UC-NRLF *B 25T est. ti A^T OF A FT (B Ob a sr (B 5 f=L. EMBELLISHED WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS. <^occ>^;^ooocooc»ooocooc;;jQQ0C^;^0C>Q0C5©Q0C»0«i;>C'C>QOQC>Q«QC^Q0©0000Q0< PRINTED AND SOLD BY PROCTER & JONES; kf -tp tUBIiOW, Sold aim by LONGMAN, REES, Sc Co. LONDON. ^ ^. i'ffl^'fltlfilflS'tptp'iff^'"^^^^ J BERKCIEY GENERAL LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA :i s/^ fh'iiOS fxii V — ^^-^ ^1^^ J'/atecXSZI. 'BUWL^^'£^ AIEIT ©3" i^SMH^o lilte#il!!4il!!)Jji.!ii!!M ^OWLKER'S ENLARGED AND IMPROVED ; CONTAINING DIRECTIONS FOR FIiY-FISHING, TROIiIiING, BOTTOM-FISHING, MAKINO ARTIFICIAL FLIES, &C. &C. "Bait the hook well, the fish will bite." Shakespeare. PRINTED BY PROCTER & JONES, 1826. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2007 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/artofanglingOObowlrich DESCRIPTION OF the FRONTISPIECE. No. 9. 1. Red Fly. 2. Blue Dun, 3. March Brown. 4. Cowdung Fly. 5. Stone Fly. 6. Granam or Green-tail. 7. Spider Fly. 8. Black Gnat. 9. Black Caterpillar. 10. Little Iron Blue, 11. Yellow Sally. 12. Canon, or Down-hill Fly. 13. Shorn Fly. 14. Yellow May Fly, or Cadow. 15. Grey Drake. 16. Orl Fly. 17. Sky Blue. 18. Cadis Fly. 19. Fern Fly. 20. Red Spinner. 21. Blue Gnat. 22 8f 23. Large Red and Black Ant. 24. Welshman's Button. 25. Little Red and Black Ant, 26. Whirling Blue. 27. Little Pale Blue. 28. Willow Fly. 29. White Moth. 30; Red Palmer. ivi8389G4 itonunt^* A LPINE Trout, or Gilt Clxarr, remarks on, page 28. -^ Angler's Song, 114. Barbel, remarks on, 63 ; baits for, &c. 64. Bleak, remarks on, and baits for, 73. Bobbing, or dibbing, for Trout, 26. Bream, remarks on, 61; baits for, &c. 62. Bullhead, or Miller's Thumb, remarks on, 83. Cabbage.grub-fishing, 126. Carp, remarks on, 50 ; baits for, 53 ; observations on the breeding of, 54; mongrel breeds, 58. Chub, remarks on, 70 ; Walton's receipt how to dress, 71 ; baits for, 72. Cod-bait- fishing, 124. Dace, or Dare, remarks on, 68 ; baits for, 69. Eel, remarks on, 76 ; haunts of, 77 ; to angle for, 78 ; sniggling for, 79 j night lines for, 80. Flounder, remarks on, and baits, , 75. Flies, materials for making artificial, 94; directions for making a fly, 95 ; a list of flies to kill throughout the season, 96 to 110. Flyfishing, artificial, 85; extract from Col, Hawker on, 86; tackle described, 87; throwing a fly, 89; killing your fish, 91, Grasshopper-fishing, 125, Gravel Last-spring, remarks on, 20. Grey Salmon, remarks on, 20, Greyling, remarks on, 30 ; baits for, 31. Gudgeon, remarks on 74; baits for, 75. Gwiniad, remarks on, 29. Introduction, iii. Laws relating to Angling, 132 Loach, remarks on, 82. Maggot- fishing, 123. 11. CONTENTS. Maggots, to preserve in winter 123. Minnow, remarks on, 81. Moths, white and brown, 112. Palmer worms, 113. Pastes, various, 126. Perch, remarks on, 47; baits for, 48. Pike, remarks on, 33; anecdotes of the voracity of, 34 ; baits for, 37; to troll for, 38; another way , 40 ; trimmer described, 42; leiger described, 44; spring snap, 45 ; snaring or haltering, 46. Rivers, several described, 9. Roach, remarks on, 66; haunts of, and baits, 67; tackle described, 68.- Rud, remarks on, 65; baits for, 66. Ruffe, or Ruffe Ferch, remarks on, 49 ; baits for, ib. Salmon, remarks on, 13: tackle described, 17; baits for, 18. Salmon Trout, 21. Salmon Flies, 111. Salmon spawn, how to preserve, 127. Skegger Trout, 29. Stickleback, remarks on, 83. Tench, remarks on, 59; baits, &c. 60. Trout, remarks on, 22 ; tackle described, 24; baits for, 24 to 27. Trolling for Trout, 115 ; kill-devil for trolling, 118. Wasp-grub-fishing, 124. Weather, observations on, 128 ; weather table, 131. Worms, lobworms, 120; red worms, ib. Brandlings, 121; marsh worms, ib. to cleanse and scour worms, ib. Worm-fishing, 119. INTRODUCTION. npHIS Work has, for a period of years, en- joyed a degree of public approbation, which few other similar pubHcations can boast of; and it is presumed that it has been practically use- ful in proportion to the fame it has acquired ; it is, however, a truth universally acknowledged, that art, though it continually advances in ex- cellence, is never known to arrive at perfection. If this remark be true with respect to the higher branches of human knowledge, it is also appli- cable to the humble business of Angling, which, whether pursued for pleasure or profit, is yet capable, as an art, of constant and indefinite improvement. Whatever merit we may attribute to the Au- thor, his condition in life ancf circumscribed course of reading, prevented the possibility of his acquiring correct information on literary sub- jects ; and it has been found expedient to omit the puerilities of an antiquated and obsolete philosophy, to make room for extracts from mo- dern writers, more useful and interestins:. B IV. INTRODUCTION. In order to render this new edition of **Bo\vl- ker's Art of Angling'' more deserving of general approbation, it has been carefully corrected, improved, and greatly enlarged : in every part of the work these improvements will be recog- nized and duly appreciated by the judicious angler ; but especially in that part which treats on Fly-fishing. This branch of the art is the most agreeable and important, and may be practised, with the artificial fly, so as to be freed from an objec- tion sometimes brought against angling, as a cruel and ungenerous amusement, deriving great part of its attendant pleasure from the sufferings of the miserable insect writhing in torment, im- paled upon the hook. Now, though it will be admitted on all hands, that this objection has no proper bearing on the subject, so far as con- cerns the pleasure derived from it, yet as every humane angler will wish to remove from his fa- vourite amusement such attendant circumstan- ces as produce painful feelings on reflection, he will be induced to use the imitative in prefe- rence to the living bait. If the activity neces- sary to this mode be taken into consideration, it must be considered more favourable to health than the tedious watch ings of other modes of angling. But after all, it must be conceded, that diflferent tastes have difl'erent sources of INTRODUCTION. V. enjoyment : the grave and contemplative mind enjoys the still and peaceful scene ; the cheer- ful and sprightly temper, is active even in its amusements. Angling suits either of these habits. In adapting appropriate embellishments to suit the improved taste of the age, the publish- ers have considered utility as well as ornament, and the correct delineation of the fishes and flies will serve to guide the inexperienced prac- titioner, in some cases, where it is important to distinguish the species. It will be universally acknowledged that no book of written instruc- tions can make a proficient in any art ; yet a good book may be useful, and in some cases absolutely necessary, and it is hoped our little work will be found eff'ective for every purpose of usefulness. Every science has its rules and axioms, and the following hortatory remarks will be deemed of sufficient importance to be retained. Patience is ever allowed to be a great virtue, and is one of the first requisites for an angler. In your excursion to or from fishing, should you overheat yourself with walking, avoid small liquors and water as you would poison ; a glass of generous wine, brandy, or rum, is more likely to promote cooling effects, without dan- ger of taking cold. VI. INTRODUCTION. Whenever you begin to angle, wet the ends of the joints of your rod, to make them swell, which will prevent their loosening : and if you happen, with rain or otherwise, to wet your rod, so that you cannot pull the joints asunder, turn the ferrule round in the flame of a candle, and they will easily separate. An angler should always be careful to keep out of sight of the fish, by standing as far from the bank as possible ; but muddy water renders this caution unnecessary. A judicious angler should observe that his amusement must be avoided in a strong east or cold north wind ; as both are injurious to health, and unfriendly to sport. Also, after a long drought. In the middle of days that are exces- sively hot and bright. When there has been a white frost in the morning. In days of high wind. In places where they have been long washing sheep. Upon the sudden rising of clouds that precede rain. On days following dark windy nights. In ponds, angle near the fords where cattle go to drink ; and in rivers, angle for Bream in the deepest and most quiet parts ; for Eels, under trees hanging over banks ; for Chub, in deep shaded holes ; for Perch, in scours ; for Roach, in winter, in the deeps, at all other times where you angle for Perch ; and for Trout in quick streams. INTRODUCTION. Vll. When you have hooked a fish, never suffer it to run out with the line ; but keep the rod bent, and as nearly perpendicular as you can ; by this method the top plies to every pull tlie fish makes, and you prevent the straining of the line. Never raise a large lish out of the water by taking hold of the line, but either put a landing net under it, or your hat. You may, in fly- fishing, lay hold of the line to draw a fish to you, but this must be done with caution. The silk for tying on hooks and other fine work, must be very small ; use it double, and wax it with shoemaker's wax ; should the wax be too stiff, tMnper it with tallow. Inclose the knots and joints of the line in lit- tle pills of wax, pressed very close, and the superfluities pinched off; this will soon harden, and prevent the knots from drawing. If for strong fishing you use grass, which, when you can get it fine, is to be preferred to gut, remember always to soak it an hour in wa- ter before using it; this will make it tough, and prevent its sinking. Before fixing the loop of gut to the hook, in order to make a fly, singe the end of it to pre- vent its drawing ; do the same by hair, to which at any time you whip a hook. Make flies in warm weather only, for in cold, the waxed silk will not draw. vni. INTRODUCTION. In rainy weather, or when the season for angling is over, repair whatever damage your tackle has sustained. Never regard what bunglers and slovens tell you, but believe that neatness in your tackle, and a masterly hand in all your work, are ab- solutely necessary. As dry feet are conducive to health, we have copied an excellent receipt for the angler's use, which will prevent boots or shoes from letting in water : 'Hake a pint of linseed oil, half a pound of mutton suet, six or eight ounces of bees wax, and a halfpenny worth of resin ; melt these in a pipkin together, and then let W cool till it be luke-warm, take a small hair brush and lay it on the boots ; but it is much better to be laid on the leather before the boots are made, and brushed once over with it, when made : as for old boots or shoes, you must brush them with it when they are dry." Lastly, those who value health, do not begin the delightful recreation of angling till March ; although, in some years, if the weather be open and mild, February may afford more diversion. BOWLKER'S A short Account of the PRINCIPAL RIVERS IN ENGLAND. The THAMES is the mighty king of all the British Rivers, superior to most in beauty, and to all in importance ; it takes its rise from a copious spring called Thames-head, about two miles south-west of Cirencester. It widens considerably on approaching Lechlade, where it is joined by the Lech, the Coin, and the Isis, all which rise in the Cotswold hill ; continuing its course to the south-east by Wallingford to Reading, it forms a boundary to the counties of Berks, Bucks, Surrey, Middlesex, Essex, and Kent ; and joins the Medway at the Nore, in the Mouth of the British ocean. The medway is by far the m<»st impor- tant river of any in Kent, except the Thames. It rises on the borders of Surrey and Sussex, somewhat north of East-Grinstead, and takes 10 ART OF ANGLING, a north-east course to Tunbridge and Maid- stone : winding still with various curves east- ward, it passes Rochester and Chatham, and finally turns to the north and enters the Nore under the fort of Sheerness, near the mouth of the Thames. This river is remarkable for its extent and safety in harbouring the royal navy of Great Britain. The SEVERN is the principal River in Wales, and second only to the Thames in Eng- land, belonging alternately to both countries. The chief source of it is in a small lake on the eastern side of Plinlimmon hill, not far from the heads of the rivers Wye and Rhydol ; it flows to the south-east, through a wild district, to- wards Llanidloes ; it then turns to the north- east between hills, and approaches Newtown, where it assumes its proper name of Severn, From thence its course is almost due north through the delightful vales of Montgomery** shire ; after making a considerable compass it turns abruptly to the south-east, and almost encircles the town of Shrewsbury, and pursues the same direction till it has passed Coalbrook Dale ; soon after which it flows southward to Bewdley, Worcester, and Glocester. Except a large semicircle which the Severn makes at Newnham, its course is chiefly to the south- west below Glocester, till it assumes the title of RIVERS. 11 the Bristol channel; expanding and insensibly losing itself in the Atlantic ocean, between the Land's end of Cornwall and the extreme point of Pembrokeshire. The wye, though not the largest, may certainly be called the most beautiful of the rivers of South Wales ; it rises on the south side of Plinlimmon hill, on the borders of Montgo- meryshire and Cardiganshire, being rather to the south of the source of the Severn. In its course it inclines gradually to the east, and separates Brecknockshire from Radnorshire : when past the Black Mountain it flows east- ward to Hereford, Ross, and Monmouth ; from whence it proceeds south till it unites itself with the Severn below Chepstow, thus forming part of the Bristol Channel. The TRENT is a river which pervades some of the most fertile districts in the kingdom ; it rises in the hill near Newcastle-under-Line, in Staffordshire, adjoining to the borders of Che- shire. In its course it divides Leicestershire from Derbyshire, and penetrates through the centre of Nottinghamshire ; at length it reaches the borders of Yorkshire, and a few miles from Gainsborough it joins with the aestuary of the Northern Ouse to form the turbulent river Humber, "Art thou the Trent, whose name it has been said, "Implies thou art by thirty rivers fed V 12 ART OF ANGLING. The HUMBER is formed by the Trent, the Northern Ouse, the Derwent, and several other smaller streams. By the late inland navigation, it has a communication with the Mersey, Dee, Ribble, Severn, Thames, Avon, &c. which navi- gation, including its windings, extends above five hundred miles in the counties of Lincoln, Nottingham, York, Lancaster, Westmoreland, Chester, Stafford, Warwick, Leicester, Oxford, and Worcester : it divides Yorkshire from Lin- colnshire, and falls into the German ocean near Holderness. AVON, the name of four Rivers in England ; viz. 1, rising in Leicestershire, runs south-west by Warwick and Evesham, and falls into the Severn at Tewkesbury : 2, in Monmouthshire : 3, rising in Wiltshire, coasts the edge of the New Forest, and enters the English Channel at Christ Church Bay in Hampshire : and 4, the Lower Avon, which rises near Tedbury in Wilt- shire, and running west to Bath, becomes navi- gable ; continues its course to Bristol, and falls into the Severn north-west of that city. SALMON. 13 SALMON. The Salmon, so highly esteemed for the deli- cacy of its flavour, and so important an article in a commercial view, is chiefly an inhabitant of the northern regions; they will ascend our rivers for many miles ; force themselves against the most rapid streams, and spring with amazing agility over cataracts of several feet in height. An inhabitant of Berwick upon Tweed, gives the following account of them : **in the months of October and November, the Salmon begin to press up the river as far as they can reach, in order to spawn ; when that time approaches, the male and female unite in forming a proper receptacle for it in the sand, or gravel, about 14 ART OF ANGLING. the depth of eighteen inches ; in this the female deposits the spawn, which they afterwards care- fully j^over up by means of their tails, which are observed to have no skin on them for some time after this period. The spawn lies buried till spring, if not disturbed by violent floods, but the Salmon hasten to the sea as soon as they are able, in order to recover their strength ; for after spawning they become very lean, and are then called by the name of Kippers. When the Salmon first enter the rivers, they are observed to have a great many small animals adhering to them, especially about their gills ; these are the Lernea Salmonea, or Salmon louse, of Lin- naeus, and are signs that the fish are in high season ; soon after the Salmon have left the sea, the Lernea die and drop off. About the latter end of March the spawn be- gins to exclude the young, which gradually in- crease to the length of four or five inches, and are then called Samlets, Smelts, or Smouts, About the beginning of May the river is full of them ; it seems to be all alive ; and there is no having an idea of their numbers without seeing them ; but a seasonable flood then hurries them all to the sea, scarce any being left in the river. About the middle of June, the earliest of the fry begin to drop, as it were, into the river again from the sea, at that time being about SALMON. 15 twelve or fourteen inches in length ; and by a gradual progress increase in number and size, till the end of July, when they are termed Gilse. In the beginning of August they lessen in num- ber, but increase in size, some being six or eight pounds in weight. All fishermen agree that they never find any food in the stomach of this fish. Perhaps du- ring the spawning time, they may entirely ne- glect their food ; and that they return to sea lank and lean, and come from it in good con- dition. It is evident that, at times, their food is both fish and worms, for the angler uses both with good success ; as well as a large gaudy artifi- cial fly, which they probably mistake for a gay Libellula, or Dragon fly. The capture of Sal- mon in the Tweed is prodigious ; in a good fishery, often a boat load, and sometimes near two, are taken in a tide. The season for fishing in the Tweed begins November 30th, but there are few taken till after Christmas ; it ends on Michaelmas day, yet the Corporation of Ber- wick, who are the conservators of the river, in- dulge the fishermen with a fortnight past that time, on account of the change of the style. The general length of the Salmon is from two and a half to three feet, but sometimes more : the male is principally distinguished by the cur- 16 ART OF ANGLING. vature of the jaws ; both the upper and lower mandible bendhig towards each other, more or less, in different individuals, and at different seasons. The general colour of both sexes is a silvery grey, of a much darker cast on the back ; the sides of the male are marked with numerous small, irregular, dusky and copper- coloured spots, while those of the female exhi- bit only several rather large, distant, roundish spots of a dark colour ; the male is somewhat longer, and of a more slender shape than the female.'' Having thus briefly premised the general cha- racter and size of the Salmon, it is necessary to give some account of its haunts and feeding- times, and then proceed to the artifices best adapted for its capture. The principal seasons for the angler to follow his operations are during the months of March and September. It does not stay long in a place, neither does it, like most other fish, lie near the river's edge, but swims in the deepest parts, and usually in the middle, near the ground. Its prime feeding- time is from six till nine o'clock in the morning, and from three in the afternoon till sunset. The primary and most important articles with which the angler should be provided, are, a rod, reel, reel-line, cast-line, artificial flies, and various gut bottoms adapted to the diffe- rent modes of taking Salmon. SALMON. 17 The length of the rod should be from sixteen to twenty feet, which, however, may be regu- lated according to the breadth of the river in which he pursues his amusement. The reel, which should be large, is a most material ap- pendage to the rod, and is made of brass ; it must be constructed with the utmost nicety, and rendered capable of the swiftest circumvo- lutions. The line, which is to be fastened to the reel, may be composed either of strong silk, or twisted horse-hair without knots, and about thirty or forty yards in length ; at the end of this line must be a loop, to which you can at- tach a cast line of a convenient length for throwing, (say, ten or twelve yards,) this cast- line must be about twenty hairs thick at the top, and gradually diminish as it approaches the gut bottom to which the flies or other baits are affixed. The bottom must be made either of strong silk-worm gut, or grass. The artifi- cial flies should generally be of large dimensions, and of a gaudy glittering colour ; the Dragon fly, and King's Fisher, are particularly adapted for Salmon fishing, (both of which are described in this volume,) although they will take almost any of the flies used for Trout. The angler should imitate principally the natural flies found on such rivers where Salmon abound ; but he may safely indulge his fancy, rather than depart 18 ART OF ANGLING. without a bite ; for many succeed with the most monstrous and capricious baits of this gaudy kind. A raw cockle, or muscle, taken out of the shell, prawns, minnows, and worms, have also been recommended as Salmon baits : the mode of angling with these is to drop the line, which must be totally unencumbered with shot, inta some shallow which approximates to the edge of a hole of considerable depth, permitting the bait to be carried in by the current. The line should always be thrown across the river, and on the off side from the spot where you expect a fish to rise. When you imagine that a fish has taken the bait, be cautious in giving it time to pouch it, that is, to swallow it fairly and securely ; after this, fix the hook firmly by a gentle twitch. On the first sensation .of pain, the fish will plunge and spring with great vio- lence, and use every endeavour of strength and cunning to eft'ect its escape : it will then, per- haps, run away with a considerable length of line, which is to be kept in a gently relaxed situation, so that it may always yield with fa- cility to its obstinate resistance. If it becomes sullen and quiet in the water, rouse it gently by throwing in a few stones ; and when it again commences resistance, do not be too eager in checking its career, but let it gradually exhaust SALMON. 