion : its only orifice is in the centre of the 
 
 upper- 
 
262 
 
 uppermost part, surrounded with rows of tentacles, or 
 claws, which, when contracted, appear like circles of 
 beads. This opening is capable of great extension j and 
 it is amazing to see what large fishes some of them can 
 swallow } such as muscleSy crabs, &c. When the animal 
 has scratched out the fish, it throws back the shells, 
 through the same passage. From this aperture it like- 
 wise produces its young ones alive ; already furnished 
 witli little claws, which they extend in search of food, 
 as soon as they are fixed. At low water the anirnal- 
 floiver is found on the rocky coasts of Sussex and Corn- 
 wall J attached in the shallows to some solid substance, 
 by a broad base, like a sucker. This base is worthy of 
 notice j tlie knobs observed upon it, are formed into 
 several parts, by its insinuating itself into tlie inequalities 
 of rocks, or grasping pieces of shells 3 part of which^ fre- 
 quently remain in it, covered with the fleshy substance. 
 Animal-flowers very much resemble tlie exterior leaves 
 cf the anemone, and their limbs are not unlike its shag, 
 or inner part." 
 
 This description cannot fail to prove a faithful guide, 
 to direct the angler's search for so excellent a bait : it 
 was at one time called the sea nettle, from an erroneous 
 supposition that it stung all who touched it. 
 
 Sea Fishes, 
 
 The Cod, The Gar-fish. 
 
 The Bass. The Skate. 
 
 The Coal-fish. The Halibut, 
 
 The Turbot. The Sand eel. 
 
 The Haddock. The Co?igor eel. 
 
 The 
 
263 
 
 The Plaise. The Lohter. 
 
 The Mackerel, Tlie Cray -fish, and 
 
 The Whiting. The CraZ^. 
 The Herring. 
 
 Of the Cod. 
 
 This well-known fish rises to a great weight, some- 
 times exceeding 20 or 25 pounds : it is extremely vora- 
 cious, and its stomach, called the sound, is so strong, 
 that it can even digest whole crabs, &:c. Cods snatch at 
 every thing they see moving, and are particularly attracted 
 by all substances of a bright red ; whence they are fre- 
 quently taken, on the great banks, with pieces of scarlet 
 cloth on suitable hooks. 
 
 Those who fish for tliem on our coasts, and in the 
 friths to the northward, bait with huUo£ks liver, lights, 
 small fishes, and especially with one called tlie cuddy, 
 which, at some seasons, abounds so much, as to be 
 caught by dipping a basket into the water. 
 
 The cod delights in places comparatively shallow ) 
 though it is rarely found of any size where the water is 
 not 40 or 50 feet deep. Cods feed near the bottom -, 
 therefore, when you are intent on taking them, let your 
 lead sink till you touch the ground, and tlien draw up a 
 few feet. Vary your depth now and tlien, and you will 
 scarcely miss of them, if you are properly situated. 
 
 The fry of the cod, that is, such fishes as rarely exceed 
 one or two pounds, frequent our coasts, and will be 
 found on tliose long shelving sands which are never dry, 
 and which have connexion with rather a bold shore. Use 
 the strong tackle. The lass, coal-fish, and the iing^^ 
 may all be classed witli the cod. 
 
 Of 
 
264 
 
 Of the Turlot, 
 
 This fish lays more over on the Dutch coast ; but the 
 small ones sometimes come upon our shores, and are caught 
 while fishing for mackerel, &c. &rc. Their favourite 
 bait is a lamprey, of which we export oflen full 400,000, 
 from the Thames chiefly, for the supply of the Dutch 
 fishermen, who readily pay fh)m forty to fifty shillings 
 per thousand, entirely for turlot-haits. 
 
 The turhots average from six, to twelve, or fourteen 
 pounds ; some grow to the weight of t^^enty-five, or even 
 tliirty, but their flesh becomes coarse. They are also 
 caught with small pieces of fresh herrings, haddock, or 
 iullocks' liver 5 but the lamprey is preferable. 
 
 Fish for them on the banks before described, as also 
 on long, flat, shelving sands, that lay ^ry when the tide is 
 out, but on which it rises very fast 5 there they will be 
 found among the other flat fishes, which run in with 
 great keenness to pick up what may be exposed on the^ 
 sands. Your tackle of the smaller size. 
 
 Of the Haddock, 
 
 These generally weigh from one to four pounds, but 
 have been known up to fourteen : they are best about 
 Christmas, when in roe ; they are also very fine about 
 Midsummer. 
 
 These fishes take a worm very readily, hanging below 
 mid-water, where it is not very deep. You may use a 
 large cork-float, as for jacks, or a bladder-float ; but in 
 so doing, you will miss many when you strike -, especially 
 if you let your float stand far from you. 
 
 Bait with large lohs^ on the smaller tackle ; or you 
 
 may 
 
SG5 
 
 may put a large raw muscle, an oyster, or the inside of a 
 cral, which must be tied on firmly with a little white 
 worsted. Haddocks have large mouths, and bite very 
 sharp J but be not too violent in striking, lest you may* 
 liave some large fish at your hook. 
 
 You may use a stout rod widi a good line : hook^- 
 No. 1. Your reel-line at least 50 yards, and tlie reel, pro- 
 perly, a multiplier. In such fishing as tliis, where you 
 often will require 20 yards, or more, of your line to be 
 out, your float should be of the double-plug kind, so 
 diat as you wind up your line, the float may traverse 
 down it. 
 
 Of the Plalse. 
 
 The coast of Sussex abounds widi these fish, which 
 lay on the dangerous flats that run far out to sea near Rye, 
 Hastings, &c. : they generally weigh from two to six 
 pounds 5 though sometimes they are caught on our coast* 
 up to nine or ten pounds, and off the Dutch shores, 
 sometimes up to near twenty pounds. 
 
 This fish bites very eagerly, but requires small tackle ; 
 indeed, it may be taken with a rod. and a stout line, 
 hook No. 2 or 3, a large float, and abundance of line oi% 
 a multiplying reel. Bait with worms, rata muscle, or 
 oyster, or a piece of fresh 5«/mo«. 
 
 You should, properly, be in a boat, and angle about 
 mid-water, when the tide is half in, but lower as it rises. 
 Plaisc will also take fresh shrimps, first peeled, and lai'ge 
 grul'S. Be gentle witli them when hooked, for tlieir 
 mouths are ratlier tender, and apt to give wayj nor 
 should you strike too soon, but give time to gox-ge. 
 
 Ah\'ays extract yoiu: hook from the maw of a flat-fish- 
 N by 
 
by cutting crossways with your knife under tlie lower 
 eye; tliat is, v/lien he has gorged it; else it may be dis- 
 engaged in the ordinary manner. 
 
 Of the Mackerel. 
 
 These fishes appear on the coast during the spring, and 
 Gvirly part of summer : in weight tliey rarely exceed a 
 pound and an half, even when full of roe, which is during 
 tlie month of May in general, tliough sometimes later. 
 When you are among ihem, bait with a piece of raw 
 fresh salmon, or of au^ fisli, or even with a bit of scarlet 
 cloth. 
 
 You may use a stiff rod to great advantage, but y<7ur 
 line must be all tlie way strong, such as the China line 
 I have before mentioned j and your hook a very stout 
 short one, made expressly for the purpose ; roving is far 
 better tlian a standing bait, letting your line go about a 
 yard, or occasionally more, under water; though macke- 
 rel take ver}^ well from tlie surface. 
 
 When you have a bite, give a little time j do not fear 
 to strike tolerably firm, but allow no play, and lift the 
 fish at once into your boat ; otherwise, the rest will be 
 alarmed, and become shy. 1 have caught great numbers 
 from the stern of a ship, by baiting with a piece of raw 
 lobster, or craij-Jisk, 
 
 Of the niiiting. 
 
 This fish is chiefly taken at about a mile or two from 
 the land, where they may be found, during die spring, 
 in very extensive shoals : tliey rarely weigh more than a 
 pound j indee gt nerally, scarce half so much ; therefore 
 you must use the same tackle, and angle much in the 
 
 same 
 
267 
 
 same manner as for mackerel -, observing, that the tvhii- 
 ing is far more choice in regard to tlie bait, which must 
 be \'ery fresh Uvei^, good worms , gentles, or a piece of 
 any white Jish. 
 
 You should be careful not to take them under six 
 inches in length, at least while witliin tlie district of the 
 Thames or Med way 3 it being contrary to law, and sub- 
 jecting you to informations, which will prove very trouble- 
 some, and not less exj)ensive. 
 
 I have before cautioned you '* always to consider your? 
 self attended by spies 3" tliere being persons every where, 
 who get th^ir livelihood solely by lodging informations ! 
 
 Of the Herring, 
 
 Though tills fish is rarely taken with the hook, being 
 principally caught in v ery extensive nets, yet it will not 
 refuse a bait, as many experience who now and then 
 hook a stray herring, after the shoals have been thinned 
 and dispersed by the fishermen, and by tlie dog-fish. 
 
 The herring will take almost any bait, being extremely 
 ravenous, on account of the scarcity of provision natu- 
 rally attendant upon so large an accumulation of these 
 greedy devourc rs . 
 
 It is not easy to instruct how to angle for them -, the 
 fact is, that when taken it is quite a matter of chance, and 
 generally forms a part of the sport while fishing for ivhit" 
 iiigs late in the season ) for the herrings very rarely visit 
 our nortliern coal's before June, when they are full of 
 roe, and tliey do not come southward until much later in 
 the year. 
 
 If, however, you find them come in any j roportion to 
 
 your bait^ it would be in favour of your sport, were yo i 
 
 N 2 to 
 
26S 
 
 to put on rather a smaller hook than when the maclercl 
 and whitings abound. Herrings have four giils^ and die 
 as soon as they quit their element. 
 
 Of the Gar 'Fish. 
 
 This fish a good deal resembles the eel in its make, but 
 has not the dorsal or ve?it fins, though it has a long, 
 spiny, fibrous ridge both above and below. Its mouth is 
 very long and slender, armed with small sharp teeth ; 
 and its sides are marked with narrow longitudinal stripes^ 
 from the head to the tail, of a light bluish olive colour. 
 It sometimes measures two feet in length, * yet rarely 
 weighs more than a pound. 
 
 In hot weather, this fish plays on the surflice ; some- 
 times great ^lUmbers may be seen about ships : they may 
 be easily taken with any of the common sea-baits before 
 described, on a hook about No. 6, mounted on very 
 strong guty or rather on 'ii'ee(J. They are tolerably well 
 flavoured, but rather dry, and are best when boiled : good 
 sauce is necessary : indeed, they are more valuable for 
 the sport they give, by their eagerness to deprive each 
 other of the bait, than for tlieir flesh. 
 
 Give them time to get the bait well into their mouths, 
 and then strike freely : draw out as soon as hooked. 
 
 You should have a small shot or two near your hook, 
 to prevent the wind from blowing it away : let your bait 
 play on tlie surface, or an inch or two below it. 
 
