AND HOW TO USE IT. 43 



sized piece of the paste, such as that recommen- 

 ded for tench fishing at page 37, drop the 

 bait lightly into the water, over the spot pre- 

 viously ground-baited and plumbed, and there 

 leave it until you perceive a bite : though 15 or 

 20 minutes or more elapse, do not disturb it ; 

 by leaving it a long time your chance will be 

 better. When a carp bites do not instantly 

 strike, unless the fish appears to be moving 

 off with the bait : and on the other hand do not 

 wait too long, or the carp may discover the 

 hook and reject the bait: strike firmly, and 

 if your hook enters its upper lip there is no fear 

 of its breaking away : the mouth of the carp 

 is tough and leather-like ; and though the fish 

 will plunge and struggle desperately, with 

 judicious play it may be landed. 



The carp is a very game fish when hooked, 

 and never resigns a contest with the angler 

 until fairly tired and exhausted. If any weeds 

 are near at hand, the carp when hooked, will 

 assuredly make towards them ; and if allowed 

 to get among them, will instantly twist round 

 and about them and entangle the line, so that 

 there is scarcely any hope of succeeding in 

 capturing it. 