19 its strength, follow it down the stream, and at every opportunity keep winding up the line, un- til you approach it in a wearied state ; then take it softly by the gills out of the water. The size of the hook, for this purpose, should be No. 2, or 3. Salmon take little fish and worms best on their first arrival in the fresh water, that is, in March ; and flies from that time until the end of September. Some anglers troll for them with the same baits, and in the same manner, as di- rected for Pike, and occasionally meet with success. The Thames Salmon are reckoned to exceed in quality those of any other river ; but those in the rivers Severn and Wye, are excellent in their kind, and are first in season of any in England. Before concluding this account of the Sal- mon, it may be remarked, that a fresh wind after a flood, and when the sun shines watery, is the best weather for catching them ; or when the river is slightly urged by the tide ; but it mu8t not be thick or muddy. In the Acts of Parliament for the preservation of this fish, the party who catch and send Sal- mon to London for sale, the produce of any fishery, of less than six pounds in weight, for- feits five pounds ; the same penalty is also at- tached to the seller and buyer of the fish. 20 ART OF ANGLING. In allusion to the known practice of the Sal- mon taking such extraordinary leaps, we extract the following from Drayton's Polyolbion : — As when the Salmon seeks a fresher stream to find ; (Which hither from the sea comes, yearly, by his kind,) As he towards season grows; and stems the wat'ry tract Where Tivy, falhng down, makes an high cataract, Forc'd by the rising rocks, that there her course oppose, As though within her bounds they meant her to inclose ; Here, when the labouring fish does at the foot arrive, And finds that by his strength he does but vainly strive ; His tail takes in his mouth, and bending like a bow That's to full compass drawn, aloft himself doth throw, Then springing at his height, as doth a little wand That's bended end to end, and started from man's hand, Far oflF itself doth cast; so does the Salmon vault: And if, at first, he fail, his second summersault He instantly essays, and from his nimble ring Still yerking, never leaves until himself he fling Above the opposing stream. GREY SALMON are a distinct species from the common Salmon ; their heads are larger in proportion, in the jaws are four rows of teeth, and on the tongue are eight teeth ; the back and sides are of a deep grey with purple spots, the belly silvery, the tail even at the end. They are strong fish, and do not ascend the fresh water till August, when they rush up the rivers with great violence, and are very rarely taken by angling. They appear in the river Esk, in Cumberland, from July to September, and are then in spawn. This is supposed to be the fish called by the name of the Sewin, or Shewiu, in South Wales. The Gravel LAST-SPRING is supposed by some to be the fry of the Salmon, but which is SALMON. 21 a distinct species ; the rivers Severn and Wye abound with this fish. It spawns in the month of August, and affords the angler excellent di- version with the long line. The Red Ant is a very killing fly, and all the flies may be used with success during their proper seasons. ^ Salmon TROUT are greatly alUed, in point of general appearance, to the Salmon, but rare- ly of equal size ; in colour purpHsh, or violet, with the head and whole body thickly marked with small round dark or blackish spots, sur- rounded by a paler circle ; scales rather small. They are natives of the European seas, passing, like Salmon, into rivers to deposit their spawn. Their flesh is similar in colour, and of equal delicacy with the Salmon. Wherever this fish is to be found, it will afford the angler good sport ; the same baits are to be used as direc- ted for Salmon and Trout fishing. 22 ART OF ANGLING. TROUT. The Trout admits of considerable variety as to the tinge both of its ground colour and spots. Its general length, when full grown, is from twelve to fifteen inches ; its colour, yellowish grey, darker or browner upon the back, and marked on the sides with distant round bright red spots, each surrounded by a tinge of pale bluish grey ; the belly is of a white or silvery cast ; the fins are of a pale purplish brown, the head rather large, and the scales very fine. The female is of a brighter and more beautiful ap- pearance than the male. In general the Trout prefers clear, cold, and briskly-running waters, with a stony or gravelly bottom ; it swims with rapidity, and, like the Salmon, springs occasionally to a very consid- erable height in order to surmount any obstacle in its course. It generally spawns in October, TROUT. 23 and at that time gets among the roots of trees, and under large stones, in order to deposit its eggs, which are far less numerous than those of other fish : yet the Trout admits of very con- siderable increase, owing, no doubt, to the cir- cumstance of most of the voracious kind of fishes avoiding waters of so cold a nature as those which Trout delight to inhabit ; and their increase would be still greater, were they not themselves of a voracious disposition, frequent- ly preying upon each other. The merit of the Trout, as an article of food, is too well known to require particular notice : in this respect however those are most esteemed which are natives of the clearest waters : the flesh of some is white, some red, and some yel- lowish ; the two last are accounted the best, yet all three sorts are sometimes found in the same river, and in places but a short distance from each other. The Trout is of a more sudden growth than any fish except the Salmon, but it does not live to a great age ; when full grown, it shortly af- terwards diminishes in body, and its head in- creases in size, until its death. It is best in season in the months of May and June, but is considered good from the end of February until August, when Greyling fishing commences. In October the Trout retires to the deep parts of 24 ART OF ANGLING. the river, where it continues until the return of spring ; and in February, if the weather be warm, it leaves its winter quarters to cleanse and recreate itself in the shallow streams ; and as it gains strength, pursues its course up the river, frequently changing its position. The Trout generally feeds in the deepest parts of large and swift streams near the sides ; and very commonly lies under hollow banks, among the roots of trees, and behind great stones that cause an eddy in the water. The best time to angle for it is from March to August ; in March if the weather be open and mild, and the water clear, angle with the worm, or troll with the minnow, or kill-devil, (see Directions for Trol- ling,) in the morning; and towards twelve o'clock the Blue Dun and March Brown flies make their appearance ; when, of course, you will discontinue the former baits and commence fly-fishing, which will generally prove success- ful until about three o'clock, when the flies be- gin to disappear from the river. In the evening again use the worm or minnow. As the season advances the flies daily appear earlier and con- tinue later, and may be fished with accordingly. In fishing for Trout with the worm observe these directions : the rod must be strong, with a pliant top, and from twelve to fifteen feet in length, the line should be about a foot longer ; TROUT. • 25 but it is best at all times, and for all kind* of angling, to use a reel, and about twenty yards of reel-line, (as described on page 17,) so that you may make the casting line longer or shorter at pleasure ; the bottom must be comprised of two yards or more of fine round gut, and No. 5 or 6 hook ; a float is quite unnecessary. Bait with either one lob-worm, two small red worms, or two brandlings ; all of which are required to be well scoured and very lively ; for, a Trout will not touch a worm that is half dead, or in any way mangled or dirty. Put the lob- worm on the hook in the following manner: enter the point of the hook about a quarter of an inch below its head, and carry it down to within the same distance of its tail, keeping the point of the hook completely hid in the worm. If two small red worms or brandlings be used, run the point of the hook in at the head of the first, and bring it out about three parts down its body, then draw it carefully up over the arming or whipping of the hook, while you put on the other ; put the point of the hook into the second somewhat below the middle, and carry it near to the head, then draw the first worm down to join it. In angling with the worm it is necessary to put as many shot upon the line, about nine in- ches from the hook, as will readily sink the 26 ART OF ANGLING. bait; because, if the stream be rapid, the bait is carried away without touching the ground, consequently there is but little chance of a Trout taking it. While thus fishing with the running line, keep as far from the water as you can, and let the bait be carried down by the stream into the haunts mentioned on page 24 ; and when a fish begins to bite, do not strike the first time you feel a slight tug, but rather slacken the line ; and when you feel one or more sharp tugs together, then strike smartly ; if it is a heavy fish do not be too eager to land it. When maggots are used, which are generally considered the best of all ground baits, a rod rather more flexible than the one described for worm-fishing is necessary ; the length of line should be proportioned to the river or place in which you angle ; the line cannot be too fine ; the hook No. 7 or 8 ; and, for this purpose, a small cork or goose-quill float is required. A few maggots should be thrown in occasionally for the fish to feed upon, as, when angling for Trout, all other kinds of fish are taken with this bait, except Salmon and Pike. The natural flies best adapted for dibbing, or bobbing at the bush, are the May fly, or yellow Cadow, the Grey Drake, the Orl, and the Canon, or Down-hill fly ; all which are to |>e found on bushes near to the river side, in the TROUT. 27 months of May and June. The line should be from two to three yards long, and it is best to be made of hard twisted silk, (which can be purchased at any of the tackle shops,) with two hooks No. 7, tied back to back ; one or two flies may be used at a time. The method of angling with the natural fly, is to drop the line over bushes, segs, rushes, or in holes and curls where no other bait can be used ; it is requisite to imitate as nearly as possible the manner in which the flies rise off* and fall upon the water ; and to be cautious when you see a fish ap- proach, which it does very suddenly, not to snatch the bait away. Bobbing with real flies, and trolling with real minnows, are considered so very destructive as to be prohibited by some Gentlemen in their preserved parts of rivers. The following method of taking Trout, is, by some experienced anglers, much esteemed : — Make a pair of wings of the feather of a land- rail, and on the bend of the hook put one or two cadis ; the head of the cadis should be kept close to the wings. Angle with a rod about live yards long, the hne three, and the hook No. 2 or 3. Let the bait float down the stream just below the surface, then gently draw it up again a little irregularly by shaking the rod, .and if there be a fish in the place it will be sure to take it. If you use two cadis with the wings, 2a ART OF ANGLING. put the hook in at the head and out at the neck of the first, and quite through the other from head to tail. Two brandlings, or small red worms, may be fished with in the same way. Before you send Trout on a journey, always have them cleaned and gutted, and let them be laid on their backs, and closely packed in a willow basket with dry straw. Packing in damp grass or rushes is apt to ferment, and therefore liable to spoil the fish. The Alpine TROUT, or Gilt CHARR, abounds in the lakes of Ulswater and Winan- dermere, in Westmoreland, and in the lakes of Llyn Quellyn near the foot of Snowdon, in North Wales ; it is in length about twelve inches ; its colour silvery, with the back strongly tinged with olive-green, and the sides thickly freckled with very minute bright-red and blackish specks; its head very large, and scales very small ; on the whole, it is similar to the common Trout, only rather broader. Those which inhabit the clearest and coldest waters are observed to be of the richest colours. It is a fish of great del- icacy of flavour, and much esteemed as food. The Alpine Trout may be successfully angled for with any of the Trout baits, but more par- ticularly with the fly. GWINIAD. 29 The GWINIAD inhabits the same lakes as the Alpine Trout, and is to be found in some of the northern rivers ; it resembles the common Trout in shape, but is thicker in proportion: its length is from ten to twelve inches; the head is small and very taper in front, the upper lip extending considerably beyond the lower, so that the mouth, which is small, appears placed beneath ; the general colour of it is a silvery grey, with a dusky tinge on the upper parts, and the base of each scale marked by a dusky speck ; the fins are pale brown, the tail forked, and the scales large. In rivers, at the time of spawning, which is in December, it forces its way up the most violent streams, generally ad- vancing in two ranges, and forming in front an acute angle, the whole being conducted by a single fish. The flesh of the Gwiniad has an insipid taste, and must be eaten soon after it is caught. This fish is to be angled for with the same baits, and with the same tackle, as direc- ted for Trout or Greyling. There is in many rivers, especially in such as empty themselves into the sea, a little Trout, called the Skegger, which will readily take any small fly, and will bite at the worm or maggot as fast and as freely as Minnows ; it never ex- ceeds the size of a Herring. 30 ART OF ANGLING. GREYLING. The Greyling is an elegant fish, and when full grown is about sixteen inches in length ; it chiefly abounds in the rivers of Derbyshire and Yorkshire, in the Teme near Ludlow, and in the Lug and other streams near Leominster. In shape it resembles the Trout, but is rather more slender, particularly near the tail ; its colour is a beautiful silvery grey, with numerous longi- tudinal dark stripes ; the scales rather large ; the head, fins, and tail, are of a brownish cast, and the tail forked. The largest Greyling ever caught in England was taken at Ludlow ; it measured above half-a-yard in length, and weighed four pounds eight ounces. The Greyling is a very swift swimmer, disap- pearing like the transient passage of a shadow. GREYLING. 31 from whence is derived its ancient name of Umhray or Umber. It spawns in April and May, and is then to be found in gentle gliding streams ; it is a voracious fish, rising freely at the fly, and will very eagerly take both worms and maggots ; it naturally feeds upon all kinds of water insects, and the roe of other fish. It is much esteemed for the delicacy of its flesh, which is white, firm and of a fine flavour ; and is considered as in the highest season in the depth of winter. This fish, generally speaking, inhabits the same streams as the Trout, and it frequently happens that, in fly-fishing, the angler will take both at the same stand ; and sometimes, when two or three flies are fished with, one of each may be taken at the same throw. The Grey ling is much more simple, and therefore bolder, than the Trout, and will rise several times if you miss hooking it. The principal months to angle for Greyling are September, October, and November ; and then, if the water be low and fine, and the day warm and cloudy, the three autumn flies, viz. the Whirling Blue, the Pale Blue, and the Wil- low, will be found very killing. During the three months above-mentioned the chief haunts of the smaller Greyling are in glides ; but the large ones generally resort to 32 ART OF ANGLING. deeper water, into which a gentle stream falls ; the former may readily be taken with the fly, but the latter must be angled for with the worm or maggot ; when these baits are used the tackle should be of the finest description, the bottom to be at least two yards of gut, leaded with two shot about a foot from the hook ; a small goose- quill float, and a hook No. 5 or 6 for worms, and No. 8 or 9 for maggots, are required ; the bait to lie on or very near to the ground. Strike the instant the float descends, and when a fish is hooked be sure work it with caution, as the hold in its mouth easily gives way ; you must also endeavour to prevent it from rubbing its nose against the ground, which it is very apt to do; but, when fairly hooked, it is, like the Chub, easily subdued. When fishing with mag- gots, occasionally throw a few in to draw the fish together. The Greyling may also be caught with cab- bage grubs, grasshoppers, aud codbaits, either natural or artificial ; the method of angling with these is to sink and draw, that is, to permit the bait to fall gradually to the bottom, and draw- ing it up again very gently, but irregularly ; the rod and line to be of equal length, the hook, No. 5 or 6, must be leaded upon the shank. Several other kinds of fish may be taken with these baits. PIKE. 33 PIKE. The Pike is a native of most of the lakes, ponds, and rivers in England, and is known to grow to be upwards of thirty pounds in weight; the head of it is very flat, the upper jaw broad, and shorter than the lower, which turns up a little at the end, and is marked with minute punctures ; the teeth are very sharp, disposed only in front of the upper jaw, but in both sides of the lower, as well as in the roof of the mouth, and often on the tongue ; the gape is very wide, the eyes small, and the tail is slightly forked. The usual colour of it is a pale olive grey, deep- est on the back, and is marked on the sides by several yellowish spots or patches ; when in its highest perfection the colours are more brilliant, the sides being of a bright olive, with yellow spots, the back dark green, and the belly silvery. 34 ART OF ANGLING. The voracity of the Pike is commemorated by all ichthyological writers ; it has been known to choke itself in attemptinf^ to swallow one of its own species which proved too large a mor- sel ; it will also devour water rats, and young ducks which happen to be swimming near it; and will even contend with the otter for its prey, and endeavour to force it out of his mouth. A Mr Plott, of Oxford, has recorded the following highly singular anecdote. *'At Lord Gower's canal at Trentham, a Pike seized the head of a swan as she was feeding under water, and gor- ged so much of it as killed them both ; the ser- vants, perceiving the swan with its head under water for a longer time than usual, took boat, and found both swan and Pike dead." Bowlker, in the first edition of this book, gives the following instance of the extreme vo- racity of this fish. "My father catched a Pike in Barn-Meer, (a large standing water in Che- shire,) which was an ell long, and weighed thirty-five pounds, which he brought to Lord Cholmondeley : his Lordship ordered it to be turned into a canal in the garden, wherein were abundance of several sorts offish : about twelve months after, his Lordship drawed the canal, and found that this overgrown Pike had de- voured all the fish, except one large Carp that weighed between nine and ten pounds, and that PIKE. 35 was bitten in several places. The Pike was then put into the canal again, together with abun- dance of fish for him to feed upon, all which he devoured in less than a year's time ; and was observed by the gardener and workmen there, to take the ducks, and other water fowl, under water. Whereupon they shot magpies and crows, and threw them into the canal, which the Pike took before their eyes : of this they ac- quainted their Lord ; who, thereupon, ordered the slaughterman to fling in calves bellies, chick- ens guts, and such like garbage to him, to prey upon : but being soon after neglected, he died, as supposed, for want of food." The smaller kind of fish are said to show the same uneasiness and detestation at the presence of a Pike, as the smaller birds do at the sight of a hawk ; and when the Pike, as is often the case, lies dormant at the surface of the water, they are observed to swim around in vast num- bers, and in the greatest anxiety. The Pike spawns in March and April, accor- ding to the warmth or coldness of the season, depositing it among weeds near the water's edge; the young are supposed to be of very quick growth ; the first year it arrives at the length of from six to ten inches ; the second, to twelve or fifteen ; and the third, to eighteen or twenty. An overgrown Pike is called a Luce, D 36 ART OF ANGLING. but the flesh of a Pike when about two feet long is to be preferred, being far more delicious and grateful to the palate. It is in its prime in Sep- tember and October, but is considered good from Midsummer till Christmas. The longevity of this fish is very remarkable ; it is asserted that it will live to be upwards of an hundred years old. The Pike is a very solitary fish, and is partial to the deepest and most obscure parts af the river, which has sand or gravel upon the bot- tom, generally taking its station near the side ; it is also frequently found in quiet retired pla- ces where the water is rather shallow than deep, forming a bend or bay in rivers, especially if the sides of such places are shaded with tall segs or bull-rushes ; among these the Pike lies, particularly during floods, a foot or two below the surface, with its nose just projecting from the rushes or segs, looking up the stream for whatever food may come within its reach. But when the river is of a proper colour, it goes oc- casionally, towards the dusk of evening, some yards from the haunts above-mentioned in search of food ; particularly to fords or shallows where small fish frequent. From the time of spawning till August Pike are not in a vigorous state, appearing more in- clined to doze and bask in the sun near the top PIKE. 37 of the water, than to feed ; at such times a snare is more effectual than the most tempting bait the angler can select ; and if such be placed so close as to touch its nose, it will generally draw back from it ; and should you persevere