 Gc7itles are well calculated for this sport, as are also 
 cadi ales, I should think banstivles remarkably well 
 suited as a bait for this fish , but I never tried tliem. I 
 have taken great numbers, but always with a piece of 
 raw shell-Jisk 3 at which they bite ravenously. 
 
 0/ 
 
269 
 
 Of the Skate. 
 
 These fishes abound towards the North of Scotlafid, 
 where tliey are taken of a good size, generally weighini^ 
 from six to twenty pounds. Some small ones come upon 
 our long shelving sands in the South, and take almost any 
 bait : they are prodigiously strong in tiie water, and re- 
 quire very sound tackle, as well as a great length of line. 
 
 The rod is not at all proper for this sport. Your tackle 
 should be of the large description when the skates run to 
 any size 3 otherwise tlie smalHine, &c. will answer very 
 well. 
 
 Fish for them near to the bottom, and allow good 
 time 3 permit the fish to take out some yards of line be- 
 fore you strike : you may know them by a succession of 
 slight pulls, and at last a strong one with a quick ran : 
 they are then pouching. Strike firaily, and manage in a 
 way suitable to the stress you feel. 
 
 The skate spawns in the spring, and is then in season -, 
 but they bite best when there is a smart breeze with a 
 little swell. If you should be far from land, and lay on 
 the ground for skates (as is proper), you will require at 
 least 1 00 yards, or more, of excellent line, both on ac- 
 count of the deep water, and the necessity of giving good 
 play ', for this fish sometimes weighs two or tliree hun- 
 dred weight. Take care how you handle the long- 
 tailed skate, as he has a tremendous spine on the middle 
 of his tail : the wounds made by it are extremely dan-" 
 gerous. 
 
 n3 Of 
 
270 
 
 Of the Halibut. 
 
 This fierce fish lays in deep water, and oil the commoH 
 fishing banks 3 it is properly a ground fish, but takes a 
 bait either on the ground^ or a few feet from it. Yonr 
 tackle must be very stout, for the hdiiuts generally 
 weigh from 30 to 70 pounds. 
 
 Ihey seize like the jack : give iliem a little time, and 
 when they move on again, strike ; but be ready to give 
 .plenty of line, for it is a very strong fish^ and struggles 
 dcsix?rately. 
 
 The best baits arc, fresh Jlshes cut into pieces, several 
 nruscles or oysters threaded on yowi iiook, or even large 
 hiL'i^ or a small eel, or a rasher of lacon cut in form of a 
 fish. 
 
 Rut if you can get the ammaiflotver, it is peculiarly 
 i vil'ng to the ha rU'ui, and*is, indeed, the very best of 
 6('n-/a}ts 5 for all large fishes in particular. I have de- 
 scribed this under the head of Sea- Baits. 
 
 Of the Sand Eel. 
 
 Ihh ver}' fine little fish works its way into the loose 
 siuds on the sea-beach, and remains concealed while the 
 tide is out ; sometimes it may be seen to put its head out, 
 but wriggles under cover on the least alarm. 
 
 Go with a three-pronged fork, just above low-water 
 n ark, w hen, by striking it in once or twice, you will 
 sometimes see the sand agitated -, be quick, and ypu may 
 t • 11 n up a sand eel. It rarely exceeds a foot in length, has 
 a sharp head, and a bright side, the back of a light olive- 
 green, witli greenish silver}- sides 3 it is remarkably sweet 
 
 eatinst 
 
271 
 
 eatmg when boiled, or broiled in buttered pnper, or in a 
 pyc. 
 
 This is also called tlie hawlis-lill by many, on account 
 of the peculiar form of its nose, which works downwards 
 in some measure. While on the subject of eeh, as re- 
 lating to fresh- water fishing, this was mentioned, because 
 it may. be sometimes found within the tide's mixture with 
 river waters. It is necessary to remark, that there is a 
 fifth kind of eel, completely a sea fish, called 
 
 The Congor Eel. 
 
 This enormous fisii, which sometimes w^eighs 100 
 pounds, or more, is sometimes caught on our shores. It 
 Is very common among the islands on the French coast, 
 where they take it in the net, or with the hook. 
 
 It is quite a matter of chance when the congor bites 5 
 but in general, you may expect them when you bait with 
 a small sea fisk on a proportionate hook 5 letting your 
 l)ait lay among the large fissures in the rocky bays. Give 
 time to gorge, and pull up quick, so as to prevent your 
 line being cut. 
 
 Some shoot the congor, when brought to the surface 5 
 it being no very easy matter to get him into the boat, or 
 to keep him there. At all events, he must be well beaten 
 with a good pole, taking care not to strike near the line. 
 
 The congor is extremely powerful, andwili take some 
 strength to hold him in : his bite is very sharp, and he 
 uses his teeth very freely. 
 
 In places where they abound, tliey sometimes get 
 
 hooked by attacking mackerel, ivhitb:gs, &c. that ii-.ve 
 
 taken your bait ; but you must not expect to get them 
 
 jfl ; for they commonly are too strong to be held by the 
 
 N 4 fcickle> 
 
272 
 
 tackle, which will, besides, cut your fingers terribly, it 
 you have not a pair of stout gloves on. 
 
 The ccjigors flesh is very coarse, and should be dressed 
 either in the collared form, or prepared like salt cod, 
 ihigj &c. when it is not only palatable, but exceedingly 
 agreeable, though not very wholesome. 
 
 Of the Lolster, the Cray-Fisk. and the Crab. 
 
 The learner is not to suppose tliat I am about to in- 
 struct him how to angle for these fishes, which are taken 
 by the fi she mien with a very different apparatus from any 
 herein mentioned 5 but I shall state to him how they have 
 been frequently taken. I have participated in the diver* 
 sion, and am therefore quahfied to speak to this point. 
 
 Get a \Gry large iron hoop ; such, for instance, as tlie 
 centre one from a puncheon, or butt : fix to it a strong net, 
 ralher larger tlian the area, or space within the hoop : then 
 fasten four strong pieces of line at equal distances on the 
 hoop (as described in making a minnow-net) , and at their 
 meeting over the centre, make them fast to a sufficient line. 
 
 Observe, that the net should be very stout, and ratiier 
 slack ', but it must be laced all round to the hoop. 
 
 In the middle of the net tie raw mCcTt, or raw bones, 
 &'€. and lower it down to the bottom, in about four to 
 ten fathoms of water, in any bay or creek where lobsters, 
 or cray-fish, or crabs, abound. Now and then, that is, 
 at every quarter of an hour or twenty minutes, draw up 
 your net 3 at first very slowly, but quickening as you 
 proceed, and you will frequently catch many of the above 
 sliell-fishes. 
 
 -T'his sport, however, succeeds very rarely in tlie day 
 time, but about midnight is sometimes excellent ! I have 
 
 repeat- 
 
273 
 
 repeatedly seen six and seven thus obtained during a nighty 
 or rather, in the space of a couple of hours ; for the 
 fishes in question do not, I believe, ramble much from 
 their rocky haunts, except at nighty when they are very 
 busy. We always had tlie best sport between twelve 
 and two o'clock. 
 
 OF FLY-FISHING. 
 
 This is, witliout doubt, tlie most cleanly, most pleas- 
 ing, most elegant, and most difficult part of the science I 
 Ihe apparatus being comparatively small, renders it also 
 Jess burthensome in many respects ; though the manage- 
 ment of tlie rod will, for a while, cause tlie arm to expe* 
 rience many an ache : a m.oderate period of practice, 
 however, soon habituates to that motion which, at tlie 
 first, gives some uneasiness, and furnishes to the angler a 
 certain liabit (which we may be right in considering as a 
 knack), tliat gives both freedom of motion, and ease 
 from weariness. 
 
 It is remarkable, that no one has yet (or at least I have 
 not met witli any publication that lias) supplied the 
 learner with such plain matter-of-fact directions, in re- 
 spect to tlie management of his jfZ^-ro<r/, as should at once 
 enable him to cast his line out without constraint. 
 
 The want of such indispensable instruction causes my 
 being more particular in my directions on that head 3 for 
 it appears to me impossible for any person to succeed in ^ 
 this branch, who does not, in tlie first instance, acquire 
 ihe onlij true method of throwing the line with that iuex- 
 N 5 pressible 
 
274 
 
 pressible ^'glitness^ which shall place the fly on thewater^ 
 as it were, imperceptibly. 
 
 Perhaps I may be mistaken, when I think it easy to 
 define such a progressive motion of the arm, as will prin- 
 cipally produce the above effect -, I shall, however, at- 
 tempt it, and trust, that in the event of my iK>t equalling 
 my own wishes, or the expectations of the learner, I 
 shall at least evince the earnestness of my intention to give 
 him every aid in my power. 
 
 The rod should be well balanced in the right hand, so 
 as to feel light and obedient j if it fails in this, when 
 handled about a foot or fifteen inches from the butt^^ it 13 
 fauhy, and is probably too light under the hand. 
 
 I'his may be very easily remedied, by taking off the 
 brass ferril, and after boring a hole with a large gimblet 
 for about two inches in depth, filling it with a leaden plug 
 made to fit in tight. There must be more or less lead, 
 according as the balance is improperly situated : when 
 duly corrected, let the feiril be replaced firmly. 
 
 In tlie first instance, practise with a very light fly, at 
 the end of a line made chiefly of single gut for at least six 
 feet from the hook ; after that, you may loop on a hair 
 line (if wove, all the better), beginning with tliree hairs, 
 and growing gradually thicker as it approaches tlie tip of 
 the rod. 
 
 The whole length, from the hook to the tip, should 
 t>e exactly the length of your rod ; or, or least, should 
 by no means exceed it. J caanot too forcibly recommend 
 attention to this primary point, for it is one of tlie most 
 essential in the rudiments of the art. 
 
 Take hold of the bend of the hook between the fore- 
 finger and thumb of your left haiid^ holding the rod in 
 
 your 
 
275 
 
 }r)ur right hand at its balance 5 that is to say, where you 
 have a comm^uid over it 3 the same as you would over a 
 well-bahinccd whip. Let the rod point a little forw ard, 
 s(raight before the left shoulder, the elbow being kept 
 close to vour ribs, but without the smallest constraint. 
 
 First, turn your rod w ith a liglit graceful motion to 
 the left (still the point a little lowered), and wave it back 
 again in a similar manner, from the left to the right ; 
 carrying tlie point of it backward at the same time, and 
 quitting }'our hold of the hook, which, by tbis means, 
 will go far behind your backj but as your next turn of 
 the rod is forward, 'and that the point is then considerably 
 lowered, your line will double back, and take a new 
 direction j so that your ily will, at length, be carried com- 
 pletely before you, and give the lead to your line. 
 
