GROUND BAIT. 



eddy, because the clay lies at tlie bottom, and soou 

 separates ; the gentles then gradually work out, which 

 keeps the fish about the hook ; and they, doubtless, 

 mistake your bait on it, for what may have escaped 

 from the lump. Some put worms instead of gentles, 

 leaving some part of the body outside the clay, which is 

 likely to draw Perch, Bream, Eels, and Gudgeon, about 

 the place so baited. 



Ground-Bait made with Clay and Greaves, for 

 Barbel. 



According to the strength of the stream, proportion 

 the size of the lumps or balls you cast into the water. 

 In the river Thames, when fishing for Barbel in a punt, 

 the balls must be as large as a turnip, or the current 

 washes them from the place you intend enticingtheFish 

 to : in the river Lea, pieces of half the size will do. 

 To make this ground-bait, chop or break a pound of 

 greaves into smaller pieces, and cover it with hot 

 water ; let it remain until it softens 3 pick out a sufficient 

 quantity of the white pieces to bait your hook, and 

 work up the remainder of the greaves and water," 

 with clay, into lumps or balls : I always add bran to 

 it. This is the best ground-bait for Barbel that is 

 used ; it is a considerable time before it parts or dis- 

 solves, ^nd keeps the Fish to the spot, who rout and 

 push it about with their noses, and occasionally loosen 

 small pieces of the greaves, of which they are im- 

 moderately fond ; it is also an excellent bait for 



