266 AMERICAN GAME FISHES. 



will be just as well to begin by holding just back of the gills 

 and hitting across the head. 



A fish should never touch the ice when being prepared for 

 keeping or transportation. Without washing him, after you 

 have drawn him, "wipe him dry as possible with a bit of old 

 muslin, and wrap him up in a piece of the same, and pack 

 in straw, dried leaves or grass, that have also been placed in 

 the ice-house. A fish is firmer and better and will keep 

 longer under this treatment. Never wash a fish you wish to 

 send away." 