 As }'ou feel the line getting into its proper direction, 
 cany forw^ard )'our arm with an easy movement, until 
 your hand is on a level with your shoulder. By this 
 means, the little inclination the fly might have to tug, 
 and consequently to be checked short when the line ac- 
 quires its fviU extent, will be totally prevented j espe- 
 cially if you yield a trifle more, by lowering your hand 
 and arm a little 3 keeping them in a straight line up to the 
 shoulder : this is the doulle turn, 
 
 II1US you will cause your fly to light so veiy gently on 
 tlie w^ater, as often to leave you in doubt as to tlie precise 
 spot where it fell 5 but which is frequently pointed out bv 
 the rising of a fish, deceived, equally with yourself, by 
 tlie slight you have attained. 
 
 Above all things, avoid imitating the m.otion of a whi]) ; 
 
 for though this art is called aldpping, it dilfers widely 
 
 from it in regard to the nianner in which it is done. He 
 
 N d who 
 
276 
 
 who throws his line back as a coachman does his whip, 
 wiD, like him, make it crnck when it gets to its full ex- 
 tent behind his back ; losing many a good fly, and coming 
 forward again with siich \ iolence as, instead of alluring, 
 scares the fishes. 
 
 The learner must practise the throw to the left, as well 
 iis to the right 3 it is only a change of tlie motion, and 
 comes very freely when tlie above mode is well attained. 
 
 But he must make a point of taking a iavourable wind, 
 that is, in his back^ when he first begins ; for it will' be 
 a very great aid, and cause him ratlier to moderate than 
 to urge the motion. • 
 
 When he can master a short line with tlie wind, he 
 may try to tliro w against a moderate breeze ; but he must 
 be extremely caretul to preserve the delicacy and grace 
 he has acquired^ but \vhich are very easily lost by impa- 
 tience ! 
 
 Another mode of ihrowhig is, with the single turn, 
 and commences witli the rod pointing to the left, the 
 hook as before : hrst, bring the point of the rod gradually 
 round to tlie right side > then, making a sweep over the 
 yight shoulder, and casting forward, as in the double turn : 
 ihi^ appeal's more easy than the double turn, but is not 
 so j because it is far more difficult to make the fly light 
 gently when the hand has so little preparation. 
 
 Eotli these modes must be well practised, to tlie right, 
 and to the left ; with, and against, the wind 5 and witli 
 the wind on the right and left sides alternately : the 
 learner will find many streams which, by their windings, 
 1*411 afford all the desired positions within a very short 
 distance. If he has not the convenience of a pond, he 
 jjn^^ throw his hne upon a grsss-plot, &c. 5 vising a hook 
 
 broken 
 
277 
 
 broken off at the bend, so as not to catch in the her-' 
 
 bage, &c. 
 
 My earnest desire to instruct in tlie most perfect man- 
 ner, and to render its attainment short and easy, induces 
 me to repeat, that the elhow must he kept doiun until the 
 line is getting before the rod -, that it is tlien to Le 
 raised gradually, so as to throw forvt'ard the arm to its 
 fall length, the hand coming to a level with the shoul- 
 der 5 and that this motion must be completely accordant 
 with the fall of the fly, so that it may never he checked, 
 but only guidefl to its destination : for whenever a check 
 takes place, the fly will descend suddenly, and cause 
 more or less agitation on the surface ! o 
 
 When the learner can completely follow the foregoing 
 instructions, he may proceed to such places as are fre- 
 quented by the dace, or by the I leak ; and there, with a 
 very small Hack fly, on a hook No. g, or 10, try his 
 hand -, obser\^ing, that when the fly has fairly settled on 
 the water, he should begin to raise the point of his rod j 
 by gradually sinking and bending the *=^lbow joints so tliat 
 his hand may return to its place, opposite to, and about 
 a foot from, his right shoulder. 
 
 This will raise the point of tlie rod by degrees, and 
 cause the fly to come along the surface towards him, till 
 at length it will rise out of tlie water ; when the angler 
 should immediately commence a new throw, without 
 S^uffering the hook to come near him. 
 
 After having practised this, so as to be perfect in tlie 
 manner and due time of drawing in, the learner ought to 
 improve en the foregoing plain mode, by causing his rod 
 to vibrate a little as it ascends, tliat the ^y may appear 
 to have a spinning motion on the water ; this is effected 
 
 by 
 
S78 
 
 by simply trembling tlie hand very delicatehj, as the el- 
 bow is depressed : if rightly done, he will soon have a 
 fish on his hook. The arm high raised is very bad and 
 tiresome. 
 
 The proper manner of striking a fish tliat rises at a fly, 
 is an object of considerable moment, and must be pro- 
 perly studied ; else the best throws will be of no avail. It 
 is proper to point out to the learner, that the fly being 
 artificial, the fish no sooner mouths it than he feels the 
 deception, and generally ejects it immediately : add to 
 this, tliat by the time even the quickest hand can be 
 brought to act, when the fish is seen to rise, the latter 
 will have began to descend. 
 
 Hence, the slrilujig must be as quick as thought , but 
 at the same moment care must be taken to guard against 
 a certain impulse, too prevalent, to strike as the fish is 
 rising. When tliis is done, the fish is lost ; because he 
 has not time to close his mouth, w ithout which he can- 
 not, except by mere chance, be hooked. 
 
 By this it will be seen, there is a critical moment at 
 which tlie angler is to strike 5 and even then, it must be 
 done with great caution, or the line will pay forfeit. 
 There are, in truth, very few, even of tiiose who call 
 themselves good anglers, tlux strike with judgment j 
 they are generally too quick, or too slow, and by far too 
 forcible. 
 
 Nothing more is requisite than to turn the hand i/p a 
 Utile ^5 it is rising, so as to make not more than five de- 
 grees difierence in the angle -, that is to say, the rod 
 must be suddenly brought up about five degrees by a play 
 of the wrist: this will mate an immense difference in 
 the oituation of tlie hook 3 which^ if it does not catch in 
 
 the 
 
279 
 
 the fish*s jaw, will come many feet nearer than it was 
 when the fish rose. 
 
 If it should be the angler's good fortune to fix his hook, 
 tlie gentleness of his manner, added to the elasticity of his 
 rod and of his line, will save his tackle, and will never 
 force tlie hook through the hold : besides, though a fish 
 is always considerably agitated when first struck, yet it 
 will invariably be found, that such as are tugged half way 
 out of the water by a violent pull of the rod, are tlie 
 most alarmed, and, indeed, the most lacerated 5 whence 
 they are actuated, both by fear and by pain, to their ut- 
 most exertions ; \\ hich frequently succeed, and procure 
 their liberation. 
 
 This I have often witnessed, and formerly used often 
 to be guilty of : experience, and that kind of considera- 
 tion which Time will now and then bring in his train, for 
 the benefit of those he journeys with, have taught me to 
 controul my hand, and thereby to fill my basket. 
 
 The learner may establish an excellent standard with 
 the dace ; for, so long as he pulls thom out of the water, 
 he must consider his manner of striking to be too for- 
 cible ; but when he just causes them to turn over, or to 
 splash, on the very spot tvhere they take the fy he has 
 attained an excellent point of perfection, and may then 
 let out his line to greater lengths gradually, and under- 
 take more formidable adventures. 
 
 In due time he will catch the largest trouts, chulsy 
 kc. with ease ; and may, in his turn, possibly obtain a 
 decided superiority over many who ridiculed, or^ at least, 
 amused themselves witli the a^\'kwardness of his first 
 essays ! 
 
 I had 
 
280 
 
 I beg leave here to point out an absurdity which msnj 
 persons commit when using the fly; namely, tliat of using 
 a long line made of various links^ which they loop on to a 
 reel-line, made perhaps of silk, or even of flax. 
 
 Now two things must be obvious even to themselves > 
 firstly, that such a line is by no means calculated to throw 
 ^Jly well 3 and secondly, that owing to the great length 
 tinder the loop, when they have reeled up as mvich as 
 tliey can (for when they come to the loop it will stop the 
 reel) , there is such an excess beyond the ordinary mea- 
 surement of the rod, as to deprive the angler of all power 
 over the fishj which 1 have many times seen to take tlie 
 advantage of this bungling want of foresight, and veiy 
 wisely dance die hayes so neatly among weeds, Sec. as 
 to give an opportunity for snapping the line, or for shak- 
 ing out the hook ! 
 
 When I undertake to instruct tlie novice, I may fairly 
 claim the liberty of insisting on a due attention to the pro- 
 portions as well as to the quality of his tackle : and 1 
 must be considered as leaving the whole blame on his 
 own shoulders, whenever he errs, or loses his sport, 
 under the pretext of following my ad\'ice ; though at tlie 
 game moment, he consciously negatives every precaution, 
 by a v^'ant of consistency. 
 
 Therefore, when I allow him the liberty of using a 
 long line for fly-lishing, and indeed recommend to him 
 (when the waters will admit, both by their expanse and by 
 the clearness of their banks from all obnoxious impedi- 
 ments), to use as long a line as he can even throw with de- 
 licacy and precision, I am to !rj understood, as founding 
 such permission, or advice^ on tlie safe means he oiighX 
 
 to 
 
£81 
 
 to possess, of shortening that line at pleasure : under 
 other circumstances^ he is proceeding in a gross, and con- 
 tradictory error ! 
 
 Every one who luh'ips witli the fly, ought to have a 
 good reel, and his rod ought to be ringed in a proper 
 manner. This line should be of woven hair, tapering 
 to a point, not exceeding three, or at the utmost four 
 hairs, where tlie loop should be made, with exquisite 
 neatness, for fastening on the gut foot length; which 
 should also be taper, by means of tlie thicke*; lengtlis of 
 gut being uppermost. All the knots on the gut should 
 be fastened down in the best manner. 
 
 This hair line should increase gradually, from three 
 (or four) hairs, to any number the circumstances may 
 demand ; but in general, about twelve or sixteen hairs 
 will be found ample. The line ought to be at least thirty 
 yards long j and where the fishes run large, fifty yards 
 may be requisite 3 especially in broad waters. Where a 
 very long line is used, a multiplying reel is indispensable j 
 both on account of its size, and to wind up, or let out, with 
 rapidity. In very extensive waters, use the douhle-muU 
 tiplier, 
 
 I have before stated, that hair lines, in particular, must 
 never be put by damp : it is better to leave your rod 
 standing outside your house, let it rain ever so hard, 
 than to bring your reel-Hne in wet. It may dry in your 
 ^oom, in time i but if there is much warmth, the hair 
 will snarl. 
 
 Where the waters lay fairly open, tliere will seldom be 
 much difficulty in throwing the line to such places, within 
 your reach, as may offer the lure fairly to fishes rising at 
 flies. In judging of tliat circumstance, however, the 
 
 young 
 
289 
 
 young angler must follow this rule, viz. '' never to give 
 himself the trouble of ollering his fly to those fishes that 
 are rising for pleasure. 
 
 The want of discrimination, in that particular, is the 
 cause of an infinite number of useless Casts ; and as, to my 
 great surprize, no author has touched upon it, I deem it 
 expedient to say a few words on the subject. 
 