in placing the bait near it, it will plunge away in anger. In fact. Pike are longer than any other fish in recovering their health, flesh, and appetite, after the act of procreation ; indeed, but few will take a bait freely, and fewer still are fit for table, before September. During the summer months Pike take the worm or minnow best early in the morning and late in the evening. In September and October they will bite well all day, but best about three o'clock in the afternoon ; and now the bait which before was nauseous to the Pike, is be- come very desirable, and will not easily be for- saken by it. Pike, when on the feed, are as bold as they are voracious, attacking and devouring all kinds of fish, with the exception of the Tench : — The Pikf, fell tyrant of ihe liquid ])laia. With ravenous waste devours his fellow train; Yet, howsoe'er with raging famine piu'd, Tiie Tencli he spares, a medicinal kind ; For when by wounds distress'd, or sore disease, He courts the s:ilutary fish for ease ; Close to his scales the kind phjsician glides, And sweats the healing balsam from his sides. Pepe. The following is the plan generally adopted by most anglers when trolling for a Pike : — 8» ART OF ANGLING. To Troll for a Pike, The best baits to troll with, are small Trout, Greyling, Bleak, Gudgeons, Roach, Dace, and young Frogs ; the fish baits varying from one to four ounces in weight. The rod for trolling must be long and stout, the line strong and twenty yards or more in length, wound upon a reel ; the bottom to be about twelve inches of gimp, or strong twisted gut, to which a box swivel is attached to help the bait to turn freely ; two hooks. No. 5, tied back to baok are gene- rally used : some anglers suspend a lead plum- met, of a conical form, between the hooks by a short piece of gut, which they force into the mouth or throat of the bait to make it sink bet- ter ; the bait to be hung securely by the upper lip on one of the hooks. In trolling it is advisa- ble to have the casting line about the length of the rod, and to hold loosely in the left hand a yard or more of reel-line, until, with a jerk from the right hand you cast the bait in the water. When the jerk is given, let the line which is held in the left hand pass from its hold gradu- ally, so that the bait may not be checked when cast out, by holding the line too fast; or that it may fall short of where you wish to place it, which it will do, if you let go the line altogether when you make the jerk. By noticing these ob- servations, and with a little practice, you may PIKE. 39 cast the baited hook to many yards distance, and within an inch of the spot which you may think likely to harbour a Pike. On arriving at the river, or pond, where you intend to troll, first try the bank side both right and left ; then cast the bait directly forwards as far as possible, and continue fishing close but not twice in the same place ; always permit the bait to sink near to the bottom, then gradu- ally draw it upwards till it is near the surface ; let it sink again ; now draw it gently upwards in a zig-zag direction ; be careful not to take the bait out of the water hastily, as it frequent- ly happens that a fish will run at it at the very moment that you have drawn it to you for ano- ther throw. When there is a run, or bite, lower the point of the rod towards the water, and at the same time draw the line gradually from tha reel with your left hand, so that nothing may impede or check the progress of the fish in car- rying the bait to its hold in order to pouch it. Do not strike until the Pike has had possession of the bait about seven minutes, or till the line shakes or moves in the water, then wind up the^ slack line, and turn the rod, so that the reel may be uppermost instead of underneath, then strike, but not with violence. If it should be a large fish, and the place open, give more line, and do not pull hard at any time, unless your 40 ART OF ANGLING. tackle should be in danger of entangling among weeds or bushes, and when this is the case the utmost caution is necessary, lest the rod, line, hook, or hold should break. When completely exhausted and brought to the side, take it up with a net, or fix a landing hook in it, either through the upper lip, or under the lower jaw ; or, if in want of either of these, put your thumb and finger into its eyes, which is the most safe hold with the hand. The Pike's my joy of all the scaly shoal ; And of all fishiug instruments, the Troll. Objections have been made to the preceding method of baiting the hooks, which, perhaps, leaves them too much exposed, and liable to entanglement among the weeds. The following is a description of the prepared gorge hook, generally sold at the tackle shops for trolling, and directions how to bait the same. The gorge hook consists of two, or what is called a double Eel hook ; to the shank is fast- ened about two or three inches of twisted brass wire, the end of which forms a loop ; to this loop fasten a piece of gimp about four inches long ; to the other end fix a box swivel ; and then take another piece of gimp six inches long, and fasten one end of it to the swivel, and make a loop at the other to fix on the trolling line. PIKE. 41 To make the bait sink, or sufficiently heavy to be thrown to a distance, the shank of the hook and part of the brass wire is neatly covered with lead, of a long octagon or barrel shape. For the better guidance of the inexperienced angler we subjoin these representations : — No. 1. Gorge hook baited. 2. Gorge hook. 3, Baiting Needle. To bait the gorge hook, take a baiting needle and hook the curved end to the loop of gimp, to which the wire is fastened ; then enter the point of the needle into the mouth of the bait, and bring it out at the middle of the fork of its tail, the lead will then lie concealed in the bait's belly, and the barbs and points outside turning upwards. To keep the bait firm on the hooks it is necessary to tie the tail-part fast to the gimp with white thread ; but if a needle and thread is passed through the flesh on each side of the bait near the tail, it is a much neater way than tying round the outside. It would be well for the angler to provide himself with double hooks of several sizes, so 42 ART OF ANGLING. that he may always have one proportioned to the size of the bait which his judgment leads him to prefer. Some are of opinion that it is better to deprive the bait of all its fins, except the tail ; they say it helps it to spin better ; we think it is not a matter of importance, and there- fore the angler may use his own discretion. To preserve the baits fresh, it is best to keep them in a tin box covered with bran, which will absorb the moisture from their bodies ; if, when packing the baits, you sprinkle a little salt over them, they will keep longer and be in a better state for use. The Trimmer, The next mode, in general estimation, of tak- ing a Pike is with the trimmer, or bank-runner, and this may be used while angling for other fish, or left to remain all night ; the baits most proper are enumerated on page 38, which must be alive, and about six inches in length ; the line should be about twelve yards of hard-twisted twine, the double hooks and platted wire adap- ted for the bottom, will cost a mere trifle, and may be had at any fishing-tackle shop. When at the place where you intend leaving the line, take a bait and make an incision in the skin with a sharp knife on the left shoulder, and an- other a little below the back fin ; then introduce PIKE. 43 the wire to which the double hook is attached, (first taking off the hook,) at the lower incision, and bring it out at the upper, just far enough to enable you to hang the hook on again, then draw the wire back so that the hook remains close to the shoulder. Care must be taken in performing the above operation on the bait, not to injure it more than is necessary ; and the quicker it is performed the better. You should in the first place wind the line on a forked stick, of hazel or ash, about six inches long, and in shape similar to a Y, having a slit on one end of the fork in which the line is to be placed, but not tighter than just to prevent the bait-fish from drawing it out ; then set off the bait, first making the line fast to a bush, or stake, so that it may hang a little below mid-water. Note, the line should be leaded with a small bullet a few inches from the hook, and if a swivel be added to connect the line with the wire bottom, it will be found advantageous. A trimmer may be made with a block of light wood, having a cylinder in the centre on which the line is wound, leaving about a yard and half, or more, to hang down in the water ; after bait- ing, it should be set at liberty, and permitted to go wherever the current drives it, the angler si- lently following ; when a fish has pouched the bait, he must then proceed in a boat, or other- wise, to secure his prize. 44 ART OF ANGLING. In lakes and ponds the following trimmer frequently meets with success ; tie about a yard of twine fast to the neck of a blown bladder, (a common wine bottle well corked will answer the same purpose,) to the end of which attach the bottom before described, or, if the bait be not too large, single hooks tied to a piece of gimp may be used instead, the bait to be suspended by the back fin ; after baiting, it is to be started on the water before a brisk wind. When a Pike has taken the bait you will perceive the water agitated in the most violent manner, and after an amusing and desperate struggle, the bladder or bottle will kill the heaviest of fish. Walton says, that if a short line, with a live bait attached, be fastened round the body, or wings, of a goose or duck, and she chaced over a pond, will make excellent sport. A rod twelve feet long, aud a ring of wire, A winder and barrel, will help thy desire In killing a Pike: but the forked stick, With a slit and a bladder ; and that other fine trick, Which our artists call snap, with a goose or a duck, Will kill two for one if you have any luck: The gentry of Shropshire do merrily smile, To see a goose and a belt the fish to beguile. When a Pike suns himself, and a frogging doth go, The two-inched hook is better, I know, Than the ord'nary snaring. But still I must cry. When the Pike is at home, mind the cookery. Barker's Art of Angling. The Leiger, The rod and line for leiger, or live-bait fish- ing, must be strong and of a length adapted to the water in which you intend ahgling ; the PIKE. 45 bottom, about two feet of gimp, to be affixed to the line by a swivel ; the hook, if single. No. 3, if double. No. 5 ; put on a corji float sufliiciently large to swim a Gudgeon, or large Minnow, at mid-water ; the line to be leaded, so as to make the float stand upright on the water. The ang- ler must carry his baits with him in a tin kettle with a few holes in the top ; to bait the hook pass the point and barb through both the lips of the live bait, on the side of the mouth, which will not distress it so much as by passing the hook through its nose ; or, pass the hook under the back fin, taking care that it does not go too deep, for, should it injure the back bone, the bait will die in a few minutes. When a Pike takes the bait, allow a little time to pouch, then strike. In this manner several other kinds of fish may be caught, viz. Trout, Perch, &c. Spring Snap. The spring snap usually sold at the tackle shops, is to be fished with in the same way as the preceding, only it is necessary to strike the instant a fish takes the bait. The angler may make the following which will answer nearly as well ; tie to a piece of gimp two large worm hooks, long in the shank, and on the shank near the top whip a small hook to hang the bait on ; the two large hooks will then lie close to the side of the bait. 4() ART OF ANGLING. If frogs are used, either for trolling or live- bait fishing, you must choose the yellowest that can be procured ; to bait with it, put the arm- ing wire into its mouth, and bring it out through its gills ; then tie the wire to the frog's leg, just above the upper joint. When a single hook, No. 4 or 5, is used, fix it through the side of the frog's lip, it will then live a long time in the wa- ter and swim strong;. Snaring or Haltering. During the spring and summer months, when Pike are found inactive near the surface of the water, which is frequently the case, especially in ditches connected with rivers, and among weeds ; they are then to be taken by snaring, or haltering, which must be conducted in the fol- lowing manner : — procure a strong stiff taper pole, four yards long, and not too heavy ; at the taper end tie on about a yard of whipcord, having a piece of well-nealed brass wire, or gimp, fastened to it, and formed into a noose. When you espy a fish, fix your eye steadily up- on it, and do not look ofl*; then, having the snare ready, lower it gradually into the water, about two yards before the fish, and guide it very gently towards its head ; when the snare is carried beyond its head and gills, strike with a jerk and lift it out immediately. PERCH. 47 PERCH. The Perch is an inhabitant of clear rivers and lakes, and is to be found in all parts of Eng- land ; its general length, when full grown, is from twelve to eighteen inches, and weighs from two to four pounds. The colour of the Perch is brownish olive, sometimes accompanied by a slight gilded tinge on the sides, and commonly marked with five or six moderately broad, black- ish transverse bars ; the dorsal fin is of a pale violet brown, the rest of the fins, and the tail, are red. Sometimes this fish varies in colour, the olive assuming a richer cast of gilded green, the dusky bars appearing more numerous, and of a bluish black. The Perch is fond of frequenting deep holes in rivers which flow with a gentle current ; it is extremely voracious, and eagerly takes a bait ; it is so tenacious of life, that it may be carried to the distance of sixty miles, in dry straw, and 48 ART OF ANGLING. yet survive the journey. The flesh of it is held in high repute, being considered remarkably firm and delicate. The Perch spawns in February and March ; the season for angling is during April, May and June, from day-light till eleven o'clock in the morning, and from three or four o'clock in the evening till dark ; if the sky be clouded, and a brisk wind stirring, it will bite well all the day. The best baits are minnows, red worms, mag- gots and wasp-grubs. When angled for with the minnow, it must be done nearly in the same manner as directed for Pike, on page 44 and 45, only with this difi^erence, the bottom of the line may be gut, and a single hook. No. 4 or 5 ; and when with worms, it is necessary to throw into certain places, in the river, or pond, stewed malt, or fresh grains, and lobworms cut in pieces, before you begin ; if this plan be adop- ted, success may be depended upon. When with maggots, or wasp-grubs, bait the places as before, only substituting the bait you fish with, for lobworms. The line to be used for this purpose should be strong and fine, the hook No. 5 for worms. No. 6 for wasp-grubs, and No. 7 or 8 for maggots. The bait should be sus- pended, by means of the float, about twelve or eighteen inches from the bottom. Sometimes the Perch may be taken with a fly under water. RUFFE. 49 Two or three hooks may be used at the same time, and affixed to the same bottom, when angling for Perch with the worm or maggot ; it is necessary to tie them to separate pieces of short stiff gut, or bristle, and to fasten them to the line, by means of a loop, about six inches above each other. RUFFE. The Ruffe, or Ruffe Perch, chiefly frequents clear rivers ; it is about six inches in length ; its shape is more slender than that of the com- mon Perch ; its head rather large, and some- what flattened ; its colour inclining to olive, with dusky spots dispersed over the body, fins, and tail ; and the belly whitish. Its flesh is very wholesome, and is preferred to the com- mon Perch. The Ruffe inhabits mostly deep places with gravelly bottoms ; in summer it will bite all day long, if the weather be cool and the sky cloud- ed ; small red worms, or brandlings, well-scour- ed, are the best baits. It is to be angled for with the same tackle as for Gudgeons. Some- times fifty or a hundred may be taken at one stand. This fish is frequently caught when angling for Perch. ART OF ANGLING CARP. The Carp is a native of the southern parts of Europe, and was introduced into England in the year 1514. The usual length of it is from twelve to fifteen inches ; but it sometimes ar- rives at the length of two or three feet, and weighs from twenty to thirty pounds. Its gen- eral colour is a yellowish olive, much deeper or browner on the back, and accompanied with a slightly gilded tinge on the sides ; the scales are large, rounded, and very distinct ; the head is large, and the mouth furnished on each side with a long beard or wattle, and above the nostrils is a much smaller and shorter pair ; the fins are violet brown, and the tail slightly forked. The Carp spawns in May, June, or July, ac- cording as the warm season sets in ; at this time it swims to shallow, warm and sheltered places, when the female deposits the spawn where the bottom is somewhat gritty, about the CARP. 51 roots ot grass, osier-roots, &c. the milter, or male fish, by a natural instinct, follows the spawner, and the milt, or soft roe, is spread over the spawn, which thus becomes impregnated. Carp at this season are frequently seen swim- ming, as it were in a circle, about the same spot. The finest and calmest days are com- monly those on which Carp spawn ; Providence having thus made a provision for the greater security of the fry of so useful a fish ; as other* wise, in a stormy day, the spawn would be washed towards the banks, where it would be eaten up by birds, trampled underfoot, or dried up by the heat of the sun. The Carp is an ex- tremely prolific fish, and the quantity of roe is so great, that it is said to have sometimes ex- ceeded the weight of the emptied fish itself, when weighed against it. The usual food of the Carp consists of worms and water insects ; it is so tenacious of life that it may be kept for a very considerable time in any damp place, though not immersed in water; and it is said to be sometimes fattened with success by being enveloped in wet moss, sus- pended in a net, and fed at intervals with bread steeped in milk ; taking care to refresh it now and then by throwing fresh water over the net in which it is suspended. The age to which the Carp arrives is very great, and several well E 52 ART OF ANGLING. authenticated instances are adduced of its arri- ving at that of considerably more than a cen- tury. The Carp chiefly inhabits lakes and ponds, being seldom found in any of our rivers ; it fre- quents the deepest and most quiet places, es- pecially if the bottom be of sand, clay, or weeds. It is naturally a cunning, shy and tim- orous fish ; so much so that the angler must be possessed of great patience. It is best in sea- son in March and April, being then very fat ; and the flesh is much more delicate and agree- able to the palate, than at any other time. The prime months to angle for Carp are from February to June; if the weather is mild, they will then bite more freely than at any other part of the season, and at any time in the day, par- ticularly if there be a slight shower of rain fal- ling. From June till Michaelmas they are to be fished for very early in the morning or late in the evening ; during cold weather they will not bite at all. In angling, use a long light rod, with a reel and reel-line of the finest description, the bottom of which must be at least two yards of gut ; and, as the mouth of this fish is small, it is necessary to use smaller hooks than for other fish, viz. the hook for worms should be No. 5 or 6, for wasp-grubs No. 7, and for maggots No. 8 or 9 ; the line to be lightly leaded with CARP. 53 small shot a few inches from the hook, using a very small goose-quill float. The best baits are well-scoured red worms and brandlings, mag- gots, wasp-grubs, and the green worms found upon bushes and cabbage leaves ; this last is excellent, and is a more natural bait for them than any other; they are also partial to the white pieces selected from chandlers' greaves, which should be softened by soaking in warm water a short time before they are used. If conveni- ent, the angler should, a few hours before he commence his operations, throw in either of these ground-baits: procure fresh grains and lob-worms cut in pieces, with a little bran and greaves, mixed together ; or a few slices of white bread with treacle or honey spread there- on ; by this means, if thrown in over night, he will have a great chance of success at day- break next morning. The following pastes are considered good for taking Carp ; take the boiled flesh of a rabbit, cut small and beaten in a mortar, adding there- to a little flour and honey ; or, crumbs of white bread and honey made into a paste ; this last is equally good, and more easily made than the former; and, to make it stick upon the hook, you may mix with it a little white cotton wool. When angling with paste the bait must be near, but never on, the bottom ; striking immediately 64 ART OF ANGLING, a fish takes it. Wlien a large Carp is hooked, you will find it make an obstinate resistance ; you should give it line cautiously, now drawing it in, and letting it go again, until it is exhausted ; it is a very strong and artful fish, and will use its utmost endeavours to entangle the line among weeds or roots ; in fact a Carp seems to become more cunning and crafty as it increases in age and size. It is but seldom that Carp will take a bait in ponds until the beginning of May. It frequently happens in warm weather when angling for Carp in ponds, that you see them swimming near the top of the water, particular- ly among large leaves that lie floating on the surface ; at such times you may distinctly hear them sucking the juices or insects from the leaves; and then if you act cautiously in drop- ping a bait into the water, in any little opening, about four inches deep, you will find them take it very readily. The line adapted for this pur- pose should be strong, to enable you to lift the fish on shore the instant you strike. Observations on the Breeding of Carp, The first thing which must be attended to is to select the ground where Carp ponds are to be made ; for, upon the soil, water, and situation, the success in the management chiefly depends. The best ponds are situated in a well-manured. CARP. 55 fertile