44 THE SEA SHORE 



occasionally used, though, we believe, with no very considerable 

 success, for sea fishing, we will note a few baits derived from the 

 higher head-footed molluscs the squid, cuttle-fish, &c. There are 

 several species of these peculiar molluscs, but the common squid 

 and the common cuttle of our seas, and especially the former, is 

 highly prized as bait. It may Ke obtained from fishermen, who 

 frequently haul it in their nets ; but if supplied alive and fresh 

 from the sea it must be handled very cautiously, otherwise it may 

 discharge the contents of its ink-bag over one with the most 

 unpleasant results. It is certainly best used while fresh, though 

 some suspend it until dry, and then store it for future use, in which 

 case it will require soaking in water when required. The thin 

 tentacles or arms are very convenient for baiting small hooks, 

 though other parts of the body, cut into narrow strips, will serve 

 the purpose of the angler equally well. 



Of the crustaceans, shrimps and prawns, and various species 

 of crabs are used as bait. Shrimps and prawns are used whole 

 for catching flat-fish, but small pieces are better when fishing for 

 smelt and other small species of fish that swim close to shore. 

 Little pieces of the flesh of the crab are also well adapted for baiting 

 hooks of small size, and will prove very attractive to almost all 

 kinds of fish. Small crabs, however, may be used whole, but are 

 of little use except when soft that is, just after the shedding of 

 their shells, and before the new skin has had time to harden. Such 

 crabs may be found under stones and in other hiding-places at 

 low tide, for at such times they keep well' secluded from their 

 numerous enemies by whom they are greedily devoured while in this 

 helpless and unprotected condition. 



The hermit-crab, which selects the empty shell of a whelk or 

 winkle for its home, is probably well known to our readers. The 

 protection afforded by such a home is absolutely necessary to its 

 existence, since its abdomen has no other covering than a soft, 

 membranous skin. This soft abdomen is frequently used as a bait 

 with great success, as well as the flesh of the larger claws. 



If the shell from which the hermit-crab is taken be broken, 

 a worm, something of the nature of the common rag worm, will 

 almost always be found, and this also is very serviceable as bait. 



In addition to all the baits previously named there are several 

 other good ones, many of which are to be obtained almost every- 

 where. Among these may be mentioned strips cut from the 

 mackerel, herring, or pilchard, preferably with a portion of the 