 Sometimes tlie fishes will be seen to rise in all direc- 
 tions at flies that swarm on the water, especially during 
 the evenings following sultry noons. When such is the 
 case, the angler can scarcely mistake j but he will find 
 the fishes so glutted in a short time, that they will discon- 
 tinue to bite 5 or, at least, will be so indifferent, as to 
 render it difficult to attract them : in the early part of 
 the evening, at that hour when the fishes are keen, after 
 a day's abstinence, and the flies just beginning to appear, 
 the best effects may be produced by proper selection of 
 the flies to be used. 
 
 But there are times when the fishes are eveiy where 
 rising, yet not one will touch a bait of any kind. Many 
 circumstances occasion tliis ; but generally, it is owing 
 to die water being so much warmed, as to become un- 
 comfortable to the fishes : they then plunge into the air, 
 which being cooler tlian the water, or at least, refreshing 
 from its action on the wet surface of tlie fishes, proves 
 particularly acceptable -j operating with them, no doubt, 
 much the same as the cold bath, at the same season, does 
 upon tlie human frame. 
 
 The great point to be attended to is, that when fishes 
 rise to a fly, they come forth with rapidity ; rarely putting 
 more tlian their noses out of the water : hideed, they often 
 do no more tlian give a sharp whirl on the water 3 per- 
 haps 
 
283 
 
 haps scarcely reaching the surface, though it appears agi- 
 tated. On the other hand, when a fish rises for recreation, 
 he comes up more deUberatelv, makes a greater splash ; 
 generally throwing all, or the greater part of his body 
 out, and descenditig head foremost in a temperate man- 
 ner. 
 
 When a fish leaps far out, he generally comes down on 
 his side, and makes a large break in the water as he falls 
 into it. I l>ave observed, that such '* are not to be had'* 
 on any terms. 
 
 The angler will find many fishes that are not to be at- 
 tracted by one kind of fly, will strike readily at others ; 
 therefore he will do well to put on a dropper, that is, 
 a smaller fly than the stretcher (which is the name for that 
 at the end of the line) , and of a different colour. 
 
 Sometimes two, or even three, droppers are used, where 
 the water is very broad, and the line very long -, but if 
 more than one is set on, it should be observed, as a par- 
 ticular mle, to put the larger one nearest to the stretcher ', 
 thus, making ail tlie flies decline in size, as they ap- 
 proach the tip of the rod 5 for, if tliis be not attended to, 
 and a heavy fly be set on at a distance from the stretcher, 
 is will cause the line to throw false, and render it impos- 
 sible to regulate tlie motion, or the direction, of the 
 stretcher. 
 
 It is also proper to give each dropper a little more 
 length, of its own line, as it is more remote from the 
 stretcher 5 else it will seldom touch the water. When 
 well managed, the droppers will generally prove the most 
 successful lures. 
 
 If you use a natural fly, such as you can catch eitlier 
 in the house or in the open air, the greatest caution will 
 
 be 
 
284 
 
 be requisite^ and you must either take tlie advantage of 
 a strong wind in your back, to get your line out to its 
 proper length, or you must content yourself with such a 
 short range as you may be able to command, without 
 causing the fly to be jerked off from the hook. 
 
 Nothing can be more killing than tlie natural fly 5 but 
 it must be managed with the same skill as if it were arH- 
 ficial. Supposing the wind to be strong behind you, or a little 
 slanting, you cannot do better tlian keep your, rod nearly 
 steady in one position, such as will allow the fly, when- 
 ever the wind slacks a litde, to drop gently upon the sur- 
 face, which in such case, will assuredly be more or less 
 tippled. 
 
 I have often done this, and have seen various krge 
 fishes watching for the fall of my hook among diem ; 
 indeed, sometimes they grow impatient when tlie wind 
 keeps the fly^for any while hovering over them; they 
 will then make leaps at it. A very little practice will 
 give the learner a full confidence in this admirable device, 
 and teach him how to manage his rod to advantage. 
 
 Of Natural Flies, 
 
 The best are not very glaring in their colours, yet are 
 sufficiently conspicuous, and of a size to cover the whole 
 of the hook 3 which, for such purposes, ought rarely ta 
 exceed No. 7 : I should prefer No. 8, or 9, on the long 
 run; knowing tliem to be far more easily concealed, and 
 fully equal to catch very large fishes, -under good manage- 
 ment of good tackle. 
 
 Observe, however, that with the natural fly, you 
 should not be so quick in striking ; because the fishes are 
 not so apt to spit them out. 
 
 The 
 
285 
 
 The following will prove themselves the best baits* 
 
 The common house-Jiy, for dace in particular. 
 
 The blue-lottle, excellent for chubs, and many other 
 fishes. 
 
 The grey stone-Jly, is taken by trouts, chubs, dace, &c. 
 
 The very large black gad-fly , is admirable for all fishes. 
 
 llie green-backed fly tvitk coflee-coloured sides, is a 
 remarkably tempting bait. 
 
 The yellow cow-dung fly, peculiarly good for die fin- 
 scale. 
 
 The cock-chaffer or dummador, in many places called 
 caterpillar, is a very fine bait, especially for chubs, when 
 tiie outer wings are cut off^ leaving the inner ones to 
 expand. This is chiefly used in dipping over banks^ 
 hedges^ &c. 
 
 The beetle : of this there are yarious kinds 5 but the 
 lightest coloured are generally tlie best : they must be 
 treated like the cock- chaffer. 
 
 The grasshopper and the locust, are extremely tender, 
 and their long legs present the ready means of stripping 
 them from the hook : but they are capital baits. I seldom 
 use them ; for the above objection proves, at times, preg- 
 nant with trouble and vexation ! Ilie fishes do not take 
 them so well when the legs are cut off. If, however, 
 you do give one a trial, or cannot readily obtain any other 
 bait, be careful to allow the fish full time to swallow it ', 
 or you may find that he had only hold of a limb. 
 
 I have experienced that tw^o fiies put on the same hook, 
 in such manner as to imitate tlieir junction, at particular 
 seasons, is extremely alluring : tiiis is done by threading 
 the upper fly entirely through its whole length, inserting 
 
 the 
 
286 
 
 the hook at its forehead, and bringing it out at its otlier 
 end. Slip it up on the shank, and let the point enter the 
 second fly at the heart ; leaving the lower end unpierced, 
 so that tlie hook is completely concealed. Your tackle 
 must be very fine ! 
 
 Practice will convince the angler, that large natural 
 baits cannot be thrown to any distance with advantage ; 
 the fact is, that tliey are far more appropriate to situations 
 close under the land, w^here the large fishes frequently 
 lay, especially in ponds, waiting for what tlie wind may 
 tender to them. 
 
 Where waters are covered with film, or weeds, on the 
 lee side, the fishes will never lay in that quarter j for they 
 are fond of seeing the surface -, from which all the round 
 bodied kinds chiefly receive their subsistence. 
 
 Having said as much.as I conceive to be necessary on 
 the foregoing topic, I sliall proceed to instruct the learner 
 in what relates to 
 
 The Artificial Fly. 
 
 I'his is a very important branch no doubt, but the 
 several authors who have at all discussed it, seem to have 
 been very industrious to burthen it with difficulties. The 
 numberless forms and colours described, would fill an 
 ample volume : yet it is a fact (which I trust my descrip- 
 tion will prove), tliat tlie whole may be reduced witliin 
 a very small compass. 
 
 1 here are only four kinds of the artificial fly neces- 
 sary, viz. 
 
 1 . 1 he large fij ivith wings, either expanded or closed^ 
 so as to stand over Uie back, 
 
 2. The 
 
28T 
 
 ^. The doulle -winged Jiy, expanded. 
 
 3. The single winged hackle, expanded wlth^ or with-* 
 out, a body. 
 
 4. The palmer hachle-, whicli has no wings, but should 
 resemble tlie hairy caterpillar. 
 
 I make no particular mention of moths, as a separate 
 kind, because they are all of tiie second class, and difter 
 only in being made of yellowish, mealy- looking featliers; 
 such as are taken from the white owl, &c. 
 
 First Class. The l\rge Fly with Wings — Is 
 
 made, by iivat lapping a tew turns on the butf of your 
 hook with well-waxed silk, which should coirespond in 
 colour with the body of the fly 3 then taking a bunch of 
 such feathers as you mean for the wings (cut from the 
 stem, or centre rib, of the feather) 3 lay tliem pointing for- 
 wards, and very even at their butts, and fix tliem witli 
 two or three turns of your silk : now take some mohair, 
 or if that be not attainable, some very fine lamls' wool, 
 or ralhitjleece^ or any other soft substance of the colour 
 you wish the body to be, and laying it very tliinly all 
 around your silk, twist them a little together, so tliat 
 they may lay tolerably smootli. Now proceed to lap the 
 silk so prepared round your hook, very light and close j 
 making it thicker or thinner in various paits, according to 
 the shape of the fly you imitate. 
 
 When you have made it of a due length down the 
 shank of the hook, make two half- hit dies (or half-knots, 
 as some call them) 5 then having stiipped ofif one side of 
 the plumage from such a feather as will answer for legs, 
 and leaving a little on both sides at tlie point to be tied in^ 
 wet such tip, that it may be compact, and with your 
 
 silk. 
 
silk, now stripped of moliair> &c. beyond what is already 
 done, tie the end of the hackle down close behind where 
 it is feathered on both sides : now, making a half-hitch, 
 carry tlie silk close under the butts of the wings, with one 
 or two turns round the body, and let it lay out of your 
 way. 
 
 Next, take the hackle, and carry it round tlie body of 
 the fly, at first at some little distance, but closer as you 
 approach tlie wings, where the hackle should be thickly 
 set on : tie down the butt of tlie hackle, cutting away all 
 superfluities with a pair of very sharp, flne-pointed scis- 
 sors ; tlien turning back the wing-feathers, which should 
 reach the whole length of the shank when thus inverted, 
 whip them down well, either altogether, if you intend to 
 have a standing closed wing 3 or equally divided and 
 spread, so as to form two separate parcels, if you mean^to 
 spread wings. 
 
 Having secured the wings, carry your silk forward^ 
 well waxed, and again covered witli tlie mohair; take 
 two or three turns round the butt of the hook, as tight as 
 you can draw the silk with safety, and finish tiie bend by 
 two half-hitches well drawn, and close abov^ the wings. 
 In making tlie fly, you should observe to take as few 
 laps of your silk as may appear indispensably requisite 5 
 for you cannot make a fly too light : you wiD also have 
 ©ccasion to make more half- hitches than I have described 
 above, which your own judgment will guide in. When 
 you have at any tune put down a featlier, &c. always 
 cut away the superfluous ends before you begin to lap or 
 tie any thing over ; because you will else have a heavy, 
 awkward, ill-finished fly. 
 
