AJSTD HOW TO USE IT. 37 



pools and large ponds, a rod of extra length 

 is necessary. The bottom must be carefully 

 plumbed, and the bait should be suspended 

 only an inch or two from the mud; but if a 

 firm clay or gravel bottom, the bait may just 

 touch the ground. 



In sultry weather, tench (like carp) delight 

 to get into the weedy beds and shallows of the 

 waters they frequent ; but on the slightest sus- 

 picion of alarm, they instantly stir the mud 

 with their noses and thicken the water ; at the 

 same instant darting off under cover of the 

 cloudy water. 



The best baits for tench are worms, paste, 

 and gentles. In the early spring season they 

 prefer a small red worm ; but in summer and 

 autumn there is no bait so enticing as sweet 

 paste, which should be made as follows : Take 

 a piece of the crumb of a new or second day's 

 loaf, put one or two teaspoonsful of honey (ac- 

 cording to the size of the piece of bread) knead 

 the bread and honey in the palm of the left hand 

 with the thumb of the right, work it about well, 

 for the space of ten minutes or more, until the 

 honey is thoroughly imbibed, and the bread has 

 become a beautiful soft white paste. This is the 