plain, surrounded by pastures and corn- fields of a rich black mould ; the water ought to be mild and soft, by no means too cold, or impregnated with acid, calcareous, or other min- eral particles ; they should be sheltered from cold easterly or northern winds, by a ridge of hills, situated at some distance from the ponds ; enjoying fully the benign influence of the sun ; far from where the leaves of trees might cause a putrefaction, and impregnate the water with astringent particles. Ponds in a poor, dry, or sandy soil, surrounded by pines or firs, are considered the worst of any for Carp. The ground towards the pond ought to have a gentle slope ; for deep valleys are subject to great floods, and will endanger the dikes in a wet season. It is found by experience most convenient to have three kinds of ponds for Carp ; the first is called the spawning pond, the second the nur- sery, and the third, or largest, the main pond. There are two methods for stocking the ponds with Carp ; either to buy a few old fish, and put them into the spawning pond ; or to pur- chase a good quantity of one-year-old fry, for the nursery. A pond intended for spawning must be well cleared of all other kinds of fish, especially such as are of a rapacious nature, viz. Pike, Perch, Trout, and Eel ; and also of 56 ART OF ANGLING. all lizards and water-beetles, which frequently destroy quantities of fry, to the great loss of the owner. A pond of the size of about one acre, requires three or four male Carp, and six or eight females. The best for breeders are five, six, or seven years old, in good health, full scale and without any blemish or wound. Such as are sickly, move not briskly ; have spots, as if they had the small pox, have lost their scales, or have them sticking loosely to their bodies ; and such whose eyes lie deep in their heads, are short and lean, will never produce a good breed. Being provided with a set of Carp sufficient to stock a pond with, it is best to put them, on a fine calm day, into the spawning pond at the latter end of March or beginning of April. Great care must be taken, during the spawning season, to prevent the approach of all aquatic fowl, wild and tame, to the pond ; for geese and ducks not only swallow the spawn, but de- stroy still more by searching among the weeds and water plants. The young fry being hatched from the spawn, by the influence of the sun, they are left the whole summer, and even the next winter, in the spawning pond, in case it be so deep that the suffocation of the young tender fry under the ice, in a severe winter, is not to be apprehend- ed. If however the shallowness of the pond, or CARP. ft7 its cold situation, render it necessary to secure the fry against the rigors of the ensuing win- ter, the water of the pond must be let off, in which case, the fry and old fish will gradually retire to the ditches which communicate with the hole in the middk of the pond, and a net with small meshes, is then employed to catch both the fry and the old ones. The old breeders are then to be separated from the fry, and put into separate ponds that are warmer ; this should be done in a calm mild day at the latter end of September. The nur- sery is the second kind of pond intended for the bringing up of the young fry ; the best time to put them into the nursery is in March or April ; a thousand or twelve hundred of these fry may be allotted to each acre of a pond ; and if the water and soil agree with them, it is almost certain that they will grow, during two summers, so much as to weigh four and some- times five pounds, and to be fleshy and well- tasted. The main ponds are the last kind ; in these Carp are to be put that measure a foot, head and tail inclusive ; every square of fifteen feet is sufficient for one Carp, and will afford food and room for the fish to play in. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons for stocking the main ponds. The growth of the fish will always be in proportion to the food they have ; 58 ART OF ANGLING. for Carp are observed to grow a long time, and to come to a very considerable size. During winter, ponds ought to have their full complement of water ; for the deeper the water is, the warmer lie the fish ; and in case the ponds are covered with ice, some holes must be made every day for the admission of fresh air, for want of which. Carp frequently perish. Ponds should never be of less depth than four or five feet; and if the water stagnates, and grows putrid, it must be let off, and a supply of fresh water be introduced. After ponds have been five or six years in constant use, it is likewise necessary to let the water entirely ofl^, and clear them of the mud, which often increa- ses too much, and becomes a nuisance. If the foregoing observations be attended to, they will be found to answer every expectation. It sometimes happens that Carp and Tench being put together in a pond, the different spe- cies mix their roe and milt, and thus produce mules or mongrel breeds ; these mules partake of the nature of both fish, and grow to a good size, but some parts of their- bodies are covered with the small slimy scales of a Tench, while some other parts have the larger scales of a Carp ; their flesh approaches nearer to that of a Tench, and they are likewise of a less tender nature than the common Carp, TENCH. 59 TENCH. The Tench appears to be a native of most parts of the globe, inhabiting chiefly large stag- nant waters with a muddy bottom ; it is seldom to be found in rivers. Its general length is a- bout twelve or fourteen inches, but, like most other fish, it is occasionally found of far greater magnitude. Its usual colour is a deep blackish olive, accompanied by a slight gilded cast ; the fins, which are thick, are of a dull violet colour ; it sometimes varies considerably in the tinge of its colour according to the situation in which it resides. The shape of this fish is thick, and the skin is covered, like that of an Eel, with an adhesive mucus, or slime, beneath which ap- 60 ART OF ANGLING, pear the scales, which are very small, and close- ly affixed to the skin ; the head is rather large, the eyes small, and on each side the mouth is placed a beard or wattle. The Tench, like the Carp and Perch, is re- markably tenacious of life ; it is supposed by some to lie, during the winter, in a torpid state, concealed beneath the mud of the water which it inhabits, being rarely taken during that sea- son. In the months of May and June it depo- sits its spawn among water plants ; it is con- sidered as a very prolific species, and is said to be of quick growth. According to the difference or caprice of taste and fashion, the Tench is held in greater or less repute ; but, generally speak- ing, it is esteemed as a very delicate fish ; the flesh of the male is firmer and richer than that of the female, and therefore is preferred. It is in season from the end of September to the middle of May. The best time to angle for Tench is in April and May, in warm cloudy weather ; and par- ticularly if the wind disturbs the surface of the water. Well-scoured worms and maggots, and wasp-grubs, are the best baits ; when angling for it continue throwing in a few worms, or maggots, whichever you may use, to keep them together : indeed. Tench and Carp partake very much the nature of each other ; their haunts are BREAM. 61 precisely the same ; they may be angled for with similar baits, and after the same manner ; the tackle to be exactly like that which is described on page 52. The same ground-bait may be used for Tench as directed for Carp on page 53. BREAM. The Bream chiefly inhabits the larger kind of lakes and still rivers ; in shape it is very broad, or deep, and sometimes exceeds two feet in length ; its colour is olive, with a pale or flesh-coloured tinge on the under parts ; scales rather large, and tail deeply forked. Its flesh is but little esteemed for the table, being considered as coarse and insipid. It bears great resemblance to the Carp. The Bream spawns in June and July, and breeds abundantly ; is best in season in May, 62 ART OF ANGLING. though some think it best in September; in rivers they swim in shoals, and are principally to ba found in gentle gliding streams that have sand or clay on the bottom ; in ponds, if deep and wide, they prefer the middle. The best time to angle for Bream, is from sun-rise in the morning till eight or nine o'clock, and from five in the evening till dark ; and the best seasons are just before it spawns, and from the end of July to the end of September. The baits are well-scoured red worms, brandlings, maggots, wasp-grubs, and flag or seg worms, which are to be found at the roots of rushes or segs near the water side; also, grasshoppers, cabbage-grubs and codbaits ; experience will teach you that red worms are the best. Use the same tackle as described for Carp on page 52, the bait to lie on or very near the bot- tom ; ground-baiting the places where you intend to angle with fresh grains and lob- worms cut in pieces before you begin. The angler should cautiously avoid standing close to the water's edge after he has deposited the line, and when he perceives a bite, he is to strike gently as the float disappears. Two or three rods and lines may be used at the same time, if fishing in still water ; the rods may be supported by fixing short stakes in the ground with forked tops. BARBEL. BARBEL. The Barbel, which is to be found in some parts of England, by the lengthened form of its body, somewhat resembles the Pike ; the upper lip, which extends considerably beyond the low- er, is furnished with two long unequal barbs, or beards ; its colour is a silvery grey, with a darker cast on the upper parts ; the scales are round, and of a middle size. The Barbel is usually found in deep and rapid rivers ; it is a fish of considerable strength, swimming with rapidity, and living not only on worms and water insects, but occasionally prey- ing on the smaller fishes. Its general length is from eighteen inches to two feet ; it is said to be of quick growth and to arrive at a great age. It is a very coarse fish, and never admitted at superior tables, having even the reputation of being in some degree noxious ; the roe in par- 64 ART OF ANGLING. ticular is said to operate as a very strong eme- tic and cathartic, and is sometiraes taken in a small quantity as common physic. It is in its prime in August and September. It usually spawns in April and May, accord- ing to the warmth or coldness of the season ; and at this period it rushes up the river and deposits the spawn, in stony places, in the most rapid parts of the current. The best time to fish for Barbel is during the months of July, August, and September, early in the morning and late in the evening ; the most killing baits are the spawn of Salmon, Trout, or indeed of any other fish, especially if it be fresh, respecting which the Barbel is very cun- ning ; well-scoured lob-worms, red worms and maggots, and chandlers' greaves, are all good baits ; it will sometimes take toasted cheese, or sheep's suet and cheese made into paste with a little honey. It is advisable to bait the places three or four times before you begin angling, either with spawn or a quantity of worms cut in pieces. The rod and line, with which you fish for Barbel, must both be extremely long, the bottom tackle equally fine as for Carp, the hook No. 7 or 8, using a large quill float ; the line to be well-leaded about nine inches from the hook, as it is a fish that invariably feeds on the bottom. The Barbel is a very sharp biter. BARBEL. 65 and pulls the float down suddenly, therefore you should strike the instant you perceive it ; when you have hooked one permit it to run out with the line to some distance before you make any attempt to check or turn it, then use every endeavour to prevent it getting among weeds or stones, or under the shelvings of the bank, all which it will try to efl'ect, and should it succeed you will have very little chance of killing it ; if you hook one in a current the best way you can manage it is to draw it as quickly as possi- ble into still water, and tire it well before you attempt to land it, which, if a heavy fish, will sometimes occupy nearly half an hour ; but be not afraid, for when the hook, although small, is fairly fixed in its fleshy lips, it will never draw. The Barbel is chiefly prized by anglers on account of its being a very game fish, it af- fords them excellent sport, mixed with some la- bour and much anxiety. RUD. The Rud partakes very much of the nature both of Bream and Roach, indeed it is called by many a bastard Bream; some say it is produced by the one shedding its milt over the spawn of the other. It is frequently caught in the Thames when angling for Roach or Dace ; it 66 ART OF ANGLING. is also abundant in the river Cherwell near Ox- ford, and in the Witham in Lincolnshire. In length it is about eight or ten inches ; its head small, back arched and sloping suddenly to- wards the head and tail ; its general colour is a pale gilded olive, deeper or browner on the back, belly reddish, fins deep red, and tail forked. The Rud is a very indifferent fish for the ta- ble, the flesh being soft and full of bones. It spawns in April. Red worms, maggots and paste are the best baits to take them with ; use a fine line, quill float, No. 8 or 9 hook, and angle at the bottom ; in every respect pursue the same method as though you were fishing for Roach or Dace. This fish thrives well in ponds that have a gravel bottom. ROACH. The Roach inhabits most of the rivers in England, especially such as are deep, still and clear; and very frequently appearing in large shoals, which are observed to be generally pre- ceded by one, or more, apparently stationed as a kind of guard, in order to warn the main body of the approach of any danger. This fish sel- dom exceeds a pound in weight. Its colour is silvery, with a cast of dull yellow, more dusky ROACH. 67 or brownish on the upper parts>; the fins are red and the tail slightly forked. The flesh, which is white and well-tasted, is not held in any great repute. The haunts of Roach, during spring, are on the shallows and scowers, in summer among weeds, and in winter in deep holes and eddies. It spawns about the middle of May, and breeds abundantly. The principal season for them is at Michaelmas, and they continue good all winter. In summer the Roach bites best from sun-rise till nine o'clock in the morning, and from four in the evening till dark ; in winter during the middle of the day. It will readily take small red worms, brandlings, maggots, wasp-grubs, and paste made of crumbs of white bread slight- ly soaked in water, with a little vermillion added to make it of a salmon colour ; or the crumb of new bread without soaking ; paste is certainly the most killing bait for large Roach ; to bait with it, put a piece on the hook about the size of a large pea, and before you begin to angle, plumb the depth, and permit the bait to float near the bottom, but not so as to touch it, other- wise it will wash ofi^ the hook. When angling with worms or maggots the bait should lie two or three inches on the bottom. If fishing for Roach in a still hole, or a gentle stream, the best ground bait is chewed bread, or bread and bran F 68 ART OF ANGLING. made into small pellets ; throwing a little in oc- casionally so that it may sink to the place where the baited hook lies. There is another excellent bait for Roach, in winter, which is, a small white worm with a red head, about the size of two maggots ; it is to be found after the plough upon heath or sandy ground : — when this bait is made use of, it be- comes necessary to strew stewed malt, or fresh grains, in such places where you intend to an- gle. With the exception of maggots, this is certainly the best bait, for both Roach and Dace. The rod for Roach fishing should be long and light, with a fine taper top ; the line to be made of hair, not more than four hairs thick, the bot- tom of which must be of single hair, or the very finest gut, and the hook No. 9 or 10, using a small quill float. DACE. The Dace, or Dare, inhabits most of the ri- vers in this country ; it resembles the Roach very much in its shape and manners ; its gene- ral length is from six to nine inches ; in colour silvery, with yellowish olive back ; the scales of a middle size ; the fins slightly tinged with red, and the tail sharply forked. It chiefly delights DACE, 69 in deep still water, that has gravel or sand upon the bottom, but not in shaded places. Its flesh is coarse and soft, and full of bones, yet it is considered palatable and nouri^hipg. It sel- dom grows to be a pound in weight. The Dace is a very simple fish, and therefore ^^asily taken. It spawns at the end of March or beginning of April ; previous to which they ap- pear on the shallows in great numbers, rubbing themselves on the bottom, feeding on small worms and insects until they deposit their spawn, which they generally do in loose light gravel. At this season the Dace will take a small red worm freely ; maggots, wasp-grubs, greaves, and paste made of cheese and honey, are also very good baits ; it bites well all day, and, after the river has been disturbed by rain, and is a- gain falling fine, great quantities may be taken with the maggot. The line for either purpose cannot be too fine ; the bottom to be at least two yards of gut or single hair; the hook for maggots No. 9, but for any other bait a little larger ; using a very small quill float. By bait- ing several places before you begin, with what- ever bait you intend to angle, good sport may be depended upon. When the river is low and fine, it may be taken with any of the small ar- tiUcial flies, particularly the Black Gnat, the Red and Black Ants, Whirling Blue, Willow, &c. 70 AKT OF ANGLING. CHUB. The Chub in some degree resembles the Tench in shape, but is of a more lengthened form, and has a thicker or larger head in pro- portion. It is very common in England ; its general length, when full grown, is from twelve to fifteen inches ; its colour is silvery grey, with a blueish olive cast on the upper parts ; the scales are very large ; the tail slightly forked, and of a dull blueish colour ; and the fins of a rusty brown. The Chub is chiefly to be found in clear and rapid rivers ; is of a strong nature, and swims very swiftly ; it generally frequents the deepest parts of the water, and is of a shy timid dis- position. It spawns in the months of April and May ; the young are said to be of slow growth, scarcely arriving at a greater length than three inches in the space of the first year. It is ge- nerally considered as a coarse unpalatable fish, CHUB. 71 and is apt to acquire a yellowish cast on boil- ing ; for which reason it is held in no esteem at our tables. Walton, in his well-known work, "The Complete Angler,'' gives a receipt for dressing it in such a manner as to form no un- pleasant repast. *«The Chub," says he, "though he eat well thus dressed, yet as he is usually dressed he does not ; he is objected against, not only for being full of small forked bones dispersed through all his body, but that he eats waterish, and that the flesh of him is not firm, but short and tasteless. The French esteem him so mean, as to call him Un Villain ; nevertheless he may be so dressed as to make him very good meat ; as namely if he be a large Chub, then dress him thus : — First scale him, and then wash him clean, and then take out his guts ; and to that end make the hole as little and near to his gills as you may conveniently, and especially make clean his throat from the grass and weeds that are usually in it ; having so done, put some sweet herbs into his belly, and then tie him with two or three splinters to a spit, and roast him, basted often with vinegar, or rather ver- juice and butter, with good store of salt mixed with it. Being thus dressed, you will find him a much better dish of fmeat than you, or most folk, even than anglers themselves, do 92 ART OF ANGLING, imagine; for this dries up the fluid watery hu- mour with which all Chubs do abound." It should be dressed the same day that it is caught. The Chub comes in season in August, and continues good till March ; during which time it chiefly inhabits deep holes that are much sha- ded ; but in hot weather it sometimes resorts to fords and shallows, where cattle frequent. It will bite well all the day long, and the best baits to take it at the Ijottom are maggots, wasp- grubs, snails, or beef's brains ; but the last is generally preferred. The line for this purpose must be strong and fine ; the bottom to be about two yards of good gut; the hook, if brains be angled with. No. 6 or 7, if with maggots or wasp-grubs, to be somewhat smaller; using a cork float. It is necessary to bait the places you angle in with whatever bait you use. Should you fish with maggots, wasp-grubs, or snails, the bait must lie upon the ground ; but if with brains, a little below mid-water ; being careful to strike the instant the fish bites, as the bait is so very tender. The Chub is likewise to be taken by bobbing, or dabbing, during the summer months with almost any fly you can find ; and at this period you will see them swim- ming near the top of the water, twenty or thirty in a place, you must approach very cautiously. BLEAK. 73 or they will render the attempt fruitless. Also the grasshopper and cabbage grub, either natu- ral or artificial, are excellent baits, and will take many other kinds of fish. BLEAK. The Bleak is to be found commonly in rivers; its length is about five or six inches ; slender in shape with the body much compressed ; co- lour bright silvery, with the back olive green ; scales of a middle size, and tail forked. It is from the scales of this fish that the beautiful sil- very matter used in the preparation of artificial pearls is chiefly taken ; the invention is of French origin, and is principally practised at Paris. The Bleak is sometimes called the river swal- low from being continually in motion, and by their dexterity in catching flies, and other small insects that float upon the surface of the water. Its flesh is very agreeable to the palate, if dres- sed soon after it is taken. It is to be angled for below mid-water, with maggots ; the line to have five or six small hooks, fastened six inches above each other ; in this manner several may be taken at a time. It is also to be caught by a short fly line with two or three artificial gnats, of a brownish colour, upon it, and on a summer's evening, this method aff'ords the angler very pretty sport. 