 Furtlier, so soon as you have completed the form of 
 
 your 
 
289 
 
 your fly, it will be necessaiy to draw many of the fibres 
 of feathers into their proper directions ; thus^ the legs 
 must be formed by pulling down such fibres as stand on 
 the back of the fly, eitlier out altogether, or into places 
 heloiv : their length must also be regulated as well as 
 their quantity, taking care to have more legs under the 
 breast than under the body ; the latter should be picked 
 with a needle, &:c. so as to make the viohair appear a 
 little between the foldings of the hackle. The wings 
 should be carefully equalized, both in lengdi, and thick- 
 ness, and in direction from the body. 
 
 Do not be afraid of making your wings stand ratlier 
 wide; for, when you draw the fly tlirough the w^ater> 
 they will collapse considerably ; especially after being a 
 little time in use. 
 
 When you have occasion to use the hackles of common 
 poultry, ever select such as grow on the necks (near the 
 heads), and on the loins of game cocks : those from barn- 
 door fowls, especially hen's feathers, though seemingly 
 good, do not answer ; tliey are too pliant, and neither 
 shew nor s\^ im well. Always get tlie feathers you want, 
 such as wood-cochs, partridges, starlings, Sec. from the 
 cock birds, for the above reason. 
 
 In putting on hackles, &c, be careful to keep the 
 glossy, or outer side of the feather, in such position, 
 that when the fly is made, it will be exteriorly brilliant : 
 for this reason, when ycu whip on a hackle,- advert to 
 which side of the plumage was stripped off 3 and carry it 
 round, either with or against the sun, accordingly ; so 
 that tlie upper side of the feather, which is al\\ ays the 
 highest coloured, may be next to the iiead. 
 
 When you have occasion to use a very large hackle, 
 o you 
 
'290 
 
 you will iind it best not to take that part which remains 
 on the stem, but that w )iich is stripped off 5 as it will be 
 more pliant, and less bulky. Sometimes t\^'o hackles will 
 be required to furnish one fly. 
 
 If you think it proper to add feelers, which project 
 from the heads of many flies, or to have single, or double 
 forked tails, they are easily added, by whipping in dog's 
 bristles, or those from over tlie eyes, or under the chins 
 of horses ; or^ which is in general more appropriate, you 
 can use single fibres, from that plumage of which the 
 wings of your fly are made. 
 
 The flies of this class are as follow > they are rarely used 
 but for salmon, 
 
 1. AVings.— Of the reddish brown feather on the turkey 
 cock's wing, cut from the stem. 
 Body.— Straw, or-auburn coloured mohair 3 yellow 
 
 silk; hook No. 2, or 3. 
 \jQgs. — A grizzle, or ginger hackle, from a game 
 cock. 
 %, Wings. — From a grey gander s broad rump featlicr, 
 cut from the stem. 
 Body.— Grey, or light brown mohair; light brown 
 
 silk ] hook No. J , or 2. 
 Le<ys. — A dirty grizzle hackle from a game cock 3 or 
 a bittern's hackle. 
 3. Wings. — ^The rich brown part of a heron's wing, cut 
 off from the stem 3 or the speckled feather 
 from a peacock's wing 3 or tliat from a gui- 
 nea fowl's back. 
 "T^Q^y, — Drab coloured, or olive- coloured mohair 3 pale 
 olive sUk 5 hook No. 3, or 4. 
 
 Legs. 
 
291 
 
 Legs. — A small bittern's hackle, lapped only near tl^e 
 wings J fjrked tail. 
 
 4. Wings. — From the eye of a peacock's tail, cut fi'om 
 
 the stem. 
 Body, — Deep green mohair ; liglit green silk j hook 
 
 No. 2, or 3. 
 Legs. — A white cock's hackle, dyed pale dirty green j 
 
 or jay's striped blue and white. 
 
 5. Wings.— A rich dark brown speckled feather from a 
 
 bittern's wing. 
 
 Body. — Coffee -coloured mohair, or the fur from a 
 hare; coffee-coloured silk j hook No. 1. 
 
 Legs* — A bittern's hackle ; or a ginger game cock's ; 
 tail forked. 
 G. Wings.— The greenish dark shining featlier from a 
 drake's wing, cut off. 
 
 Body. — Bottle-coloured mohair, silk deep chocolate 3 
 hook No. 3. 
 
 Legs. — A black cock's hackle 5 or a deep copper co- 
 loured one 3 tail forked. 
 
 The above six flies are all kU/ing : a thousand others 
 may be made for the purpose -, which> however, will not 
 excel when put to use, but have one great fault, viz. that 
 of requiring very scarce articles. No. 1, 2, and 5, are 
 all in common use in the Highlands, where they kill 
 " many a bra' saumo?i.'' 
 
 The others are more appropriate to warmer waters, 
 and to brighter weather, when she wy flies are every 
 where abundant. Towards the hottest part of the sum- 
 mer, all the above flies may be made rather more gaud/ 
 thrn if the directions were implicitly followed 3 and as 
 o 2 the 
 
292 
 
 the year closes in, the angler will do well to husk his fiies 
 with darlcer silks, and to choose more sombre, or deeper 
 shades of mohair, than above direcfed 3 making tlic 
 bodies, at the same time, appear more woolly, but not 
 to such a degi'ee as to be rough or harsh j for then they 
 would be unnatural, and no fishes would take them. 
 
 Second Class. The double Winged Fly — Is 
 generally made with either a very slender, or a very full 
 body : the former resembling that of a "^ /?«'/, the latter that 
 of a moth. It is also made on hooks of every size, from 
 No. 4, to No. 10, both inclusive. I shall enumerate 
 the varieties, with the most appropriate hooks -, first de- 
 scribing the formation of tlie fly. 
 
 Set on your gut in the manner before described, with 
 the best silk well waxed 3 then take a featlier properly 
 stripped, and wetted, as explained regarding the hackle 
 for legs in the fly No. 3, and after laying it on its back, 
 that is, the bright side next tlie hook, and tlie stem point- 
 ing for\^'ard along your gut line, whip it down firmly, and 
 make a half hitch : then wind your feathers round tlie 
 hook for about four times 3 keeping them as close as pos- 
 sible to each other, and fastening down with a half hitclj, 
 cut ofl'tlie surplus stem. 
 
 Now take another featlier ti immed in the same w^y, 
 and put it on in the very. same manner, as close as possible 
 to the firfit feather : cut olT the superfluities, as before, 
 and make fast witli a half hitch, or two 3 if you menu to 
 have a body of any substance, wax your silk again, and 
 put on some of the proper coloured mohair : take a few 
 turns down the shank 3 or, if the body is to be thick, as 
 iji a motk, you may lap tack again, so as to double the. 
 
 thick- 
 
293 
 
 (liickness : in some the bodies are rather thicker towardlk 
 the tails, in others towards the head; to this you will pay- 
 due attention : fasten off after you have doubled the body 
 as fiu* back as the last feather will allow. 
 
 Such flies as are to be thin bodied, are to be finished 
 by lapping only the bare silk down to a proper length 
 {generally opposite to the end of the barb), and then to 
 fasten oiF; but where the fly is to have a moderate thick- 
 ness, you may, after lapping do^An w ilh mohair on your 
 silk, make two half hitches with the bare silk, and return 
 with' it 3 winding at rather open intervals, but very tight, 
 so as te give the body an annular, or ring-like appear- 
 ance ; fasten off at the back of the last feather. 
 
 These flies should not have any legs 3 nor does the head 
 want much finish. 
 
 You are now to trim the two feathers 3 dividing each 
 into two equal parts, and drawing them gently, right 
 and left, with your fore-finger and thumb, so that they 
 may extend themselves flat and even, on each side of the 
 hook, hke wrings. 
 
 The first feather you put on, is intended tb represent 
 the upper shells, or wings of the fly 3 tlie other feather 
 ser\xs for the inner or backward wings. Hence you will 
 generally find, that dark feathers are best suited for the 
 upper, and slightly specked, or light coloured feathers^ 
 more fit for the under or back wings. 
 
 I should before have cautioned the learner, to let the 
 gut line whereto he fastens the hook, while forming the 
 fly, come down to the shank until it is opposite to the 
 point of the hook, or perhaps a little lower, where a 
 thick bodied fly is making ; taking care to whip suffi- 
 ciently tight to secure tlie hook properly* 
 
 He 
 
201 
 
 He will also find, that by ba\'ing the gut to which he 
 attaches the hook, selected from the longest fibres he 
 may possess (not forgetting to be^equally cautious as to 
 its roundness, clearness, and hardness), he will probably 
 reap considerable advantage ^ for, however well the loop 
 at its upper end may be tied down, it will be more or 
 less seen j or may cause some little ripple as he draws it 
 in ; therefore he should take the above means to remove 
 it, as far as possible^ from the fish's eye. 
 
 llie flies of this second class are extremely various > 
 for there are unmense numbers of 7:atural flies that have 
 double wings : the following imitations are, however, by 
 far the best y and if adapted to proper sized hooks, ac- 
 cording as the fibhcs run large, or small, will rarely fail 
 of success. 
 
 IrThe Upper Wings. —Of tlie red feather from a cock 
 partridge*s tail, slipt off tlie stem. 
 The Lower Wings. — The light-coloured feather from 3 
 
 starling's wing. 
 He ok. — No. 5, 6, 7, or 8 i use dark clay-coloured 
 silk J body moderate. 
 2. The Upper Wings. — A mottled grouse's hackle. 
 The Under Wings. — The light clear feather under a 
 
 swallow^s wing. 
 Hook.— No. 5, 6, 7> ot 8. Use nankeen-coloured 
 silk ', the body rather thii>. 
 3 T'he Upper Wings.— The speckled feather from a grouse's 
 back. 
 The Under Wings. — The light- coloured starling's wing. 
 Hook. — Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8. Use deep clay-coloured silk j 
 the body somewhat full. 
 
 4.T1^ 
 
295 
 
 4,The Upper Wings. — The long wing feather of a pur- 
 ple pigeon, stripped oft' the stem. 
 
 The Under Wings. — The same, but of two or three- 
 shades hghter. 
 
 Hook. — Nos. 6, 7, 8. Use deep purple silk 5 a thin, 
 but rather long body. 
 5. The Upper Wings. — ^Ihe greenish-cast feather from a 
 pheasant's wing, slipped off the 
 stem. 
 
 The Under Wings. — The brown feather from a swal- 
 low's wing, with a slight cast of 
 bluish green. 
 
 Hook.— No. 4, 5^ 6, 7, or 8. Use dark green silk, 
 the body of one of the long fibres 
 on the great tail-feathers of the 
 peacock, lapped round, and back 
 again. 
 6.TIie Upper Wings. — A small raven's feather from the 
 wing. 
 
 The Lower Wings, — The dark red feather from the par- 
 tridge's tail, strip t oiF. 
 
 Hook. — No. 4, or 5, or Q, Use deep chocolate silk -, 
 or you may use black, making the 
 body, of tlie fibre of a black ostrich 
 featlier, but not too tliick. 
 
