THE BARREL. 63 



together, as they sometimes want much enticing;. 

 Never omit trying a worm in a wet or dark muggy 

 evening : they will frequently take red worms all day 

 in the Autumn, and also in the Spring, till June. When 

 the water is coloured or thick, put two red worms on 

 the liook in the following manner : enter the point of 

 your hook in the first worm, near the head, and draw it 

 up the shank ; then enter the other near the tail, and 

 carry the point downwards ; then draw the first down, 

 to cover the whole bend of the hook, and cast in. 

 Some Anglers bring the tail of the worm to the point of 

 the hook, thinking the worm appears more tempting by 

 being so placed. I believe one way answers as well as 

 the other. Barbel may also be taken in the tumbling 

 bays, and at the tail of mills in this river, (the Lea) 

 with the ledger line, which the Angler manages while 

 standing on the shore, instead of fishing from a punt, as 

 in the Thames. In Flanders, Barbel will not take 

 greaves or gentles, but will bite freely at a piece of 

 half-boiled potatoe. 



How to act when you see a bite, and have hooked a 

 Barbel. 



The Barbel bites very sharp, and pulls the float 

 down very suddenly, therefore you must strike imme- 

 diately you perceive it : raise the top of your rod a 

 little, and permit him to run some considerable 

 distance, before you attempt to turn or check him ; 

 then endeavour to keep your fish away from the shelves 

 under the bank, and from heavy beds of weeds ; take 