74 ABT OF ANGLING. GUDGEON. The Gudgeon is principally an inhabitant of the smaller gentle rivers, especially those with gravelly bottoms ; it generally measures from four to six inches, with a thick roundish body. Its usual colour is pale olive brown above, slightly spotted with black ; the sides silvery, and the belly white ; the scales are of a middle size ; the fins of a pale yellowish brown, and the tail of a similar colour, spotted with black ; the upper jaw rather longer than the lower, and furnished on each side with a shortish beard. The Gudgeon is observed to reside princi- pally at the bottom of the streams which it fre- quents, and it is usual with anglers to rake the bottom at intervals, by which means these fish are assembled in small shoals, expecting on the raising of the mud, a supply of their favourite food, such as small worms and water-insects. It generally spawns in May, and is observed not to deposit all its eggs at once, but at dis- tant periods, so that the spawning time lasts near a month ; it is a very prolific species. As a table-fish it is in high estimation, being of a delicate flavour, and considered as not greatly inferior to the Smelt. The Gudgeon, in the summer months, is to be found in light gliding streams ; but from FLOUNDER. 75 Michaelmas to April, it frequents the deepest parts of the river. It will bite any time of the day, particularly in warm gloomy weather ; small red worms or maggots are the principal baits ; the line should be very fine, the hook No. 8 or 9, letting the bait lie upon the bottom. Gudgeons are excellent fish to entertain young anglers. FLOUNDER. The Flounder is a flat fish ; it is extremely common on the coasts of England, and is fre- quently found in rivers at a considerable distance from the sea. In colour, the upper side is of a dull brown, marbled with paler and darker va- riegations, and the under side of a dull white, sometimes obscurely varied with brown ; it is covered w ith very small scales. It is in consid- erable esteem as food, though much inferior to others of the same genus. The Flounder is generally to be found in deep gentle streams that have gravel or sand bottoms, near to the side ; it will bite all the day from the beginning of March till the end of July. The best baits arc small red worms, brandUngs, or blueish marsh worms ; the line must be fine, the hook No. 6 or 7, the bait to lie on the bottom, and be kept continually on the move. 76 ART OF ANGLING. This fish is so cunning that it will frequently suck the bait off the hook ; and if any part of the hook is bare, it will not touch the bait at all. EEL. The Eel, which in a natural arrangement of the animal world, may be considered as in some degree connecting the fish and serpent tribes ; it is a native of almost all the rivers, lakes and ponds in England ; its general colour is olive- brown on the back, and silvery on the sides be- neath; it is, however, occasionally seen of a very dark colour, with scarce any silvery tinge, and sometimes of a yellow, or greenish cast ; those that inhabit the clearest waters are obser- ved to be the most beautiful. The lower jaw of the Eel extends beyond the upper ; the head is small and pointed ; the eyes are small, round, and covered by a transparent skin united with the common integument of the body ; the open* ing of the mouth is small, and both jaws and tongue are beset with several ranges of small sharp teeth ; the skin is proverbially slippery, being furnished with a large proportion of mu- cus, or slime ; it is also furnished with small deeply-imbedded scales, which are not easily visible in the living animal, but are very con- spicuous in the dried skin. EEL. 77 The Eel is extremely tenacious of life, and may be kept many hours, or even days, out of water, provided it be placed in a cool situation ; it is even affirmed that it voluntarily leaves the water at certain periods, and wanders about meadows and moist grounds in quest of particu- lar food, as snails, &c. The usual food of the Eel consists of water-insects, worms, and the spawn or eggs of other fish ; it will also devour almost any decayed animal substance, which it happens occasionally to find in its native waters. It is viviparous, producing its numerous young during the decline of summer ; these, at their first exclusion, are very small. The errors of the ancients on this subject, and even of some modern writers, are too absurd to be seriously mentioned in the present enlightened period of science ; it appears, however, that both eggs and ready-formed young are occasionally ob- served in the same individuals, as is known to be the case with several other animals. During the day the Eel commonly lies con- cealed in its hole, which it forms pretty deep beneath the banks, and which is furnished with two outlets, in order to facilitate its escape if disturbed : during the winter it chiefly conceals itself beneath the mud, and on the return of spring commences its excursions into rivers, &c. The general length of the Eel is from two to 78 ART OF ANGLING. three feet, but it is sometimes said, though very rarely, to attain to the length of six feet, and to the weight of twenty pounds. It is a fish of slow growth, and is supposed to live to a very considerable age. The Eel has this extraordinary property, never to be out of season ; though it is best and fat- test during the summer months. As a food it is, by the general run of medical writers, rather condemned than recommended ; it appears how- ever to be highly nutritious, and is probably only injurious when taken to excess. Eating of Eels is hurtful to the throat. So say physicians of uo common note. Eels, and perhaps Pike, are not found in any part of England in such numbers and variety, as in the marshy parts of the counties of Cam- bridge and Lincoln. Of two rivers of the latter it is said, in an old proverb, Ankham Eel and Witham Pike, In all England are none like. When angling for Eels, any common rod will answer the purpose, the line must be strong, having about a yard of gut for the bottom, the hook to be No. 6 or 6, using a large quill float ; bait with either red worms, brandlings, maggots or wasp-grubs, the last of which they are re- markably fond of ; permit the shot to lie on the ground, which you will know to be the case if EEL» 70 the float lies flat upon the water ; when there is a bite the float generally disappears, you may strike immediately, because the instant a Eel takes the bait into its mouth it swallows it. When you have hooked one lift it out directly and put your foot upon it, and there keep it, until you have separated its back bone with a knife; or a pair of scissors, which you should always have at hand when fishing for Eels ; for immediately an Eel is taken from the water, it coils up and will tie innumerable knots upon the line, unless prevented by cutting through its back bone. Several rods and lines may be managed by one angler, and, in summer time, after a thunii der storm, they will keep him constantly em- ployed in taking them from the hooks. Sniggling for Eels, To sniggle for Eels, procure a strong top rod, or a long slender hazel stick ; slip a small quill over the taper end, leaving the extreme end of the quill whole ; a tailor's button needle, or a stocking needle not more than two inches long, is also requisite, and a piece of hard-twisted twine or fine whipcord for the line. Tie the needle to the line with waxed silk, first laying the end of the line nearly half-way down the needle, the line will then hang from about the middle, leaving the smaller end bare. To bait 80 ART OF ANGLING. the needle, enter the thick end of it into a well- scoured lob-worm, near the tail, and carry it up to the head, so that the point of the needle may come out at the middle of the worm ; then put the point of the needle into the end of the quill, taking the rod in one hand and the line in the other, and then you may guide the bait into any of the well-known haunts of the Eel, viz. under large stones, into the holes of banks which lie beneath the surface, or in the decayed walls of mills or other buildings that stand in the water. When there is a bite, or run, you will feel a slight tug at the line, which should be held ra- ther loose, you must then quietly withdraw the rod, and allow the Eel two minutes to gorge the bait ; and then, by a sharp twitch, fix the nee- dle across its throat ; do not pull, but hold the line tight, and the Eel will soon make its ap- pearance. A hook. No. 4 or 5, is frequently used in lieu of a needle. Night Lines for Eels. A large quantity of Eels may be taken in the following manner ; procure a length of strong twine, sufficient to reach across the river or pond you intend to try, then, having tied hooks of rather a large size to links of hair about three quarters of a yard in length, fasten them by a slip knot to the twine, about four feet from each MINNOW. 81 other, baiting the hooks with either lob-worms. Minnows, Loaches, or Bullheads ; make fast one end of the line to the bank, and tie to the other end a piece of lead, or a stone ; then cast the lead, or stone, across the river, or pond, in a sloping direction, and let it remain there all night ; take it up at day-break next morning, and if the night has been favourable, that is, warm and dark, you may be almost sure to have an Eel at every hook. MINNOW. The Minnow frequents almost all the clear and gravelly streams in England ; this well-known species may be numbered among the most beau- tiful of the British fishes ; it seldom exceeds the length of three inches, and is of a slender and elegant shape ; it varies in colour more than any other fish; the backs of some are green, some of a blueish cast, and some of a pale brown ; the bellies are generally white, or silvery, with a tinge of yellow, or bright red. It appears first in March, and disappears at the end of October, at which period it secretes itself beneath the mud ; it usually assembles, in bright weather, in small shoals in shallow pla- ces, being patticularly fond of warmth. 82 ART OF ANGLING. The Minnow spawns in June, and is often ob- served to be found in spawn during the greatest part of the summer ; from its small size it is not much regarded in the list of eatable fish, though it is said to be extremely delicate, and, where found in great plenty, is occasionally used for the table. It is much more frequently the victim of anglers, who procure it for the pur- pose of a bait for various fishes, particularly the Trout. It is to be angled for with a single hair line, having two or three of the very smallest hooks attached, which are to be baited with small red worms, or maggots. LOACH. The Loach is an inhabitant of clear rivulets, and commonly resides at the bottom among stones and gravel, and is on that account some- times called by the name of Groundling ; it is generally about three inches long ; is of a dirty yellow colour on the back, and somewhat spot- ted, and white on the belly. In point of deli- cacy it is said to be equal, if not superior, to most other fishes, and is cultivated with much care in some places as an article of diet. The Loach is observed to spawn in March^ and is very prolific. It is frequently taken when ang- gling for Minnows, STICKLEBACK. 83 BULLHEAD. The Bullhead, or Miller's Thumb, is to be found in almost all rivers ; it rarely exceeds the length of three inches ; its general colour is yel- lowish olive, much deeper on the head, and up- per parts of the back ; and the whole body is more or less clouded with small dusky specks; the fins are large and yellowish, and likewise speckled ; the head is large and flat, and broad- er than any part of the body. This fish occa- sionally swims with great strength and rapidity, when in pursuit of its prey, though its general habit is that of lying on the gravel, or under stones, in an apparently inert state. Notwith- standing its disagreeable appearance, it is con- sidered as an eatable fish, and is even regarded as delicate ; the flesh turns of a red or salmon- colour on boiling. The Bullhead usually spawns in March and April. This fish, also, is fre- quently caught when angling for Minnows. STICKLEBACK. The Stickleback is an almost universal inha- bitant of rivers, ponds, and marshes, and when in its full perfection of colour is highly beautiful; the back being of a fine olive green, the sides G 84 ART OF ANGLING. silvery, and the fins and belly of a bright red ; the colours fade in a great degree as the season advances. The general length of this minute species is about two inches ; on each side and on the back are placed several strong jagged spines, from whence it derives the name of Stickleback. It is a fish of an extremely active and vi- gorous nature, swimming rapidly, and preying upon the smaller kind of water- insects and worms, as well as on the spawn of other fishes ; and is, from this circumstance, considered high- ly prejudicial to fish-ponds; its only use is to be trolled with for Trout, previously cutting off the spines. FLY-FISHING. 85 '^ '*Just in the dubious point* where with the pool Is mix'd the trembling stream, or where it boils Around the stone, or from the hollow'd bank Reverted plays in undulating flow, There throw, nice judging, the delusive fly ; And. as you lead it rouud in artful curve, With eye attentive mark the springing g^me. Strait as above the surface of the flood They wanton rise, or urg'd by hunger leap, Then fix, with gentle twitch, the barbed hook; Some lightly tossing to the grassy bank, And to the shelving shore, slow dragging some, With various hand proportion'd to their force, If yet too young, and easily deceiv'd, A worthless prey scarce bends your pliant rod, Him, piteous of his youth and the short space He has enjoy'dthe vital light of heav'n, Soft disengage, and back into the stream The speckled captive throw. But should you lure From his dark haunt, beneath the tangled roots Of pendent trees, the monarch of the brook. Behoves yon then to ply your finest art. Long time he, following cautious, scaus the fly; And oft attempts to seize it, but as oft The dimpled water speaks his jealous fear. At last, while haply o'er the shaded sun Passes a cloud, he desperate takes the death, With sullen plunge. At once he darts along, Deep struck, and runs out all the lengthen'd line ; Then seeks the farthest ooze, the sheltering weed, The cavern' d bank, his old secure abode : And flies aloft, and flounces round the pool. Indignant of the guile. With yielding hand That feels him still, yet to his furious course Gives way, you, now retiring, following now Across the stream, exhaust his idle rage ; Till floating broad upon his breathless side, And to his fate abanaon'd, to the shore You gaily drag your unresisting prize." Thomson. The following hints on Fly-fishing are ex- tracted from Col. Hawker's Instructions to Young Sportsmen. S6 ART OF ANGLING. * 'Almost every one is now-a-days a Piscator. The Fanatico, about Easter, goes off as busy as the cockney on his wunter, when bound to Epping. He generally takes a great many things, and kills a few fish. The old angler takes a few things, and kills a great many fish. Some dark, warm, windy, drizzly days, early or late in the season, and particularly when a fine breeze blows from off the banks of a river where no one has begun fishing, the Trout are so easily taken, that a basket full is but little proof of skill. One might then almost train a monkey to catch a Trout. But at other times, and particularly when fish are well fed, is the time to see who is, and who is not, an angler. Now for a few very common faults. One who lets his fly lie too long in the water, after drop- ping it, is a better killer of time than of fish. He who tries to land a large fish against weeds and stream, when he can take him down, or allows a fish so much line as to be able to rub his nose against the bottom, may be considered as one in need of a Jishing master. Enough, however, of defects. Now, then, to the point. Rod. — About twelve feet three inches long, and about fourteen ounces in weight. It must not be top-heavy, nor it must not have too much play in the lower part, but the play should be just in proportion to the gradual tapering ; by FLY-FISHING. 87 which there will be very little spring till after about the third foot of its length. A rod too pliable below is as bad a fault as being too stiff ; and from being too small there, is, of course, more liable to be top-heavy, which nine rods in ten are. The consequence is, they tire the hand, and do not drop the fly so neatly. Reel.— Put on your reel with a plate and wax-end, fifteen inches from the bottom ; and handle your rod close below it, keeping the reel uppermost, as the line then lies ow, instead of under, your rod, and is, therefore, less likely to strain the top between the rings. The closer the rings are put together on the top, the less chance, of course, you have of straining or breaking it between them. Use a multiplying cHck reel, without a stop ; and, by not confi- ning it with the hand while throwing, you are sure never to break your rod or line, by hap- pening to raise it suddenly, at the moment you have hooked a large fish or a weed. Let your reel be full large in proportion to the quantity of line, or it will not always go pleasantly with it in winding up. Gut and FLiES.~Use about eight feet of gut, and the addition of that on the tail fly will bring the whole foot-line to about three yards. Put on your hoh fly a few inches below the mid- dle ; or, if in a very weedy river, within little 88 ART OF ANGLING. more than a yard of the other; lest, while play- ing a fish with the bob, your tail fly may get caught in a weed. More gut than is here pre- scribed will be found an incumbrance when you want to get a fish up tight ; insomuch that, of the two, I would rather have a little less than more of it. A small fly book may, of course, be taken ; and I should recommend it of my plan, which is of Russia leather, in order to repel the moth. This no one will do better for you than Chevalier, Bell-yard, Temple Bar. A common beaver hat is the best thing to hook and keep flies on ; and, if you have not two rods by the river side, al- ways keep a gut length and flies ready to put on, round your hat, in order to avoid the waste of time and torment which you would have, if you had much entangled your line. The beauty of fishing is to do the business quick, (though not in a hurry,) because this sport is every moment dependent on the wea- ther. Walton says, "before using, soak what lengths of gut you have in water for half-an- hour,'^ In the new school, I should rather say, draw what lengths you want through Indian rubber for half^a-quarter of a minute. Let a gut length or two, (ready fitted up with flies,) and also a few spare tail flies be thus prepared to go on in an instant, and put round your hat. FLY-FISHING. 89 For flies, (as Barker observes for his night ang- ling,) take white for darkness; red in medio: and black for lightness. The M arch Brown and Red Palmer, which has a black head, partake a little of all, and therefore, with the addition of a white moth for dark nights, the angler may, in what few rivers I have ever fished, do vastly well. No doubt, however, that an occasional variety of flies may do a little better, and par- ticularly if these had been too much hacknied by other people. But, in the long run, I have never found sufl[icient advantage from variety to be troubled with taking more than two or three kinds of flies. And as to carrying, as many do, a huge book of flies, nearly as large as a family bible, for common Trout streams — is like a be- ginner in drawing, who uses twenty cakes of colour or more, where a quarter the number, if properly managed, would answer the same pur- pose. The Piscatory however, has a right to take what he pleases. With regard to hooks, I have always found the Irish ones far superior to ours. The best, I believe, are bought in Limerick. Throwing a fly. — In throwing a fly raise the arm well up, without labouring with your body. Send the fly both backwards and for- wards by a sudden spring of the wrist. Do not draw the fly too near, or you lose your purchase 90 ART OF ANGLING. for sending it back, and therefore require an ex- tra sweep in the air, before you can get it into play again. If, after sending it back, you make the counterspring a moment too soon you will ichip of your tail fly, and if a moment too late your line will fall in a slovenly manner. The knack of catching this time is, therefore, the whole art of throwing well. The motion should be just sufficiently circular to avoid this ; but if too circular, the spring receives too much check, and the gut will then most probably not drop before the line. In a word, allow the line no more than just time to unfold, before you re- peat the spring of the wrist. This must be done, or you will hear a crack, and^wc? that you have whipped off your tail fly. For this reason, I should recommend beginners to learn, at first, with only a bob ; or they will soon empty their own, or their friend's fishing book. And, at all events, to begin learning with a moderate length of line. I have observed, that those young men who have supple wrists, and the power to whip off flies, ultimately make better anglers than those who do not, because, in this action, like most things, there is really but one step between the sublime and the ridiculous : and the poor fel- low who makes no attempt with energy, will most probably, in this, as in other pursuits, re- main all his life in the back -ground. FLY-FISHING. 