 The moth-fly properly belongs to this class 5 and should, 
 in general, have a heavy body, 
 
 I. The Upper Wings. — Of a red duck's wing. 
 ' The Under Wings. — From the yellow feathers on a dun 
 owl. 
 
 o 4 Hook. 
 
m 
 
 Ilook. — Nos. 0, 7, 8. Use silk hvo shades deeper thail 
 
 the lower wings, and dan mohair 
 
 for the body. 
 
 2.The Upper Wings. — The soft feather from the back, or 
 
 rump of a speckled dun fowl. 
 
 The Under Wings. — The same, but of a shade lighter, 
 
 and very soft. 
 Hook. — No. 5, or 6. Body of dun mohair, use red- 
 dish dun-coloured silk. 
 
 3 T'he Upper Wings. — The yellow feather of an owl. 
 I'he Under Wings. — The lighter ditto of the same. 
 Hook. — No. 6, Ti or 8. Use cream-coloured mohair, 
 
 and nankeen-coloured silk. 
 
 4 The Upper Wings.— 'The clear- coloured featlier from 
 
 under a swallow *s wing. 
 The Under Wings. — Ditto, but whiter and smaller, from 
 
 the same. 
 Hcok.^ — No. /, 8, or 9. Use white rabbit's hair, and 
 
 pearl-coloured silk, but little waxed. 
 
 The learner will observe, that moth-flies are only to be 
 usrdtowardsdu.sk, and during the nighty if his enthu- 
 siasm should lead him to sacrifice his rest, &:c. to the 
 pursuit of pleasure. Some folks boast of having had 
 great sport by night-fishing j but I cannot say such ever 
 fell to my lot : I caught more colds ihzn fishes ! ! ! 
 
 I have before spoken of dipping by means of a lan- 
 tern 3 \^ liich is by far preferable. 
 
 Third Class. The Single-winged Hackle — Is 
 made, by lapping one feather, as before described, then 
 wliipping on with or witliout mohair, or other body, till 
 
 you 
 
297 
 
 y«a come opposite to the point of the hook, or to the barb 
 for some long-bodied flies 3 then lapping in a hackle from 
 tlie bottom of your body, and bringing it up to wh«re 
 the feather was ended, taking care to make the turns of 
 the hackle sit closer as you approach the wing feather, at 
 ■which you finish, and fasten off with two half-hitches. 
 
 i. Wings. — Tlie grey featlier from a drake (or a mal- 
 lardy if to be had), tinged with a dash of 
 clay, or reddish yellow : it is rather scarce ; 
 but you will find a feather on some hens very 
 like it, and which may serve, though not so 
 well. 
 
 Body — Of gold plating, carried spirally round your 
 hook three times ; this is tied in before you 
 begin to lap yonv ^ut down after finishing the 
 wings, and is fastened by a half-hitch or two, 
 at the bottom of your whipping, opposite the 
 barb. 
 
 j^gs.-^A fine red hackle from a game cock, very 
 bright, and taken from about tlie middle of 
 the neck 5 it should be ratiier small, and very 
 stiff. 
 
 Hook.^ — Nos. 6, 7, 8 : silk of a maroon colour, but 
 well vvaxed. 
 
 N. B. This fly is called the red-spinner, and is an 
 excellent one. 
 2. Wings. — The reddish feather on a woodcock's wing, 
 ratlier mottled. 
 
 Body .—Very small and neat, of a reddish yellow mo- 
 hair. • 
 
 Legs. — A red cock's hackle, very small and brilliant. 
 o i Hook. 
 
298 
 
 Hook. — Nos. 7, 8, g, 10 ; silk of reddish yellow, 
 well waxed. 
 
 3. Wings. — The grey speckled feather on a mallard's 
 
 breast. 
 ^ Body.— Amber-coloured mohair, veiy thinly put on, 
 but long : t\vo tail- forks of the same as the 
 wings, only a little shortened. 
 Legs.— A grizzle cock's hackle. 
 Hook.— -No. 4, or 5 ; amber-coloured silk. 
 N. B. The mallard's feather may be steeped in tur- 
 meric-water for half an hour, which will give it a 
 bright but durable yellow : use both varieties. This 
 is called the May -fly. 
 
 4. Wings.— From a partridge's tail^ the red feather strjpt 
 
 off. 
 Body.— Only of maroon-coloured silk. 
 Legs. — A dingy brownish -red hackle. 
 Hook,— No. 5, 6, or 7 ; maroon silk. 
 
 5. Wings. — The brown part stripped off from a snipe's 
 
 wing (one of the longer feathers). 
 Body.— Coffee -coloured mohair, very thinly put on. 
 
 Use tlie same coloured silk. 
 Legs. — A black cock's hackle, verj- small and brilliaBt. 
 Hook.— No. 6, 7, ox 8. 
 
 6. Wings. — A grouse's hackle. 
 Body. — Deep reddish -brown silk. 
 Legs. — A red cock's hackle. 
 Hook.— No. 5, 6, or 7. 
 
 The fc^wing are ^of this ckss, but are called ant* 
 Jties. 
 
 7. The 
 
299 
 
 7, TliQ red ant'fi/. 
 
 Wings. — The feather from a starling's wing. 
 
 Body. — Amber-coloured mohair j thin near the wings, 
 
 but thick at the end. 
 Legs. — Very nice red cock's hackle, only twice round, 
 
 close to the wings. 
 Hook. — No. 8, or 10. Use amber- coloured silk. 
 9. The I' lack ant-fly. 
 
 Wings. — A fine sky-blue feather from the gull's, pi- 
 geon's, or other bird's wing, very small 
 
 fibred, and with a rich gloss. 
 Body.— A fibre of black ostrich feather, thickest at the 
 
 bottom. 
 Legs. — A very small black cock's hackle, taken from 
 
 near the head ; only put on two turns, very 
 
 clo.se to the wings. 
 Hook.— No. 8, or 10. Black silk. 
 
 9. The llue-lottle. 
 
 Wings. — Any small dark brown feather, stripped oiF 
 the stem. 
 
 Body. — A fibre from the long tail-featlier of the pea- 
 cock, and head of the same. 
 
 Legs. — A black cock's hackle, very fine. 
 
 Hook. -No. 7, or 8. Black silk. 
 
 10. The pale hluejly. 
 
 Wings.— The light blue feather of a gull, or of a sea- 
 swallow. 
 
 Body. — Rabbits' wool, slightly dy^d in a weak solu- 
 tion of indigo, mixed with the same slightly 
 dyed in turmeric- water. 
 
 Legs. — A small white hackle, dyed of a very clear 
 pnie blue. 
 
 Hoojv. — No. 7) or 8. Straw-coloured silk. 
 
 06 I con- 
 
300 
 
 I consider the grouse's hackle, No. 6^ to l3e an admi- 
 rable fly for almost all seasons^ and for all waters 3 aj;^! 
 next to that the following : 
 
 1 1 . The red hackle. 
 
 Wings. — A middle-sized red hackle, lapped very 
 closely togetlier, beginning with the thickest 
 end, and working downwai'ds with the 
 smaller end, or point, of the feather, con- 
 ti'ary to the usual practice. 
 
 Body. — Is only a continuation of the silk, veiy thinly 
 laid on, till opposite the point of tlie hook. 
 
 Legs. — None. 
 
 Hook.— Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. The silk deep oraDge, 
 or strong sulphur colour, as you may find 
 tlie fishes take 3 but wax well. 
 
 12. The Hack hackle. 
 
 Wings. — As above, only substituting a Hack for a 
 red hackle. 
 
 Body. — As above, only Hack instead of reci silk (or it 
 may be bottle- colourj^ 
 
 Legs.— None. 
 
 Hook.— Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. 
 
 N. B. When this last fly is made with a very small 
 black, or very deep brown, feather, for wings, and 
 an equally minute black hackle, worked with the 
 thinnest black silk that can be had, for legs, it is 
 called tlie gnat-fy, and is extremely killing : hook 
 No. 10. 
 
 Fourth Class. The Palmer-hacklb — Is made 
 generally on a hook about No. 4, or 5, by first whipping 
 ^e hook on for a few laps^ and lapping in the ends 
 
 ©f 
 
sol 
 
 of a long fibre, and of a hackle, at the same place -, then^ 
 lapping down the whole length as far as the shank is 
 straight, and in making the half-hitches at bottom, a 
 small piece of plating is lapped in. This done, carry the 
 fibre round the hook very close, adding a second, or more 
 fibres, if requisite, to complete down to the end of the 
 whipping. 
 
 When it is completed thereto, lap it in under the plat- 
 ing, which is now to be carried round from the bottom to 
 the top, leaving a very small interval between each 
 round. When the plating is brought up conppletely, let 
 the hackle be passed round progressively downwards, so 
 as nearly to fill up the inter\^als left by the plating ; fasten 
 off at the bottom with two half-hitches. 
 
 In this way, all the materials will be seen j and if the 
 hackle have very long stiff fibres, the palmer will bear a 
 close resemblance to those small hairy caterpillars which 
 abound at various seasons. 
 
 J . The red palmer. 
 
 Body. — Of the long fibre from a peacock's tail-feather. 
 The plating to be yellow, i. e. gilt. 
 The hackle to be red, from the lower part of a 
 game cock's neck. 
 Hook. — No. 4, or 5 5 work it with red silk. 
 2. The black palmer, 
 
 Body.— To be the fibres of a black ostrich feather. 
 The plating to be white, i. e. silver. 
 The hackle to be blacky worked with black 
 silk. 
 HooK.— No. 4, or 5. 
 
 Having 
 
Having now detailed the several classes^ the form?, 
 and the construction of artificial flies in general^ I must 
 inform the kamer, that he cannot do better than presene 
 such feathers as chance may dirow in his way, when they 
 appear well calculated for making flies. 
 
 He should strip away the down^ and one side of the 
 plumage, as shewn in FiiT. 4, Plate V. -, so that they 
 may occupy but little space in his fly-fishing pocket- 
 book. 
 
 Each kind of feather should be superscribed, to mdl' 
 caiewhot litd, and what part, it was taken from 5 so 
 that if the angler should find it a kilfi7tg feather, he might 
 know how to supply himself with more. 
 
 Altliough I have described those feathers, and arrange- 
 ments, which are most generally useful, it is not to be 
 supposed that those only will answer his puipose : on 
 the contrary, in some waters the tishes will take only the 
 local insects, which the argkr must catch, and endeavour 
 to imitate. 
 
 By loUowing the foregoing method, arid by keeping a 
 iew of the necessary articles always at hand, such astono- 
 hair, and silks of various colours, trimmed ferithers, &c. 
 jbe will never be at a loss 5 but will speedily be distin- 
 guished as a clever angler ! 
 
 I hold tlie common practice of swelling a volume, T by 
 tlie insertion ofv. liat is called " a descriptioii of the seve- 
 ral waters passing through tlie varioiis coiaAities," to be 
 completely unnecessary. I have seen many gentlemen 
 grievously disappointed when tncy have beeii informed, 
 and indeed convinced, o' r n^ at a stream of which 
 the highest charactcir wi 5 j_^iYen in print, to And, that 
 
 even 
 
303 
 
 even the fishes allotted tliereto had never been seen within 
 scores of miles. 
 
