THE CARP FAMILY. 



159 



A friend who is a veteran Chub-fisher, and who stands up 

 for his favorite, writes thus in his defence; I insert his 

 remarks, word for word : — 



" I suggest that the mistake of Frank Forester arises from 

 the fact of a fish with a clumsy, horny head, which is washy 

 and worthless, and rarely attains a greater length than ten 

 inches, is frequently found in Trout-streams, and is called 

 ' Chub.' But the fish in question, which is known in Chester 

 county and in many other parts of the state as 'the Fallfish,' 

 probably from his being in the best condition and most 

 readily taken in the autumn months, is a shapely, cleanly 

 fish, with a white, silvery belly, and when well grown is shy 

 and requires careful and quiet fishing. The sides and heads 

 of those above twelve inches are often colored with a pink 

 tinge." 



From the above it will be seen that the Chub is much 

 esteemed in many streams for the sport he affords in bottom - 

 fishing. The best season of the year is September ; a grass- 

 hopper or grub-worm, or a small cube of tough cheese, is a 

 good bait; the bottom-tackle should be neat, as he bites 

 delicately ; a long, light cane rod, a small float, and a No. 1 

 Kirby hook, are appropriate tackle. 



Some anglers now residents of the " Quaker City," who 

 came from an adjoining county, as our friend just quoted, are 

 expert Chub-fishers. I am acquainted with a retired mer- 

 chant, a neat, dapper old gentleman, who fishes the Brandy- 

 wine, and has all kinds of contrivances pertaining to catching 

 them. To be appreciated, he should be seen with his tin 

 bait-box strapped before him, his portable stool, and his im- 

 provement for holding his umbrella without the use of his 

 hands; the latter invention is d long pocket, two inches 

 wide and twelve inches deep, down the back of his coat, into 

 which he slips the staff of his umbrella, and waits patiently 