91 So much for throwing. Now for what few finishing touches I can think of. Avoid, if you can, going too close to the edge of the water. Throw, if you are an fait enough to do it well, rather for the fly to become suspended across the wind, than directly down the wind ; as it then falls still lighter, and from this circum- stance, of course, more likely to deceive a large fish. Prefer dropping the fly just under a bush or hedge, or in an eddy, to the open river, be- cause your line is then more obscured from the light, and the largest fish generally monopolize the possession of such places, in order to find, and devour, the more flies and insects ; and, also, to lie near their places of security. If the spot is quite calm, watch the first good fish that rises, avail yourself immediately of the rip- ple that has been made by the fish himself; and drop in your fly a little above where he last rose. Never let your line lie too long, as, by so do- ing, you either expose your tackle to the fish by leaving it stationary, or draw the line in so close, that you lose both the power of striking your fish, if he rises, and that of getting a good sweep for your next throw. Tht first fall of the fiy^ m fishing, is like the first sight of a bird in pre- senting a gun — always the best. Killing your fish. — A small fish is of course, not even worth the wear and tear of a 92 ART OF ANGLING. reel. But if you happen to hook a good one, wind up immediately; and the moment you have got him under command of a short hne, hold your rod well on the bend, with just pur- chase enough to keep him from going under a weed, or rubbing out your hook by boring his nose into the gravel. After getting your fish under the command of a short line and well-bent rod, let him run, and walk by the side of him, keeping a delicate hold of him, with just pur- chase enough, as I before observed, to prevent his going down. When he strikes, ease him at the same instant ; and when he becomes faint, pull him gently down stream ; and, as soon as you have overpowered him, get his nose up to the top of the water; and, when he is nearly drowned, begin to tow him gently towards the shore. Never attempt to lift him out of the wa- ter by the line, but hawl him on to some sloping place, then stick the spike of your rod in the ground, with the rod a little on the bend ; crawl slily up as quick as possible, and put your hands under him, and not too forward, as a Trout thus situated is apt to slip back ; so that handling him this way must be rather a different touch from that of weed-groping. If you use a landing net, let it be as light as possible, very long in the handle, and three times as large as what people generally carry. Nothing will so FLY-FISHING. 93 soon, or suddenly, rouse a sick fish as the sight of a man, or a landing net. With regard to the time and weather for fish- ing, it is now well-known to almost every school- boy. But it may be proper just to observe, that however favourable the time may be to all appearance, yet Trout will seldom rise well just before rain, or when they have been filled by a glut of flies. Moreover, Trout will frequently cease to rise well, even at the best of times, from being every day ivhipped at by anglers from the same bank. My plan, in this case, is to go to the opposite side, and throw against (or rather under) the wind. A friend and I once caught two and twenty brace by this means, while a whole tribe of professed anglers, who were fish- ing from the windward side, caught (as we af- terwards heard) but three fish between them." It may be observed, thatilies of an orange or dirty yellow colour, may be used with success at the clearing of rivers after they have been disturbed by heavy rain ; such as the Cowdung, Fern Tly, Cadis, &c. **Now when the first foul torrent of the brooks, Sweird with the vernal raius, is ebb'd away ; And, whit'ning, down their mossy-tinctur'a stream Descends the billowy foam : now is the time. While yet the dark-brown water aids the guile, To tempt the Trout. The well dissembled fly. The rod fine tapering with elastic spring, Suatch'd from the hoary steed the floating line, Aijd all thy slender wat'ry stores prepare." Thomso?i. 94 ART OF ANGLING. Materials for making Artificial Flies, "To frame the little aaimal, provide All the gay hues ihat wait on female pride ; Let nature guide thee. Sometimes goldeu wire The shilling bellies of the fly require; The peacock's plumes thy tackle must not fail, Nor the dear purchase of the sable' s tail. Each gaudy bird some slender tribute brings, And lends the growing insect proper wings; Silks of all colours must their aid impart, And ev'ry fur promote the fisher's art." Gay. Procure the fur of seals, moles, and water- rats; black, blue, purple, white, and violet goat's-hair, commonly called mohair; camlets of every colour ; furs from the neck and ears of hares ; also, hackle-feathers from the heads and neck's of cocks, of the following colours, red, dun, yellowish, white, and black ; feathers to form the wings of flies are got from the neck, breast, and wings of the wild mallard, partridge, and pheasant ; also, from the wings of the blackbird, brown hen, starling, jay, landrail, swallow, thrush, fieldfare, and water-coot; also, peacock's and ostrich's herl. Provide also, marking silk of all colours ; gold and silver flat- ted wire or twist, a sharp knife, hooks of every size, a needle, and a pair of sharp-pointed scis- sors. JDirections for making an Artificial Fly. Take a length of silk, the colour of the body of the fly you intend to make, and wax it well with shoemaker's wax ; then, holding the hook FLY-MAKING. 95 between the thumb and finger of the left hand, whip it to the gut in the same manner you would a worm hook, fastening near the top of the shank ; then, take a small feather for the wings and lay it even on the upper side of the shank, with the butt end pointing towards the bend of the hook, whipping it fast three or four times with the silk ; then, divide the wings as equally as possible with a needle, and pass the silk twice or thrice between them ; then, with dubbing of the proper colour twisted round the silk, warp from the wings towards the bend of the hook, until the fly is of the size required ; then, take the hackle for the legs, which is generally the same as the wings are made of, rib it neatly over the dubbing, and fasten it under the butt of the wings ; after putting the wings in the form you wish, take a bit of dubbing or fur, as near to the colour of the head of the fly as possible, whip it twice or thrice round with the silk above the wings and there fasten. To make a Palmer or Buzz Fly, In the first place proceed as above, and when the hackle is made fast on the shank, whip on the dubbing, fur, or herl for the body, then lay on the gold or silver twist (if used) and wind the hackle over the whole, making the head as be- fore described. Some anglers wind the hackle 96 ART OF ANGLING. on the dubbing first, and rib the body after- wards with the twist. No directions can well be given for making a fly, the way in which it is done varying accor- ding to the fancy of the artist ; yet these in- structions, with a little practice, will assist an ingenious angler. To see a fly made by a skil- ful hand is the best way of learning. It is well for the young angler, in the first instance, to purchase his artificial flies ; and when he has gained experience, then to make them for himself. A List of Artificial Flies used throughout the Season, and the way to make them. Red Fly. No. 1.* This Fly, which is the first for the season, appears about the middle of February, and continues on the water till April. It has four wings and generally flutters on the surface of the water, which tempts the fish and makes them take it eagerly. It is thus made artificially ; the wings of a dark drake's feather, the body of the red fur of a squirrel, and a red cock's hackle wrapt twice or thrice under the butt of the wings. •These numbers lefer to the 6ies in the Frontispiece. MARCH BROWN. 97 The hook No. 7 or 8. This fly is to be fished with from ten o'clock in the morning till three in the afternoon. Blue Dun, 2. This Fly is found on most rivers ; it appears in the beginning of March and continues till the end of April. Its wings stand upright on its back, and are made of a feather out of a star- ling's wing, or the blue feathers that are found under the wing of a duck widgeon ; the body is of the blue fur of a fox, or the blue part of a squirrel's fur, mixed with a little yellow mohair, and a fine blue cock's hackle wrapt over the body in imitation of legs ; its tail is forked and of the same colour as the wings ; the hook No, 9. This fly may be fished with from ten in the morning till three in the afternoon, but the prin- cipal time is from twelve till two. It is most plentiful, and the fish take them best, in dark, cold weather. March Brown, 3. About the middle of March this fly makes its appearance, and continues on the water till the end of April. Its wings stand upright and are made of the feather from a pheasant's wing ; the tail is forked and of a similar colour ; the body of light hare's and squirrel's fur mixed, ribbed with 98 ART OF ANGLING. yellow silk, and a partridge's hackle wrapt twice or thrice under the butt of the wings ; the hook No. 7« This fly may be used with great suc- cess iu warm gloomy days, from eleven till two o'clock ; and when the Brown is on the water the fish will refuse every other kind. There cannot be too much said in commendation of this fly, both for its duration, and the extraor- dinary sport it aff'ords the angler. Cowdung Fly, 4. ' This fly appears about the same time as the Brown, and continues on the water all the sum- mer months, but the principal time to angle with it is from its first appearance till the end of April. Its wings, which stand upright, are made of a feather from the wings of a landrail, the body of dirty lemon-coloured mohair, and a hackle of the same colour wrapt under the butt of the wings ; the hook No. 8. This fly is chiefly to be used in cold stormy days ; it is seldom seen upon the water unless driven there by high winds. Stone Fly, 5. In the beginning of April the Stone Fly es- capes firom the husk, or case, before its wings are sufficiently grown to enable it to fly, and creeps to crevices in stones, from which circum- SPIDER FLY. 99 stance its name is derived. It is seldom in per- fection before the beginning of May. The wings are made of a fine dusky blue cock's hackle, the body of dark brown and yellow mohair mixed ; the hook No. 4 or 6. This fly may be used any time of the day, and will be found very destructive in the most rapid parts of rivers and small brooks. Granam, or Green-tail, 6. If the weather be warm, this fly makes its appearance in the beginning of April, and con- tinues on the water about a week ; it is a very tender fly and cannot endure cold. The wings are made of a feather from the wing of a par- tridge, or pheasant ; the body of the fur of a hare's face, and a grizzle cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 9. This fly is to be fished with from seven o'clock in the morning till eleven, at which time the March Brown comes on, and as long as it continues, the fish will not take the Granam ; from five in the evening till dark the Granam may again be used with success. Spider Fly, 7. This fly appears about the middle of April, if the weather be warm, and is an excellent fly the remaining part of the month. The wings H iOO ART or ANGUNG. are made of a feather from a woodcock's wiag, the body of lead- coloured silk, with a black cock's hackle wrapt under the wing ; the hook No. 9 or 10. It may be fished with at any time of the day. Black Gnat^ 8. About the same time as the Spider, appears the Black Gnat, and continues till the end of May. The wings are made of a dark blue or dusky cock's hackle, and the body of a black ostrich's herl ; the hook No. 10. This fly is to be used in cold stormy days ; it is but seldom seeii in warm weather. Black Caterpillar, 9. Tflws insect appears early in May, and re- mains about a fortnight. The wings are made of a feather from a jay's wing, the body of a black ostrich's herl, with a black cock's hackle wound over the body ; the hook No. 8. It is to be used in the evening after a warm day, and is very killing in small rivers. Little Iron Blue. 10. In cold stormy days, a^bout the tenth of May, this fly appears, and lasts till the middle of June. Us wings stand upright, and are made of a dusky feather from under the wing of a blue CANON FLY. 101 hen, or cormorant, the body of water-rat's fur, ribbed with yellow silk, and a blue cock's hackle wrapt over the body ; the tail is forked, and of the same colour as the wings ; the hook No. 10. This is a very neat small fly, and is to be fished with in cold weather, from eleven o'clock in the morning till three in the afternoon. Yellow Sally. 11. About the twentieth of May the Yellow Sally Fly may be seen, and it continues till the mid- dle of June. The wings are made of a yellow cock's hackle, and the body with yellow dub- bing ; the hook No. 8 or 9. Canon, or Down-hill Fly, 12. This is the fly which is so frequently seen on the trunks of oak, ash, and willow trees; it is invariably found with its head pointing down- wards, from which circumstance it derives the appropriate name of the Down-hill fly. It ap- pears about the twentieth of May and continues about a week in June. The wings are made of a feather from the wing of a partridge, the body of a bittern's feather, and the head of the brown fur of a hare ; the hook No. 8 or 9. This fly is bred in the oak-apple, and, like the Cowdung, is seldom seen on the water. Two of these flies, when alive, are an excellent bait to use in bob- bing or dapping for Trout. 102 ART OF ANGLING. Shorn Fly. 13. The Shorn Fly, or Marlow Buzz, appears on the water about the same time as the Canon, and continues till the end of July ; it is a small caterpillar with reddish-brown wings, and is frequently seen in grass fields. There are three kinds, but the one most useful is thus made ; the wings of a red cock's hackle, and the body of a peacock's herl ; the hook No. 6 or 7. The Shorn fiy is in its greatest perfection in June, and will kill fish at any time in the day ; it is much used in Wales, but is better known there by the name of the Coch-a-bonddu, that is, red with a black body. Yellow May Fly, or Cadow, 14. This is the most important fly for Trout fish- ing of any, because at this period the Trout is in its greatest perfection ; it is bred from the cad-worm, and is found in considerable num- bers at the sides of most small gravelly rivers, on bushes which overhang the water ; to which places they resort when they change from their chrysalis state. Its wings, which are single, stand upright like the wings of the butterfly ; the body is yellow (some are darker than others) ribbed with green ; the tail consists of three dark whisks, and is turned up towards the back ; from the green stripes on its body, it is GREY DRAKE. 103 sometimes called the Green Drake. The natu- ralist may be highly gratified during a fine warm day, in the end of May, by observing the man- ner in which this singular insect breaks through and flies from the case in which it has been enveloped while in the stale of a maggot. The wings are formed artificially of the light feather of a grey drake, or wild mallard, dyed yellow ; the body of yellow ram's wool, seal's fur, or amber-coloured mohair mixed with a little fox- down, or hog's wool, ribbed with pale yellow and green silk, or the feather of a heron, to imitate the joints of the fly's body ; the head of peacock's herl, and the tail of three long hairs from a sable mufi*, or the whiskers of a black cat; the hook No. 6. This fly appears in the end of May, but the principal time for using it is from the first to the twelfth of June, from ten in the morning till seven in the evening. Grey Drake. 15. This fly appears at the same time as the last mentioned, and very much resembles it in shape ; the wings are made of a dark-grey feather of a mallard ; the body of light goat's hair, or white ostrich's herl, striped with dark silk ; the legs of a grizzle cock's hackle; the head of pea- cock's herl, and the tail of three hairs from a sablie muflf or fitchew's tail ; the hook No. 6. 104 ART OF ANGUNG. Some anglers vary the body of this fly by warp- ing with ash-coloured silk and silver twist. It is chiefly to be fished with in the evening, after the Yellow May Fly has disappeared, that is, from six o'clock till dark. General Observations on Ephemeral Flies, ap- plied particularly to the two preceding. "This species of insect is named ephemeral, because of its very short existence in the fly state. It is one of the most beautiful species of flies, and undergoes five changes. At first the egg contains its vital principle ; it comes forth a small caterpillar, which is transformed into a chrysalis, then into a uympha, and lastly into a fly, which deposits its eggs upon the sur- face of the water, where the sun's rays bring them to life. Each egg produces a little red worm, which moves in a serpentine manner ; as soon as the cold weather sets in, this little worm makes for itself a shell, or lodging, where it passes the winter ; at the end of which it ceases to be a worm, and enters into ils third state, that of a chrysalis. It then sleeps till spring, and gradually becomes a beautiful nympha, or a sort of mummy, something in the form of a fi&h. At the time of its metamorpho- sis, the nympha at first seems inactive and life- less ; in six days the head appears, raising itself ORL FLY. 166 gradually above the surface of the water; the body next disengages itself slowly and by de- grees, till at length the whole animal comes out of its shell. The new-born fly remains for some minutes motionless upon the water ; then gra*^ dually revives, and feebly shakes its wings; then moves them quicker, and attempts first to walk, then to fly. As these insects are all hatched nearly at the same time, they are seen in swarms for a few hours flitting and playing upon the surface of the water. The male and female then unite and couple together for two more hours, when they again return to their sports, lay their eggs, and soon after die. Thus they terminate their short life in the space of a few hours, and the same day that saw them born witnesses their death." OrlFly. 16. During the whole of June this fly may be seen playing upon the top of the water, and is a good killing fly from ten o'clock till four, es- pecially after the May Fly is gone. It has four wings lying close to the back, which should be made of a dark grizzle cock's hackle; the body of peacock's herl worked with dark red silk ; the hook No. 7. This fly is principally used in very warm weather. 106 ART OP ANaLING. Sky Blue. 17. This fly also appears early in June, and con- tinues till the middle of July ; the wings stand upright, and are made of the light blue feather of a hen, the body of pale yellow mohair mixed with light blue fur and ribbed with a yellow cock's hackle; the hook No. 9. This fly is only to be used when the watex is very low and flne. Cadis Fly. 18. About the twelfth of June this fly appears, and continues till the beginning of July ; it is bred from the cadis or cod-bait. The wings are made of a feather from a buff*-coloured hen; the body of buff* mohair, warped with a pale yellow hackle ; the hook No. 7. The Cadis is a fly worth the least notice of any, as there are many others on at the same time which are far preferable ; it is chiefly used at the clearing of the river after it has been disturbed Fern Fly. 19. This fly appears about the middle of June, and continues good till the middle of July. Its wings are made of a woodcock's feather, and the body of orange-coloured silk; the hook No, 6 or 7. It is a very killing fly, and may be used at any time of the day. LARGE RED ANT. 107 Red Spinner, 20. The Red Spinner appears about the middle of June, and disappears in the end of August. The wings are made of a brownish grey feather of a drake ; the body of the red fur of a squir- rel, ribbed with gold twist, and warped with a red cock's hackle; the tail is forked, and of the herl of a red hackle. It may be varied thus : — the wings of a feather from the wing of a star- ling, the body of dull red mohair, &c. as above. The hook No. 8 or 9. This is an excellent fly, but most killing when the water is dark, and late in the evening, after a hot day. Blue Gnat. 21. This fly appears at the same time as the Red Spinner, and continues about a fortnight. The wings are made of a small blue cock's hackle ; the body of light blue fur, mixed with a little yellow mohair ; the hook No. 10. It is only useful when the water is low and fine. Large Red Ant, 22. If the weather be hot, this fly will be found on the water in the middle of June, and will remain till the. middle of July. The wings are made of a starling's feather ; the body of pea- cock's herl, and a ginger-coloured cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 9. To 108 ART OF ANGLING. be fished with from eleven o'clock in the fore- noon^ till six in the evening. Large Black Ant, 23. About the same time as the Red appears the Large Black Ant Fly. The wings are made of a very light sky-blue hackle ; the body of black ostrich's herl, and a black cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 9. This fly re- sembles the Red Ant in shape, and is to be used at the same period. Welshman s Button, 24. The Welshman's Button, or Hazel Fly, ap- pears in the end of July, and remains about ten days. The wings are made of a red feather from the rump of a partridge, or pheasant ; the body with peacock's and black ostrich's herl mixed, and warped with a black cock's hackle ; the hook No. 8, This insect is a small cater- pillar, in form similar to a button, from whence it derives its name ; it is equally valuable for bobbing or dapping with, as for fly-fishing. Little Red Ant. 25. This fly appears about the twelfth of August, and remains on the water till the end of Septem- ber ; the wings are made of a starling's feather ; the body of peacock's herl, with a ginger-col- PALE BLUE. 100 oured cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 10. It is a good killer from twelve o'clock till five, particularly in warm gloomy days. Little Black Ant, 25. The Little Black Ant appears at the same time, and resembles in shape the Little Red Ant ; the wings are made of a very light sky*, blue cock's hackle ; the body of black ostrich's herl, and a black cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 10. This fly is to be used with the Little Red Ant. Whirling Blue. 26. This fly appears about the twelfth of August^ and remains three weeks ; its wings stand up- right, and are made of a feather from the wing of a starling ; the body of squirrel's fur mixed with yellow mohair, and warped with a red cock's hackle ; the tail the same colour as the wings ; the hook No. 9. To be fished with du- ring the middle of the day. Little Pale Blue. 27. This fly may be met with about the same time as the Whirling Blue, and it continues till the end of September. The wings are made of a feather from the wing of a sea-swallow; the 110 ART OF ANGLING, body of very pale blue fur mixed with yellow mohair, and warped with a pale blue hackle ; the hook No. 9. This fly is excellent for Grey- ling fishing, and may be used from eleven in the morning till three in the afternoon. Willow Fly. 28. In the beginning of September this fly ap- pears, and is a very killing fly the remainder of the season. The wings are made of a grizzle cock's hackle ; the body of blue squirrel's fur mixed with yellow mohair ; the hook No. 8. It is a very destructive fly in cold stormy weather. During the hot summer months so great a va- riety of flies appear every day upon the water, that the fish are more difficult to be taken than in the spring or autumn ; but it should be observed as a general rule, to angle with the first fly mentioned in each month, in the mor- ning, and afterwards with such flies as appear in succession in the course of the day. These flies for the most part disappear about the middle of August, after which time sport is more to be depended upon with the three au- tumn flies, viz. the Whirling Blue, the Pale Blue, and the Willow, which are as good for Greyling fishing, as the three spring flies, viz. the Red, the Blue Dun, and the Brown, are for the early Trout fishing. king's fisher. Ill Dragon Fly, Libellaj or Llbellvla. This Fly is used only in Salmon tishing ; it frequents most rivers during the'months of July and August. The head of this insect is a beau- tiful object for the microscope ; it wears a mask as perfectly formed as those worn in a masque- rade ; and this mask, fastened to its neck, and which it moves at will, serves to hold its prey while devouring it. This insect flies very swift- ly, and feeds while on the wing, clearing the air of innumerable small flies. The wings are made of a reddish-brown feather from the wing of a cock turkey ; the body of auburn-coloured mohair warped with yellow silk ; and a ginger cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 2 or 3. Or it may be varied thus ; the wings of a rich brown feather from a heron's wing ; the body drab, or olive-coloured mohair; a bittern's hackle under the wings, and a forked tail. This flv is about two inches in length. King's Fisher or Peacock Fly, This is also a Salmon fly, and is seen at the same time as the Dragon fly. The wings are made of a feather from the neck or tail of a pea- cock ; the body of deep green mohair, warped with light green silk ; and a jay's feather, stri- ped blue and white, wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 2 or 3. It may be thus varied ; 112 ART OF ANGLING. the wings of a dark shining green feather from a drake's wing ; the body of green mohair, warped with chocolate silk ; and a bittern's hackle under the wings. White Moth. 29. This is a moth which appears in June and July, flitting about at the edge of night. The wings are made of a feather from the wing of a white owl ; the body of white cotton, and a white cock's hackle wrapt under the wings ; the hook No. 3 or 4. This moth is only used in night angling, and after this manner ; the line should be strong, and about a yard longer than the rod ; on the bend of the hook put two or three maggots or a well-scoured worm ; then throw in the bait, either in a stream or still wa- ter, with as little noise as possible ; and when you feel a bite, strike, and lift the fish out in- stantly. The best time for using this bait is in a dark gloomy night, from eleven o'clock till day break ; if the stars or moon shine the attempt will be fruitless. Brown Moth, This moth appears at the same time as the former. The wings are made of a feather from the brown owl ; the body of light brown mohair, with a grizzle cock's hackle wrapt under the PALMER WORMS. 