 I confess my diversion has been ample on such occa- 
 sions, especially when I have seen the pocket Mentor 
 pulkd out, and read with such attention, and with such 
 emphasis, as strongly marked the chagrin that pervaded 
 the reader's mind. And then the suspicion, that the 
 townsfolks are all jealous of the strangers who come to 
 cast a line in their waters ; together with many an indig- 
 nant, or at least a significant, look at all who did not, right 
 or wrong, fall in with the author's assertions \ 
 
 Before a gentleman leaves his home in search of sport, 
 he ought to inquire, among those who visit the town, or 
 county, he may be intent on journeying to, what the real 
 character of the waters may be -, for, if he blindly follows 
 the cant, not to say the chicanery, with which some vo- 
 lumes abound, he will generally find both his time and 
 his money veiy much mis-spent ! ! ! 
 
 Withholding, therefore, from such a practice as I have 
 reprobated, I shall conclude my labours on this subject, 
 with recommending to the learner a careful perusal of th^r 
 game laws, so far as they relate to fishing ; for which 
 purpose I have annexed them to this volume j at the 
 same time apologizing to him for any want of perspicuity, 
 or of sound information -, and trasting to his liberahty for 
 fiuch errors of the press as will, even under the greatest 
 vigilance, sometimes be found in works of the utmost 
 importance, and produced by the most able authors ! 
 
 He who has not patience enough to overlook trifles, 
 will never have sufficient of that quality (which is excd- 
 knt on ail occasions) to qualify him for an angler I 
 
 APP£N« 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 GENERIC DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FISHES. 
 
 The Salmon. — Scales not very larg^, and rather 
 round— no scales on tlie head — large mouthy thin lips, 
 the upper jaw generally protruding a little — very sharp 
 teeth in the jaw, on the tongue, and in the throat. Co- 
 verings of the gills, three bony laminae — the back round, 
 with little arch on the back — the lateral line nearly 
 straight, the sides not much flattened, and silveiy. 13 
 rays in the anal iin, 14 in each pectoral tin, 10 in each 
 ventral fin, 21 in the tail, and 14 in the dorsal; also 12 
 rays in the gills. The forehead blark, as also the back- 
 black pupils, silvery iris, and cornea of tiie eyes yellow- 
 ish. When in season, the flesh is of a fine rose colour 5 
 and when fresh from the sea, many black spots are seen 
 on the sides. The males have a nail, or stud, of a horny 
 substance at the tip of the lower jaw, and usually some 
 reddish spots on the sides 3 their tails are also more 
 forked, and their heads more bluff, than those of the 
 females. Every species of this genus has a small fleshy 
 fin between tlie dorsal and the tail, called the adipous fin. 
 
 The Salmon-trout — Has six dots on each pectoral 
 fin. The rays are as follow : in the gills, 12 rays 3 in 
 the pectoral, 14} in the dorsal, 14; in tlie ventrals and 
 
 analj 
 
306 
 
 anal, 14; and in the tail, 20. The head is small and 
 wedge-shaped — tlie jaws of equal length, shiirp teeth, 
 Jocking into each other 5 also on the tongue, and in the 
 roof of tlie mouth. I'he nose and front black — small eye, 
 black pupil, silvery iris, mixed with yellow — cheeks, 
 yellow and violet 3 sometimes spotted. The back a little 
 arched and black— sides black, inclining to violet— 
 beWy white 3 small scales. The dorsal and adipous fins, 
 and the body, ornamented with round or angular black 
 Spots 3 sometimes with red and black mixed. 
 
 The White Tkout, or Whitling. — Short bluff 
 head — red Spots in white rings on the body, which is 
 longer and thinner tlian in other trouts— large mouth j 
 jaws, and roof of the mouth, armed with sharp teeth— 
 eyes large 3 pupil black, with silvery iris. The cheeks, 
 »des, belly, and gill- covers, silvery — aperture of the gillg 
 very large. The back, front, tail, and fins, brownish ^ 
 dorsal fin spotted with brown j the tail forked. 10 ray» 
 in the gills, 15 in the pectoral fin, 10 in the ventral, 
 11 in the anal, 18 in the tail, and 12 in the dorsal. The 
 adipous fin on the back, a duty brown. 
 
 The Black Trout.— Large head, which, as well as 
 the back, is of a blackish brown — upper jaw longest j 
 sharp teeth in jaws, tongue, and palate. The eyes full 
 sized, with blue iris, and black pupil, edged with red. 
 Back round — back and head spotted with violet — sides 
 yellowish, or reddish white 3 and have reddish spots on a 
 coffee-coloured ground, circled witli white. Belly white, 
 and large. The fins generally have a yellow cast. 1© rays 
 in the g.ills, 14 in the dorsal and pectoral fins, 10 in the 
 
 ventral 
 
307 
 
 ventral and anal, and 24 in the tail, which is broad. The 
 adipoiis fin;, deep brownish yellow. 
 
 The Common Trout, — Large head, large teeth, 
 bent inwards on the jaws j under jaw longest — the mouth 
 full of teeth — nose and front deep brown — cheeks yel- 
 low, with green tinge— eye, moderate-sized , black pu- 
 pil with red edge ; iris white, with a black crescent 
 border. Body rather narrow, roupd back, ornamented 
 with black spots j sides yellowish green 5 sometimes 
 rich yellow, or of a light rose colour. Scales very 
 small. Sides, spotted red on blue ground. Pectoral 
 fins, clear brown, with 14 rays 5 ventrals, red, with 10 
 rays } anal, purple in part, afterward yellowish grey, 
 iand witli 10 rays j tail, deep greenish brown, witli a fur- 
 row, rounded tips, and 20 rays 3 10 rays in the gills j the 
 adipous fin yellow, bordered with brown -, and the dor- 
 sal grey, with purple spots, and 14 rays. In Wales, 
 some trouts are marked with red and black spots as large 
 as sixpences. 
 
 The Charr. — Black back — sides pale blue — ^belly 
 orange-red — tail truncate. 10 rays in gills, 14 in pec- 
 torals, 8 in ventrals, 12 in the anal, 24 in the tail, and 
 13 in the dorsal. Head very blunt— eye moderate, 
 with black pupil 5 silver iris in a gold circle. Scales 
 very minute. Dorsal fin yellow, with black spots- 
 back greenish — belly white. Anus very near the tail ) 
 all the other fins reddish 3 the adipous fin brightest. 
 
 The Grayling, or Umber. — Under jaw longest- 
 head, small and rounded ; brown above, with black dots; 
 at its aides, bluish white. Teeth in jaws, gullet, and. 
 
 palatQ* 
 
SOS 
 
 palate^ but not on the tongue. Pupil black; iris yel- 
 low-^ with black dots. Body long, with large hard 
 scales— back darkish green and round — sides rather 
 flat, and of a bluish grey. A straight line runs over each 
 row of scales from head to tail 5 that in the middle marked 
 with small black dots. The belly is white, and larger 
 than in otlier trouts. The pectoral fins white, with \6 
 rays : all the other fins red ; the dorsal fin violet, with 
 brown spots on a greenish ground ; 5 first rays single, 
 the others divide into 8 branches near their end. 10 rays 
 in the gills, 12 in the ventral, 14 in the anal, and 18 in 
 the tail. The flesh white, and smells like thyme. 
 
 The Pike, Jack, or Luce. — Canine teetli — no adi- 
 pous fins — large mouth 3 upper jaw concaved, and some- 
 what duck-billed ; under jaw rather longest — tongue 
 large, and armed with teeth — palate smooth, large throat 
 — nostrils double, and near the eyes, which are large, 
 round, with bluish-black pupils j the irides of a gold yel- 
 low. The mouth very large, and the lowest jaw the 
 broadest. Gills, 15 rays; pectoral fins, 14; ventrals, 
 10; anal, 1/; in the tail and dorsal, each 20 — the dorsal 
 far back, over the anal fin. Scales veiy minute, and 
 covering tlie gill-covers — back and front dark greenish 
 brown — sides mottled, clay and bluish — fins of a yellow 
 tinge, witli deep purple edges — belly white. The colours 
 grow brighter at spawning time. 
 
 The Perch. — Anal fin 11 rays, of which the first is 
 hard ; 7 in the gills, 14 in the pectoral, 5 in the ventral, 
 15 hard rays in the anterior, and 16 soft ones in the pos- 
 terior, dorsal; 25 in the tail. Wide mouth; jaws of 
 
 nearly 
 
309 
 
 nenrly equal length, ^vith teeth, as also in the gullet. 
 Tongue short and smootli — nostrils double, and near to 
 the eyes ; in front of tlie nostrils, two small apertures 
 — eyes large, pupils black 3 iris bluish, edged with yellow. 
 Coverts of the gills furnished with very small scales ; 
 those on the body larger, but all of tliem peculiarly 
 rough and hard — the belly broad and white 3 the anus 
 rather near the tail. The pectorals are of a reddish co- 
 lour 5 the ventral, anal, and tail, deep red j the dorsals 
 violet, and the first has a large black spot among the 
 shorter rays. In the back, just under the anterior dorsal, 
 there is a peculiar bend, to be seen in only one point of 
 view. The perch, when in the water, appears to be 
 sti'iped deep brown and white ; but when taken out, ap- 
 pears of a greenish cast, with golden bars or spots, which 
 give it a beautiful appearance. 
 
 The Ruff — Is a species of the perch j it has several 
 indentions in the head 3 has 15 or 27 spines in the dorsal 
 fin, 17 rays in the tail, 6 in the ventral, and 14 in the 
 pectoral fins 3 also 7 in the gills, of which the covers are 
 marked with deep blackish-green crescents. The body 
 is long and shiuy — the head large, and, as well as the 
 back, of a blackisb colour. Eyes large 3 pupil blue 3 iris 
 brown with a yellow spot — ^jaws of equal length, and 
 armed, as are the throat and palate> with -small sharp 
 teeth. Sides yellow, inclining to ^reen and brown 5 
 some are all over of a gold colour. The sides, the pectora^ 
 and dorsal fins, and tlie tail, are marked with small black 
 spots— broad belly, anus rather forward, iins yellow, 
 and tlie tail biilircated. 
 
 The 
 
310 
 
 The Carp — Has a flat, broad body, covered with 
 large scales ; 25 rays in tlie anal fin, 15 in the pectoral, 
 6 in the ventral, 12 in the dorsal, and 22 in the tail. 
 The head is small and pointed -, the mouth extremely 
 small. The eye moderate, with black pupil, iris yellow, 
 spotted with black ; hind part of the head blue, as is the 
 back, which is sharp above, and round below — neck 
 rises rather suddenly from the back of the head — lateral 
 line marked widi yellow dots, belly bluish. Pectoral and 
 dorsal tins red, anal and dorsal fins edged with blue, tail 
 blue and forked, the under part longest. 
 
