BAITS. 883 



The minnow, the red worm, and at times small shrimp Avill 

 take all these varieties in the salt water; and from the very 

 earliest dawn of spring to the setting in of severe cold weather, 

 it is rare but the angler can find some sport with these quick 

 and lively biters. 



In almost every lakelet and pond, from the sea-board to Lake 

 Huron, the Perch abounds, swimming in company with the 

 Sun Fish {Pomoiis Vulgaris), and the New York Shiner {Stilbe 

 Chrisolineus) ; they run from half a pound up to three, four, and 

 occasionally even five pounds^ weight. 



Saratoga Lake, the Greenwood Lake, in Orange County, New 

 York, Hopathong, in Sussex County, New Jersey, Cayuga Lake, 

 and the Northern lakes, Huron more especially, contain these 

 fish of the largest size, and in the greatest perfection, but every- 

 where they may be caught almost at any time. 



In pond fishing, the common ground-worm, or a spotted line 

 with a quill-float, is perhaps the commonest bait ; in America 

 pastes are but little used as bait, nor in truth have I any great 

 faith in them, although they are recommended by many good 

 anglers. Of late years, however, I think they have lost 

 repute. In the days of old Isaak they were esteemed almost 

 sovereign. 



The minnow, shiner, or small trout is, in this country, by all 

 odds, the most taking bait. It should be affixed to the line by 

 one or two small hooks, either through the lip or under the 

 dorsal fin as lightly as possible, and being sunk with a shotted 

 gut to within a foot or so of the bottom, should be allowed to 

 swim about at his own will. 



I do not approve of the frog for Perch fishing, although when 



