NATURAL BAITS. 323 



of time, in a vessel half tilled with wet pieces of rotten 

 wood, and damp aquatic vegetation. In this way the angler 

 can always have a ready supply of bait on hand. 



The helgramite is hooked by inserting the point of the 

 hook under the cap or shell that covers the neck, from 

 behind forward, and bringing it through next to the head. 

 It is a capital bait for the Black Bass, especially when the 

 Bass are found on the riffles or rapids, and in shallow 

 water. 



The Crawfish. 



The crawfish (Ccunbarus), sometimes called crayfish and 

 crab, is, in some localities, and at certain seasons, a good 

 bait, especially when casting its shell, when it is called a 

 "peeler," or a " shedder." The crawfish exists wherever 

 the Black Bass is found, in greater or less quantities. In 

 waters where it is very abundant it forms an excellent and 

 killing bait. 



"Distinct species live in the mountain streams and in the 

 springs at their sources. Some frequent the marshes of 

 the lowlands (both the fresh and salt marshes), either near 

 the streams, or adjacent to the bays, sounds, or ocean. 

 Some occur beneath stones in rivers, creeks, or branches; 

 in the muddy basis; beneath stones in the rapids; among 

 grass and weeds in more quiet places, and in coves; under 

 shelving grassy banks ; in holes at the bottom of ponds, 

 lakes, dams, and mill-races. Others bore holes in the 

 meadows, or even in the hill -tops near water; and in 

 bringing up the mud and clay from their tube-like holes, 

 pile it as a chimney at the entrance. These species at 

 particular times place a plug of clay in the orifice of the 