 The Bream. — x\ species of carp-, lias blackish fins, 
 27 or 29 rays in the anal fin, 17 in the pectoral, g in 
 the ventral, 12 in the dorsal, and ]g in the tail -, blunt 
 snout, front dark blue, clieeks rather yellow. Black 
 pupil, iris pale yellow, and above it a crescent shaped 
 black spot — the old . on^s broad and thick — young ones 
 narrow and tliin. Scales large, back black, sharp and 
 much arched : lateral line curved, and has about 50 
 black spots. Sides yellow, white, and black, mixed 5 
 pectoral fins yellow below, violet al)ove, and blackish 
 towards their ends. Ventrals have a violet ground, with 
 appendages ; anal iin, grey in the middle, and blackish 
 at -the edges 3 tlie tail bifurcated, longest at bottom, and 
 of a deep blue, as is the dorsal, which lays far back. 
 
 The Roach. — A species of carp -, red fins and lips, 
 pupil blackish brown, iris red ; in the anal fin J 2 rays, 
 in the pectoral 15, in the tail 20, in the dorsal 12, and 
 in the ventrals 9. Large scales, which are of a greenish 
 black hxxej on the back 3 the sides and belly silvery j the 
 
 lateral 
 
311 
 
 lateral line curved, and has 3(5 minnte prickles : the back 
 is round and highly arched, the sides rather flat; the 
 tail forked. Teeth in the jaws, but not in front. 
 
 The RuD. — A species of carp : small head, rounded at 
 the end, wide nostrils, and large scales; back sharp 
 between tlie front and the dorsal j afterwards round, and 
 of a deep green j the pectorals are of a deep brownish red, 
 the dorsal reddish green ; the sides white, inclining to 
 yellow. Irides orange colour, fins of the anus, belly and 
 tail, Vermillion; pectoral l6 rays, ventrals 10, dorsal 
 12, anal 15, and in the tail 20. 
 
 The Dach. — A species of carp : small head — bluffer 
 than the roach ; body longer and rounder ; also sides 
 brighter; back ratlier brownish, and rounded. Pupil 
 black, iris yellowish ; mouth not very small ; all the fins 
 white; JO rays in the anal, Q in tlie dorsal, 11 in the 
 pectoral, Q in the ventral, 18 in the tail. The tail 
 forked. 
 
 The Bleak. — A species of c^rp : under jaw protrudes, 
 head pointed, forehead flat ; transparent and olive-co- 
 loured, witli little black dots, cheeks blue, large eyes, 
 blue pupils, and silver iris. Very small scales, which 
 easily rub off, and are used in making false pearls. Back 
 nearly straight, of an olive colour ; sides brilliant white ; 
 sprat shaped, pectorals red and white, with 14 rays; 
 anal, grey, with 21 rays, d(;rsal and tail, greenish, the 
 former 10 rays, the latter 18 ; ventral prays. 
 
 The Minnow.—- A diminutive species of carp. Ven- 
 tral^ 
 
31« 
 
 tral, 8 rays, dorsals, anal 8, pectoral 15, tail IQ; body 
 semi-pellucid : in some waters spotted witli red, and then 
 called PINKS ^ back, black in general, but in some clear 
 blue J striped longitudinally 5 some are diversified with 
 yellow, blue, and other colours ; fins generally bluisJi, 
 marked each with a red spot. The head wedge-shaped, 
 and dark-green above ; tlie gill-covers yellow -, red lips j 
 small eyes, black pupil, golden iris, body long and round, 
 thick at tlie shoulders, and small at tJie tail, which is 
 forked. 
 
 Loach. — Four barbs on the upper lip, and four on the; 
 lower ; a small forked spine over each eye ; 4 rays in the 
 gills, 1 1 in the pectoral, 8 in tlie ventral, 8 in the anal, 
 7 in the dorsal, and 1 4 in the tail. Pointed head, broad 
 mouth, 12 teetli in each jaw, pupil black, iris gold j 
 cheeks and gills, yellow witli brown spots ; broad neck ; 
 the body round, and generally black, but mixed with 
 yellow and brown, in dots and stripes ; belly orange - 
 coloured, with black dots j the scales very minute, but 
 covered with slime. Fins generally yellow, with black 
 spots or streaks 5 tail rounded off. 
 
 The Eel. — Under jaw protrudes'; body of a bluish 
 black, or of a very deep blackish green -, very long, 
 smooth, rather flat towards the tail, but round behind 
 the shoulders, mouth broad, forehead fiat and wide, jaws 
 and mouth fiill of small teeth, the eyes small, and co- 
 vered witli a membrane, pupil black, iris gold colour. 
 No gill-covers, but two small apertures of a crescent 
 shape, close to the pectorals : Literal line straight, with 
 small white dots. The colour varioiis^ as particularised 
 
 under 
 
313 
 
 under tlieir several kinds* p%es. The skin very slip- 
 per}'-, scales long and soft, but only visible in a dry state. 
 The pectorals are small and flabby, with 1 9 rays. The 
 dorsal fin begins a little way from the neck, and unites 
 with tlie tail, including which there are 1000 rays, in 
 the anal 100, cqmmencing at the anus, but joining the 
 tail below. In the back ll6 vertebrae. 
 
 The Barb EL — So called from its fouf barbs, two on 
 each side of the mouth, is a species of carp : it is hog- 
 mouthed : very broad shoulders, body rather long ; tiie 
 head oblong, and olive -coloured. The pectoral, J 7 
 rays, ventral, g 3 anal, 8 ; tail, 1 g \ dorsal, 12: in the 
 last the second ray is very stifl' and serrated. Lips thick, 
 and ratJier red, protruding at pleasure ; black pupil ; iiis, 
 light brown; s^L:ales of a middle size, and dentatedj 
 body olive-coloured, sides inclining to blue, belly white, 
 inclining to green \ lateral line straight, with black dots ; 
 tail forked, and edged v, itli black j but as well as the 
 pectorals, ventrals, and anal, red; ^he dorsal bluiijh. 
 Roe poisonous j though Eloch denies it. 
 
 The Tench. — A species of carp: scales minute, 
 dullish brown colour, gill covers greenish 3 fins extremely 
 large, pliant, and of a violet colour. The colours of this 
 fish vary much, according to the nature' of the waters. 
 The body mucous. Pectorals, 18 rays 3 ventrals, g-, 
 anal, 25 5 tail, \g; dorsal, 12; head pointed and broad, 
 of a deep green ; eye rather small, black pupil^ iris, 
 golden colour; breast white ; jaws of equal length, strung 
 lips; back curved like a slack bow ; the tail rounded at 
 the Coiners : four short broad teetli in each jaw : some 
 p breeds 
 
su 
 
 breeds of tench have a small barb at each corner of the 
 mouth 3 others are deficient in tliis particular. 
 
 The Gudgeon. — A species ofrni'p : back dark green- 
 ish brown, which soon gives place to a silvery white r 
 the scales small 3 round body 5 moutli flat with small 
 barbs 3 pectorals, 1 6 rays 5 anal, 10} ventral, g -, tail, 
 JO; dorsal, g. The fins are red or green, some are 
 Sotted with black, and some gudgeons have dotted backs, 
 with bellies inclining to yellow. Near the eyes two large 
 nostrils j no teeth in the jaws. 
 
 The Chub. — A species of carp : m the anal, 1 1 rays j 
 dorsal, 11 j pectoral, 16; ventral, g-, tail, 17. The 
 kody nearly cylindrical y head flat ; back dusky green ; 
 sides and belly silvery ; the old ones rather of a gold colour 
 when in season. Scales extremely large and angular ; 
 mouth moderate, no teeth , tail rather forked. Eye 
 moderate, pupil deep brown, with silver iris 3 or black 
 -with gold iiisj according to age. 
 
 BRIEF 
 
315 
 BRIEF HINTS 
 
 RELATIVE TO 
 
 THE LAWS REGARDING ANGLING, 
 NETTING, S^^c. S^c. 
 
 1 . No salmon can be netted, and sold as the produce of 
 a fishery, that may weigh less than six pounds ; penalty 
 5l. to be levied on any party concerned, 
 
 2. No salmon under eighteen inches in length, from the 
 eye to the middle of tlie tail, shall be taken out of any 
 water, by any device ^ penalty 5/. 
 
 3. No net to be used for salmon fisheries of less than' 
 two inches and a half in the mesh ; penalty, net for- 
 feited, and 5L 
 
 4. Salmon fisheries open July 3 1 st, and last to November 
 12th 5 in the Ribble, from January 1st to Septem- 
 ber 15th. But this is very partial j many parts having 
 other regulations. From September Sth to November 
 Jltli, i. e. five weeks, no salmon ought to be taken 
 any where, on account of the spawning 5 tliough that 
 is a very uncertain point. 
 
 B . No person to use any device whereby the spawn of 
 fish may be destroyed. Penalty, imprisonment for one 
 year. 
 
 ^. Bargemen and otliers, catching fish in nets in canals, 
 passing through the property of persons, not being 
 free waters, are subject to heavy fines, and to impri- 
 sonment : and the same penalties attend the poisoning, 
 
 or wilfully destroying fishes in all waters. 
 
 7. Laying 
 
316 
 
 7. Laying night-lines, snares, or devices of any kind, 
 for catching fish, without leave from the owner, 
 subjects to heavy iines : if done at nighty subjects to 
 transportation. 
 
 8^ In the Tliames, and wherever tlie waters are under 
 the controul of Corporations, no person is allowed to 
 use a I'ot torn-line before the first day of June, under 
 penalty of 20/. and forfeiting his rod, &c. The season 
 properly concludes on the 15 th of Novejuber, but is 
 not much noticed j though few persons chuse to 
 angle later. The fly may be used all the year round. 
 
 g. The following sizes are laid down as standards 5 
 below which no fishes are allowed to be taken by net. 
 No so I man Or t routs, when out of season. (The query 
 
 is, who shall determine this point) ? 
 No pihe under ten inches from eye to tail. 
 No smelt under five inches. 
 No barbel under twelve inches. 
 N B. It is curious to observe tliat the legislature have 
 been very careful of smelts and larlel, but have 
 omitted carp, perch, tench, &c. from the protec- 
 tion tiius afforded. We may perhaps reasonably 
 infer, that those who drew up this incoherent code, 
 were not much given to angling. 
 10. All persons, fishing in private waters, armed, or any 
 way disguised, or committing any waste on the said 
 property, thus armed or disguised, are deemed felons, 
 without benefit of clergy. 
 
 Printed by B. McMillan, 7 
 low-Sircct, Covent-Garden. S 
 
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1 202 WILLIAMiSON (t.) Complete' Angler'srjQ- 
 [ Vade Mecum, wherein are detailed a great^ v 
 variety of Original Practices and Iiiven- / 
 tions, 8vo, orig. boards, plates, 1808 
 
 %^ 
 
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