ST. BOS WELLS. 229 



too-large and uninviting bait, and, just to use it up, makes 

 a throw, it is ten to one that it captivates only some 

 " paunchy " and audacious minnow, or wretched parr. 

 Those anglers who follow Stewart exactly will, in baiting 

 the tackle, pass the hooks quite through the body of the 

 worm, leaving all the three or four points and barbs fully 

 exposed. This, I am afraid, is a mistake. Skilful 

 worm-fishing, as at present practised, is generally carried 

 on in clear water ; consequently, that the deception may 

 be more perfect, it is absolutely necessary to conceal the 

 hooks, at least as far as is possible ; otherwise the best 

 fish will be scared away, remaining, after a rapid inspec- 

 tion of the somewhat abnormal-looking reptile, at a safe 

 and respectful distance, and indulging in reflections, the 

 tendency of which will not be to add to the weight of the 

 angler's creel. Another disadvantage attending Stewart's 

 method of putting on the worm is the liability to catch 

 upon obstacles, such as stones, weeds, sunken branches, 

 and green slime. To obviate this, the best way is to use 

 a smaller size of hook than that with which the tackle 

 generally to be had in the shops is dressed. At the same 

 time, the worm has to be frequently examined, as there 

 is always a tendency on the part of the hook to work its 

 way into sight. Stewart, who was admittedly a prince 

 among anglers, and whose book, I believe, has done 

 more for the education of the brethren, in all branches of 

 the art, since its first publication in 1857, than any other 

 work which has appeared in the present century, admits 

 "that the exposure of so many hooks is calculated to 

 scare away some trout that would otherwise take the bait." 



