BAITS, AND SEA-FISHING 115 



things are here ; and in pointing out that the 

 predominance of sea or river, probably the outcome 

 of different surroundings and opportunities, is the 

 main distinction between northern, and southern 

 fishing. 



The unoccupied field is doubtless large, and no 

 one is disposed to question the assertion that it 

 offers the prospect of a heavier basket than 

 ordinarily falls to the stream fisher. Indeed, 

 baskets are out of the question, unless they are 

 clothes baskets. 



The readiest bait is the lob- worm (Arenaria 

 piscatorum), just as the readiest bait for fresh- 

 water fish is the earth-worm. It was the first we 

 dug in those days of innocence, when we too hung 

 over the end of a pier, or stole out on the bosom of 

 the Forth in the shoemaker's boat. The little cups 

 in the sand, mark out its position, and the number 

 of these cups, the multitude. A couple of quick 

 motions with the graip, and he lies helpless, and is 

 transferred to the rusty tin can. 



It is the best lure for plaice at least plaice- 

 fishers prefer it. And, probably, as an all-round 

 bait, it can be relied on to take more fish than 

 any other. 



Digging for lobs in the cool interspace between 