113 wings ; the hook No. 2 or 3. To be used pre- cisely in the same manner as the White Moth. PALMER WORMS. The Palmer Worm is a small worm covered with hair, supposed to be so called because it wanders over all plants. There are several kinds used for fishing ; the following are the most killing. Red Palmer, 30. The body of the Red Palmer is made with dark red mohair, ribbed with gold twist, and warped with a blood red cock's hackle over the whole ; the hook No. 6 or 7. Golden Palmer. The body of orange-coloured silk, ribbed with peacock's herl and gold twist, and warped with a red cock's hackle. Brown Palmer. The body of amber-coloured hog's down, ribbed alternately with gold and silver twist, and warped with a red cock's hackle. Black Palmer. The body of black ostrich's herl, ribbed with silver twist, and warped with a black cock's hackle. These Palmers will kill fish every month from February to October, and are to be used in the same manner as the artificial flies. 114 ART OF ANGLING. THE ANGLER^S SONG. Oh ! the gallant fisher's life, It is the best of any, 'Tis full of pleasure, void of strife, And 'tis beloved by many: Other joys are but toys. Only this lawful is. For oui skill breeds no ill. But content and pleasure. In a morning up we rise. Ere Aurora's peepms, Drink a cup to wash our eyes, Leave the sluggard sleeping : Then we go to an(t fro, "With our knacks at our backs, To such streams as the Thames, If we have the leisure. When we please to walk abroad For our recreation, In the fields is our abode. Full of delectation. Where in a brook with a hook, Or a lake, fifh we take, There we sit, fur a bit, Till we fish entangle. We have gentles in a horn, We have paste and woims too, We can watch both night aud moru, Sufl'er rain and storms too : None do here use to swear. Oaths do fray fi^h away. We sit still, and watch our quill; Fishers must not wrangle. If the Sun's excessive heat Make our bodies swelter, To an osier hedge we get For a friendly shelter. Where in a dike Pearch or Pike, Roach or Dace, we do chase, Bleak or Gudgeou without grudging, Wt arc still contented. ChaikhilL TROLLING. 115 TROLLING. This kind of angling is generally practised from the middle of March till August ; at its commencement it will kill fish at any time in the day ; but when the summer is advanced, and the rivers are become low and fine, it is only to be used very early in the morning, or late in the evening, unless the sun be much clouded. The following extract is from Col. Hawker : — "Trolling, or spinning a minnow, is the other most general mode of Trout fishing ; or, I may almost say Trout |9oac^m^. It is however very rarely done in a proper manner, though every man, as a matter of course, upholds his own system. I, like all the rest, did the same, till after fancying for years, that I could chal- lenge any one, was beat and laughed at by a Trout killing divine. Now however, I have not only got master of his plan, against which ali others that I had ever seen , read of, or heard of, had no chance whatever. The great advantage of it is, that it takes the Trout when they run and bite short, without the minnow being the least injured, or even touched by the fish. To describe the tackle properly, without giving a I 116 ART OF ANGLING. plate of it, would be difficult, if not impossible.* After all, however, knowing how to bait the hook is the chief art; and even after being shown, requires practice on the part of the tish- erman who adopts it.— After chusing a white- bellied minnow , of rather small size, and hard- ening it in bran for an hour or two, first draw back the plummet, or cap, and put the large hook into the minnow's mouth, and out through the right gill, taking care not to tear the mouth or any part of the bait ; then draw the line three or four inches to you, so as to be able to get the hook back again into its mouth. Then take the minnow between the tiuger and thumb in the left hand, and the large hook in the right hand, and run the hook all down the back, close to the bone, to the very end of the fish, and let it come out about the centre of the tail Jin. Then with your right hand pull the minnow out as straight as it will lie, and press it into natural form with the finger and thumb. Afterwards nip off the upper half of the tail fin, in order to prevent a counteraction to the spinning of the minnow. Having done this, draw down your plummet, or cap, again, and see that your branch-line falls • The bottom consists of two lengths of gut, the one shorter than the other; to the shoit(>t piece a Nu. 1 hook is Httathed, and to the other a triangle of Ihiee No. 7 hooks tied back to buck, to hang about tliroe iucties below tlie larger oue vhen baited; another triangle of three hoi>ks, tied to the same gut, should be suspended at the side of the minnow. I'his bottom must be atiixed to the line by a suiall box swivel ; the pbimmet or cap alluded to, is a hollow bit of lead, which, when drawn upon tiie he.id «>i the ukiunuw, will cover the half of it. TROLLING. 117 smoothly by the side of your bait-Hne, and if not, rub it with Indian rubber till it does. Your hook is then ready for action, and action indeed it may be called if properly done. I should ob- serve, that a new gut seldom spins the minnow so well as one that is half worn out (by reason of the stiffness which encircles the minnow's §:ill). Therefore ten minutes soaking in water, and sometimes a little hard friction of the gut, just above the large hook, may at first be re- quired ; besides the working it with Indian rub- ber. So much for this plan ; there may be many better; but all I can say is, that I have as yet (June 28th. 1824,) never seen one fit to be named with it. The rod for trolling shouhl be from eighteen to twenty feet long, and made as light as pos- sible, though neither too pliable nor top heavy. This rod, of course, requires two hands; no matter therefore where the re^l is placed. If the top is too stiff y you strain a fish's mouth so much as to run the risk of breaking out his hold, which is nine times in ten on one of the three small fly-hooks. But if the top is too pli- ant, the fish will frequently make his escape on first being pricked. Here, therefore, as in all things, the medium is best. A minnow must, of course be throivn under-handed, and the line l^ot well on the swing before it is sent out. 118 ART OF ANGLING. You should throw it till it comes to its end, and then, by drawing in the hand, give it a little check, so that it may be laid delicately in the water, and not thrown in with a splash. The very instant your minnow is in the water, begin drawing it at one unvaried pace, down stream, and then towards you, till near enough to re- quire a fresh throw ; and in this as well as in Jly- fishing, never keep trying too long in a place. If a fish comes after your minnow, never stop it, or in any way alter the pace, or he will most likely be off again directly ; though, if you can tow your minnow into a rougher place, without giving it any sudden motion, the fish will most likely follow it there, and be still more easily deceived than in the smoother water. Keep your baits, with bran, in any thing but tin or metal, which is liable to heat in warm weather. This, I believe, is all that need be said on the best mode of Trolling. The second way of Trolling is with the arti- ficial minnow, which is the worst of all ; because it does not, in general, spin so well ; and, par- ticularly, because it is too frequently made of hard materials, on which a fish, unless very hungry, will seldom close his mouth enough to get hooked. The third is called the kill-devil, and although, in appearance, not near so like a real fish as the other, yet it spins so well, and WORM FISHING. 119 is 90 much softer in the mouth, that it answers, I think, the best of all plans, when you cannot procure the natural bait. Any good fishing- tackle shop will furnish these articles, and therefore it would be a waste of time, and of paper to give a minute description of them." WORM-FISHING. "You must not every worm promiscuous use ; Judgment will tell the proper bait to chuse ; The worm that draws a long immod'rate size The Trout abhors, and the rank morsel flies ; And if too small, the naked fraud's in sight, And fear forbids, while hunger does invite. Those baits will best reward the fisher's pains, "Whose polish'd tails a shining yellow stains ; Cleanse them from filth, to give a tempting gloss, Cherish the sullied reptile race with moss; Amid the verdant bed they twine, they toil, And from their bodies wipe their native soil." Worm-fishing begins early in February, and is good throughout the year. During spring, worms may be used any time of the day ; when the summer is advanced, only early in the morning and late in the evening ; and in the au- tumn it may again be used all day ; if the rivers are disturbed, this is the only bait that can be used at all. The necessary tackle for worm- fishing is described on page 24; and, as this bait is most killing: in rapid streams, the lead should be sufficiently heavy to keep the bait on the ground. A float is quite unnecessary un- 120 ART OF ANGLING. less you angle in ponds or still water. There are several kinds of worms fit for the angler's purpose; the following are the most useful. Lohworms. These worms, which are the largest used in angling, are generally found in gardens, in damp evenings, during the spring and summer, on the surface of the earth in great quan- tities ; or they may be procured by digging in any place where manure has lain for a length of time ; they may also be got by in- fusing bruised walnut-tree leaves, or salt, in water, and strewing it upon the ground ; they then soon come to the surface. These worms are good baits for Salmon, Trout, Barbel, Eels, and large Perch ; they are particularly adap- ted for laying night-lines for Eels during the summer months. Red Worms, Red worms are a smaller species of lob- worms, and are usually found in similar places, or in old rotten dunghills ; they are an excellent bait when taken from a good dry loamy soil ; being then of a strong red colour throughout. Some red worms are more yellow than others towards their tails, and which are generally to be preferred . These are the most killing worms of WORMS. 121 any for Carp, Tench, Barbel, Chub, Dace, Perch, Trout, Eels, Gudgeons, Bream, &c. Too much praise cannot be given to red worms ; indeed hardly any fish will refuse them, especi- ally during spring, autumn, and winter. Brandlings, Brandlings are striped with red and yellow across the whole body, they are chiefly found in dunghills where the dung of horses, cows, and pigs is mixed together ; the largest and best are to be met with in tanner's bark after it is thrown by ; they should be kept several days in moss, to scour out the bitter pungent mix- ture with which they abound. Marsh Worms, Marsh worms are so called from their being partial to low marshy places ; they are tolera- bly good baits but are very tender; however they generally become more tough after a few days scouring among moss, and if not then tough enough they may be scalded in milk; in colour they are dark brown, with a blueish gloss, and red heads; they are good for Trout and Perch. To cleanse or scovr TVorms, The best method of cleansing or scouring worms is by putting them into damp moss in 122 ART OF ANGLING. an earthen jar ; the moss should be fresh gather- ed, and all the earthy particles well washed out, then squeeze it, but not too dry, and put both moss and worms into the jar, changing the moss every three days in summer, and once a week in winter. If the worms look sickly, wash the moss and sprinkle a table-spoon full of new milk over it, this will revive them. The following is an excellent plan to preserve a stock of worms for several months ; — procure them in March or April; take a pound of beef or mutton suet, chop it into small pieces, and put it into a saucepan with about a quart of water ; let it boil until the suet is dissolved ; then take a piece of hop-sack, or other very coarse cloth, wash it clean and let it dry ; dip it in the liquor and wring it, but not so as to press all out ; put the worms in this cloth when dry, and lay them by in an earthen pot. After the worms have re- mained in this state two days, it becomes neces-' sary to wash the cloth, and again dip it in the liquor as before ; this should be repeated every three or four days during the heat of summer. The jar must be kept in a cool damp place. Observe, that the lobworm, red worm, and marsh worm, will bear more scouring than any others, and are better for long keeping. When worms are taken out for angling, put them in fresh moss that has been washed, and not wrung quite dry. See page 25. MAGGOTS. 123 MAG GO T- FISHING. Maggots or gentles can seldom be procured before the beginning of May ; they are certain- ly the best and most killing ground bait of any ; they may be bred from any animal substance, either flesh or fowl, by exposing it for the flies to blow on during spring and summer. After they are full grown put them in a vessel con- taining a quantity of bran and house sand mix- ed ; the sand should be damp, or otherwise the maggots will soon enter into their chrysaHs state, when they are of no use to the angler. The tackle proper for maggot-fishing is descri- bed on page 26. To preserve Maggots in Winter. In the beginning of November procure a beef's liver, or two or three sheep's heads, and expose them for the flies to blow on ; and when the fly-blows are become full grown maggots, put them, together with the remains of the liver or heads, into a cask or large jar, having first strewed in the cask a little fresh mould mixed with half dried cowdung, and then put the same quantity of mould and dung over them ; keep them in a cool place, and when the mould be- comes dry at the top sprinkle a little water over 124 ART OF ANGLING. it. As maggots are so valuable a bait, tbe ang- ler should not object taking a little trouble to procure them ; and by observing these direc- tions, he may be well supplied in February and March, at which time they are particularly useful. WA SP- GR UB- FISHING. The wasp-grub is a very choice bait, and which many fish take extremely eager. To pre- vent them from coming forward too fast, keep the wasp-comb in a very cool place ; or bake them a little in a half cooled oven ; or smoke the upper side of the comb with sulphur ; or, for immediate use, scald them by pouring boil- ing water over the comb. COD-BAIT-FISHING, The Cod-bait, or Cad, is prmcipally to be found at the sides of gravelly or stony brooks, on the bottom, in small husks composed of sand ; the largest are most fit for use, and which generally adhere to the stones. This in- sect produces the Stone Fly, and is about three quarters of an inch in length ; it is an excellent bait for Trout, Roach, Dace, or Chub, from the middle of May till June. The line for this pur- pose should be fine, and a No. 4 hook leaded on the shank ; when you bait with it, you must GRASSHOPPER-FISHING. 125 carefully break the case in which it is enclosed ; put two on, one to cover the leaded shank of the hook, and the other to cover the point aftd bend. The way of using this bait is by sinking and drawing, that is, moving it continually up and down within a foot of the bottom. There is another advantage in this mode of angling, inasmuch as it enables you to fish in holes in rivers encumbered with bushes ; also, in bubbles, curls, and other places, in which you cannot angle with any other bait, and where generally the largest fish li^. This bait is much improved by being kept in a linen bag for a few days, dipping the same in water at least once in a day. It may be made artificially with silk on the shank of the hook, putting only one cod- bait upon the bend. GRASSHOPPER-FISHING. Grasshoppers are very abundant during the months of June, July, and August. It is a capital bait, and is to be used precisely in the same way as the cod-bait; it will take many kinds cf fish. The fly called harry-long-legs is equally as good a bait as the grasshopper, and may be fished with in the same way. Both these baits are readily procured by persons residing in the country, and are easily kept alive in a tin box, 126 ART OF ANGLING. having holes in the top to give them air, with a few green leaves. Some anglers make both ar- tificially, but the live baits are always to be preferred. CABBA GE'GR UB-FISHING. There are three kinds of cabbage-grubs, the green, the speckled, and the brown ; all which the fish are remarkably fond of: they appear in gardens in June, and continue successively till October. These are to be fished with in the same way as the cod-bait and grasshopper, PASTES, Src Paste is a general bait for many kinds of fish, but it requires care and skill in using it, and must be made with clean hands. Sweet paste for Carp, Tench, Chub, and Roach, is made of a crumb of white bread, dipped in honey, and worked with the fingers in the palm of the hand until it is of a proper consistence. When honey cannot be procured, you may use lump sugar dissolved in warm wa- ter, which will answer nearly as well. Plain paste is made of white bread dipped in water, then squeezed as dry as possible, and worked as above until it becomes very smooth and stiflF. This paste is valuable, because it is easily made while at the water side. PASTES. 127 A paste made of old rotten Cheshire cheese and the crumb of white bread, is an excellent bait, particularly for Chub. A good paste for Barbel may be made by dipping the crumb of white bread in water that chandlers' greaves have been boiled in, and kneaded stiff. A small quantity of the greaves may be mixed with the bread. Salmon spawn is described by some writers as a superior bait for Trout, Chub, Roach, &c. the best way to preserve it is this : — take a pound of spawn, put it in warm water, and care- fully wash from it all the particles of skin and blood ; then rinse it by pouring on cold water ; and hang it up in a bag to drain for twenty four hours ; then put to it about two ounces of bay salt and a quarter of an ounce of saltpetre, and hang it up again for twenty four hours more ; then spread it on a dish to dry, in the sun or before a fire, until it becomes stiff; and then put it into a small jar, and run melted suet on the top ; the jar must be covered with a blad- der to keep out the air. If this be placed in a dry cool place, it will keep good for two years. When paste is angled with for Carp, Bream, and Chub, let the bait be of the size of an ha- zel nut ; but for Roach and Dace, the size of a large pea. Paste is considered more attractive when a little vermillion is mixed with it, to make it of a pale pink colour. 128 ART OF ANGLING. OBSERVATIONS on the WEATHER. As the sport of the angler in a great measure depends on the weather, the following observa- tions are here introduced that he may be ena- bled to form an opinion thereon. "When east wind blows, or sun shines bright, Then dout expect the fi>h will bite. If ask'd, 'what wind suits angling best?' I answer, 'the south or south west." Signs from the Sun and Moon, When the sun rises red and fiery, wind and rain are sure to follow. When there is a haziness high in the air, so that the sun's light fades by degrees, and his orb looks whitish, it is one of the most certain signs of rain. If the moon and stars become dim in the night, with the like haziness in the air, and a ring or halo appear round the moon, rain will ensue. If the rays of the sun, breaking through the clouds, are visible, then the air is filled with va- pours and will soon produce rain. When the sun appears white at setting, or goes down into a rock of clouds which lie in the horizon, it is a sign of the approach oi bad weather. WEATHER. 