BAITS. 889 



over night ; then rest part of your rod on the forked stick, and 

 the bottom of it on the ground. 



" You must now retire a few paces, keeping entirely out of 

 sight, but still near enough to observe your float ; when you 

 perceive a bite, give a little time ; indeed, it is better to wait 

 till you see the float begin to move off", before you strike, which 

 you may then do smartly ; and, as the Carp is a leather-mouthed 

 fish, if you manage him well, there is no fear of losing him, 

 unless the pond is very weedy. Be careful to have your line 

 free, that, if a large fish, he may run out some of your line 

 before you attempt to turn him ; as he is a very strong fish, 

 and your tackle rather light, you must give him careful play 

 before you land him. 



*^The extreme shyness of the large Carp make all this some- 

 what tedious process necessary to insure success ; but I can 

 safely assert, that I scarcely ever took this trouble in vain. 

 Various baits are recommended for Carp, — such as green peas 

 parboiled, pastes of all descriptions, gentles, caterpillars, &c. ; 

 but I have found the red worm the best, and next to this, the 

 gentle, and plain bread-paste. Those who prefer a sweet paste 

 may dip the bread in honey. Paste and gentle will answer 

 better in autumn than spring. April and May are, in my opi- 

 nion, the best months for Carp fishing ; and very early in the 

 morning, or late in the evening, is the best time for pursuing 

 your sport.^' 



The above mode of baiting bottom-grounds, and of fishing 

 with the worm, in all its particulars, may be pursued with per- 

 fect success in all ponds and slow-running streams, for all the 

 many species of the Carp family, which are, for the most part. 