129 If the moon at her rising looks pale and dim, expect rain ; if red, it is a sign of wind ; and if white, and the sky clear, it will be fair weather, "But four iiia;hts old (for that's the surest sig^n), With sharpeu'd horns, if glorious then she >hiue; Next day, not only that, but all the moon, 1 ill her revolving race be wholly ruu, Are void of tempests." Dry den's Virgil. If the new moon does not appear till the fourth day, it prognosticates a troubled air for the whole month. If the new moon, either at her first appear- ance, or within a few days after, has her lower horn obscured or dusky, or any ways sullied, it denotes foul weather before the full ; but if she be discoloured about the middle, storms are to be expected about the full; and if her upper horn be affected, about the wane. When the moon on her fourth day appears pure and spotless, her horns unblunted, and neither fiat nor quite erect, but betwixt both, it promises fair weather for the greatest part of the month. An erect moon is generally threatening and unfavourable, but particularly denotes wind, though if she appears with short and bhmted horns, rain is rather to be expected. Signs from various causes. When a white mist appears in the evening. 130 ART OF ANGLING. spreading over fields at the side of a river, it will be dispersed by the sun's rays next morn- ing, and the day will be fine afterwards. But when the mist ascends to the tops of the adja- cent hills in the morning, there will be rain. Against heavy rain, every cloud rises larger than the former; this remark fore tels the ap- proach of a thunder storm. When the clouds are formed like fleeces, and very white at the edges, either hail, snow, or hasty showers of rain will soon follow. There can be no surer sign of rain, than when there are two diff'erent currents of clouds, es- pecially when the undermost flies fast before the wind. When the dew lies plentifully upon the grass after a fair day, another fair day may be ex- pected ; but when there is no dew, and no wind stirring, it is a sign that the vapours go up- wards, which will terminate in rain. When the wind veers about to various points of the compass, rain is sure to follow ; but there is no prognostic of rain more infallible than a whistling or howling noise in the wind. A dark thick sky, lasting for some time with- out either sun or rain, always becomes first fair, then foul. •*The evening red, the morning grey, Are sure signs of a lair day ." WEATHER. 131 Dt\ HerscheVs Weather Table. The following Table, constructed upon phi- losophical considerations of the attraction of the sun and moon, in their several positions res- pecting the earth, and confirmed by experience of many years actual observations, furnishes the observer, without further trouble, with the knowledge of what kind of weather there is the greatest probability of succeeding, and that so near the truth, that it will in very few instances be found to fail. 5 Moon. Summer. Winter. X X \ If it be a new or X \ full moon, or the X X moon enters into X ^ the first or last X \ quarter, at the I hour of 12 at noon Very rainy . . ; Snow or rain Or, between the hours of X J 2 and 4 . . . Changeable : . Changeable X S 4 and 6 . . . Ditto Ditto X X 6 and 8 . . . Fair, if the wind Fair and Aosty. if X X be NW. rainy, if the wind be N. X X X S.orSW. . . . or N£. rain and snow, if S. or SW. \ 8 and 10 . . Ditto Ditto X } 10 night . . . Fair Fair and frosty X ^ 2 morning Ditto Hard frost, unless the wind be S, or W. X ; 2 and 4 . . < X Cold and frequent showers . . , . Snow and ttorniy I 4 and 6 . . . Rain Ditto \ : 6 and 8 . . . W^ind and rain . . Stormy X J 8 and 10 . . Changeable . . . Cold and rain, if W. snow, if E. X X X 10 and 12 . . Frequent showers Cold and high wind \ s X »^*»^*^.r-f»*»*»-r>^^s X 132 ART OF ANGLING. 3.alu0 of nmlinq* Sect» I, The penalty of fishing in ponds and other private fisheries. Any man may erect a fish pond without li- cense ; because it is a matter of profit, and for the increase of victuals. 2 Inst, 199. If any trespassers in ponds be thereof attaint- ed at the suit of the party, great and large a- mends shall be awarded according to the tres- pass ; and they shall have three years' imprison- ment, and after shall make fine at the king's pleasure, (if they have whereof) and then shall find good surety that after they shall not com- mit the like trespass. And if they have not whereof to make fine, after three years' impri- sonment they shall find like surety ; and if they cannot find like surety they shall abjure the realm. And if none sue within the year and day, the king shall have the suit. 3 Ed. 1. c. 20. Note; Those are trespassers in ponds, who endeavour to take fish therein. 2 Inst, 200. By 5 El, c. 21. s. 2. 6. If any person shall unlawfully break, cut, or destroy any head or dam of a fish pond, or wrongfully fish therein, with intent to take or kill fish ; he shall on con- viction at the suit of the king, or of the party. LAWS OF ANGLING. 133 at the assizes or sessions, be imprisoned three months, and pay treble damages ; and after the three months expired shall find sureties for his good abearing for seven years, or remain in pri- son till he doth. Whereas divers idle, disorderly, and mean per* sons betake themselves to the stealing, taking, and killing of :fish out of ponds, pools, moats, stews, and other several waters and rivers, to the great damage of the owners thereof; it is enact- ed that if any person shall use any net, angle, hair, noose, troll, or spear; or shall lay any wears, pots, fish hooks, or other engines ; or shall take any fish by any means or device what- soever, or be aided thereunto, in any river, stew, pond, moat, or other water, without the consent of the lord or owner of the water, and be thereof cont icted by confession, or oath of one witness, before one justice, in one month after the of- fence; every such offender in stealing, taking, or killing fish, shall for every such offence give to the party injured such recompence and in such time as the justice shall appoint, not exceeding treble damages ; and moreover shall pay down to the overseers for the use of the poor, such sum, not exceeding 10s. as the justice shall think meet. In default of payment to be levied by dis- tress; for want of distress, to be committed to the house of correction not exceeding one month. 134 ART OF ANGLING. unless he enter into bond with one surety to the party injured, not exceeding £10, never to offend in like manner. 22 & 23 C 2. c. 25- s. 7. Persons aggrieved may appeal to the next sessions, whose determination therein shall be final, if no title to any land, royalty, or fishery be therein concerned. 22 & 23 C. 2. c. 25, s. 9. The justices may take, cut, and destroy all such angles, spears, hairs, nooses, trolls, wears, pots, fish hooks, nets or other engines, where- with such offender shall be apprehended, s. 8. Whereas divers idle, disorderly, and mean persons have and keep nets, angles, leaps, pitches and other engines, for the taking and killing of fish out of the ponds, waters, rivers, and other fisheries, to the damage of the own- ers thereof; therefore no person hereafter shall have or keep any net, angle, leap, piche, or other engine for the taking of fish, other than the makers and sellers thereof, and other than the owner and occupier of a river or fishery ; and except fishermen and their apprentices lawfully authorized in navigable rivers. And the owner or occupier of the river or fishery, and every other person by him appointed, may seize, de- tain and keep to his own use every net, angle, leap, piche, and other engine, which he shall find used or laid, or in the possession of any person fishing in any river or fishery, without LAWS OF ANGLING. 135 the consent of the owner or occupier thereof. And also any person, authorized by a justice's warrant, may in the day time search the houses, out-houses, and other places of any person here- by prohibited to have or keep the same, who shall be suspected to have or keep in his custo- dy or possession any net, angle, leap, piche, or other engine aforesaid, and seize and keep the same to his own use, or cut or destroy the same as things by this act prohibited to be kept by persons of their degree. 4 & 5 W. c. 23. s, 5, (i. If any person shall enter into any park or paddock fenced in and inclosed, or into any garden, orchard or yard adjoining or belonging to any dwelling-house, in or through which park or paddock, garden, orchard or yard, any river or stream of water shall run or be, or wherein shall be any river, stream, pond, pool, moat, stew, or other water, and by any ways, means, or device whatsoever shall steal, take, kill, or destroy any fish bred, kept, or preserved there- in, without the consent of the owner thereof; or shall be aiding or assisting therein ; or shall receive or buy any such fish, knowing the same to be so stolen or taken as aforesaid ; and shall be convicted thereof at the assizes, within six calendar months after the oftence committed ; he shall be transported for seven years. And any offender, surrendering himself to a justice^ 136 ART OF ANGLING. or being apprehended, or in custody for such offence, or on any other account, and who shall make confession thereof, and a true discovery on oath of his accomplice or accomplices, so as such accomplice may be apprehended, and shall on trial give evidence so as to convict such ac- complice, shall be discharged of the offence so by him confessed. 5 G. 3. c. 14. s. 1, 2. And if any person shall take, kill, or destroy, or attempt to take, kill, or destroy, any fish ia any river or stream, pond, pool, or other water, (not being in any park or paddock, or in any garden, orchard, or yard, adjoining or belongs ing to any dwelling-house, but in any other in- closed ground being private property) ; he shall, oa conviction before one justice, on the oath of one witness, forfeit £5 to the owner or owners of the fishery of such river or stream of water, or of such pond, pool, moat, or other water. And such justice, on complaint upon oath, may issue his warrant to bring the person complained of before him ; and if he shall be convicted be- fore such justice, or any other justice of the county or place, he shall immediately after conviction pay the said penalty of £5 to such justice, for the use of such person as the same is hereby appointed to be paid unto ; and in default thereof, shall be committed by such justice to the house of correction for any time LAWS OF ANGLING. 137 not exceeding six months, unless the forfeiture ahall be sooner paid. Or such owner of the fishery may bring an action for the penalty (within six calendar months after the offence) in any of the courts of record at Westminster, S. 3, 4. Provided, that nothing in this act shall ex- tend to subject any persons to the penalties thereof, who shall fish, take or kill and carry away any fish in any river or stream of water, pond, pool, or other water, wherein such per- son shall have a just right or claim to take, kill or carry away such fish, S. 5. By the black act, (9 G. 1. c. 22.) if any per- son being armed and disguised shall unlawfully steal or take away any fish out of any river or pond, or (whether armed or disguised or not) shall unlawfully and maliciously break down the head or mound of any fish pond, whereby the fish shall be lost or destroyed, or shall rescue any person in custody for such offence, or pro- cure any other to join with him therein ; he shall be guilty of felony without benefit of clergy. Sect. II, Rules concerning the assize, and pre- serving the breed ofjish, 1. If any person shall lay or draw any net, engine or other device, or cause any thing to be done in the Severn, Dee, Wyne, Tea me, Were, 138 ART OF ANGLING. Tees, Ribble, Mersey, Don, Air, Ouze, Swale, Calder, Wharf, Eure, Darwent, or Trent, where- by the spawn or fry of salmon, or any kepper or shedder salmon, or any salmon not 18 inches from the eye to the extent of the middle of the tail, shall be taken and killed ; or shall set any bank, dam, hedge, stank, or net cross the same, whereby the salmon may be taken, or hindered from passing up to spawn ; or shall, between July 31, and Nov. 12, (except in the Ribble, where they may be taken between Jan. 1, and Sept. 15,) take any salmon of any kind in any of the said rivers ; or shall, after Nov. 12, yearly fish there for salmon with any net less than 2^ inches in the mesh ; he shall on conviction, in one month, before one justice, on view, confes- sion, or oath of one witness, forfeit £5 and the fish, nets, and engines; half the said sum to the informer, and half to the poor, by distress ; for want of distress, to be committed to the house of correction, or gaol, not more than three months, nor less than one, to be kept to hard labour, and suffer such other corporal punish- ment as the justice shall think fit. The nets and engines to be cut or destroyed, in the presence of the justice. The banks, dams, hedges and stanks, to be demolished at the charge of the offender, to be levied in like man- ner. 1 G. St. 2. c. 18. s. 14. LAWS OF ANGLING. 189 Note ; It is not said who shall have the fish ; so that it seemeth that they are forfeited to the king. And no salmon out of the said rivers shall he sent to London, under six pounds weight; on pain that the sender, buyer, or seller, on the like conviction, shall forfeit £5. and the fish ; half to the informer, and half to the poor, by distress ; for want of sufficient distress, to be committed to the house of correction or goal, to be kept to hard labour for three months, if not paid in the mean time. Id. s. 15. And persons aggrieved may appeal to the next sessions. Id. s. 17. 2. No salmon shall be taken in the Humber, Ouze, Trent, Don, Aire, Darwent, Wharf, Nid, Eure, Swale, Tees, Tine, Eden, or any other water wherein salmon are taken, between Sept. 8 and Nov. 11. Nor shall any young salmon be taken at mill-pools (nor in other places, 13 R. 2. st. 1. c. 19.) from Midapril or Midsummer ; on pain of having the nets and engines burnt for the first oftence; for the second, imprisonment for a quarter of a year; for the third, a whole year ; and as the trespass increaseth, so shall the punishment. And overseers shall be as- signed to inquire hereof. 13 Ed. 1. st. 1. c. 47. That is, under the great seal, and by authority of parliament, 2 Inst. 477. 140 ART OF ANGLING. Whereas the periods limited by the said acts of 13 E. 1. & 13 Rich. 2. are not suited to the fisheries for salmon, salmon peal, or salmon kind, or bouges otherwise sea trout, or to the protection of the spawn or fry of salmon, in the rivers commonly called the Teign, Dart, or Plym, in the county of Devon, and have been found very prejudicial to the owners and proprietors of the fisheries in such rivers, and to the pub- lic ; and whereas it is necessary that provision should be made for the better preservation of salmon, and the spawn, fry, or young brood of salmon, salmon peal, salmon kind, and bouges or sea trout, in the said rivers Teign, Dart, and Plym, and in the several rivulets or streams of water communicating therewith, it is enacted that it shall be lawful for the respective owners and proprietors, and persons legally entitled to fish in the said rivers or waters called the Dart, Teign, and Plym, in the said county, or in any of the streams of water or rivulets communica- ting therewith, and their respective servants and agents, at any time of the year between the 4th. of March and the 4th. December, within the Teign, and the several rivulets or streams com- municating therewith, with legal and proper nets, or hooks and lines, to take, kill, or destroy any salmon, salmon peal, or salmon kind, and to of- fer to sale any such fish so taken, between the LAWS OF ANGLING. 14L said periods, within the Teigii and the several rivulets or streams communicating therewith ; and also at any time between the 15th. of Febru- ary and the 15th. of November, within the said rivers Dart and Plym, and the several rivulets or streams communicating therewith, with legal and proper nets, &c. to take, &c. any such sal- mon, &c. within the said Dart and Plym, and the several rivulets or streams communicating therewith, and to offer the same to sale when so taken, between the said last mentioned periods, within the said rivers and waters : and that all such fish shall be considered to be in season, and proper to be killed. 43 G. 3. c. 61. s. 1. No persons shall put in the waters of Tham- ise, Humber, Ouse, Trent, nor any waters, in any time of the year, any nets called stalkers, nor other nets or engines whatsoever, by which the fry or breed of salmons, lampreys, or any other fish, may in anywise be taken or destroy- ed ; on the like pain. 13 R. 2. st. 1. c. 19. The waters of Lon, Wyr, Mersee, Ribble, and all other waters in Lancashire, shall be put in defence as to taking of salmon from Michael- mas to Candlemas, and in no other time of the year. And conservators shall be appointed in like manner. Id. The justices of the peace (and the Mayor of London on the Thames and Medway) shall sur- 142 ART OF ANGLIiNG. vey the offences in both the acts above men- tioned : and shall survey and search all the wears in such rivers, that they shall not be very strait for the destruction of such fry and brood, but of reasonable wideness after the old assize used or accustomed ; and they shall appoint under-conservators, who shall be sworn to make like survey, search and punishment. And they shall inquire in sessions, as well by their office as at the information of the under-conservators, of all defaults aforesaid, and shall cause them which shall be thereof indicted to come before them ; and if they be thereof convicted, they shall have imprisonment, and make fine at the discretion of the justices; and if the same be at the information of an under-conservator, he shall have half the fine. 17 R. 2. c. 9. 3. By the 1 EL c. 17. No person of what estate, degree and condition soever he be, shall take and kill any young brood, spawn, or fry of fish ; nor shall take and kill any salmon or trouts, not being in season, being kepper or shedder ; nor any pike or pikerel not being in length 10 inches fish or more ; nor any salmon not being in length 16 inches fish ; nor any trout not being in length 8 inches fish ; nor any barbel not being in length 12 inches ; and no person shall fish or take fish by any device, but only with net or trammel, whereof the mesh shall Laws of angling. 143 be two inches and a half broad (angling excep- ted, and except smelts, loches, minnies, bul- heads, gudgeons, and eels;) on pain of forfeit- ing 20s. for every offence, and also the fish, nets, and engines, s. 1,2, 3, 4, 6. (Note, in some editions of the statutes it is £20. in others 20s. in the record it is not distinguish- able whether it be pounds or shillings. The latter seems more adequate to the offence,) And the conservators of rivers may inquire hereof by a jury ; and in such case they shall have the fines, s. 6, 7. The leet also may enquire hereof; and then the forfeiture shall go to the lord of the leet. And if the steward do not charge the jury there- with, he shall forfeit 40s. half to the king, and half to him that shall sue. And if the jury con- ceal the offence, he may impanel another jury to inquire of such concealment; and if it be found, the former jury shall forfeit every one 20s. to the lord of the leet. s. 8, 9, 10. If the offence be not presented in the leet within a year, then it may be heard and deter- mined at the sessions or assizes. (Saving the right of the conservators.) s. 11, 12. By the 33 G. 2. c. 27. No person shall take or knowingly have in his possession, either on the water or on shore, or sell or expose to sale, any spawn, fry, or brood offish, or any unsize- 144 ART OF ANGLING. able fish, or fish out of season, or any smelt not five inches long ; and any person may seize the same, together with the baskets and package, and charge a constable or other peace officer with the offender and with the goods, who shall carry them before a justice ; and on conviction before such justice, the same shall be forfeited and delivered to the prosecutor ; and the oflen- der shall besides forfeit 20s. to be levied by dis- tress by warrant of such justice, and distributed half to the prosecutor and half to the poor of the parish where the offence was committed (and any inhabitant of such parish, nevertheless, may be a witness) ; for want of sufficient dis- tress, to be committed to the house of correc- tion to be kept to hard labour for any time not exceeding three months, unless the forfeiture be sooner paid. — Provided, that the justice may mitigate' the said penalty, so as not to remit a- bove one half. Persons aggrieved may appeal to the next sessions. — And the form of the con- viction may be thus : Be it remembered, that on this day of — in the year of the reign of- A. O. is convicted before me one of his majesty s justices of the peace for the ^^-of and I do adjudge him to pay and forfeit the sum of — . Given under my hand and seal the day and year above-said, s. 13, 15, 10, 17, 18, 19. LAWS OF ANGLING. 145 No person shall fasten any nets over risers, to stand continually day and night; on pain of 100s. to the king. 2 H. 6. c. 15. We have now completed our undertaking ; and having led our Readers through a regular course of Instruction, founded on experience; teaching the true art of making artificial and selecting natural baits, with a plain and com- prehensive account of the true mode of so ar- ranging all the necessary appendages of the art, as to secure to the adventurous Fisherman the pleasures of his favourite amusement, in all seasons, regularly as they succeed each other ; we have deemed it expedient to add to the whole a succinct and correct account of the Laws re- lating to Angling, and take leave of our Readers and Pupils by quoting an extract from **Songs oftheChace.'' "The Angler envies no man's joys, But his, who gains the greatest sport; With peace, he dwells far from the noise And bustling grandeur of a court." 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