32 WORM-FISHING. 



head is placed lowest : this is not of much im- 

 portance ; when reversed the worm is equally 

 attractive. To bait the single hook the barb is 

 entered close to the head and worked down the 

 centre of the worm, without breaking the skin, 

 to within half an inch of the tail. The bait re- 

 quires to be frequently examined ; if broken or 

 dead a fresh worm should at once be substituted. 



To carry worms we always employ a tin box, 

 attached round the waist by means of a broad 

 leather strap. It will be found more secure and 

 more convenient for baiting than a bag. 



WORMS. For a day's fishing a gross to a gross 

 and a half of worms is necessary. These should 

 be carried in the basket in a large flannel bag 

 containing plenty of moss, a supply from time to 

 time being transferred to the tin box as required. 

 In this way worms may be kept fresh all day. 

 Some attention is required to have them in good 

 condition ; they ought to be scoured in clean 

 moss for a few days, and care taken that it does 

 not become too dry. We occasionally sprinkle a 

 small quantity of cream over them. In this way 

 the fine pink colour is soon acquired, pleasing 

 both to the eyes of angler and trout. If it is un- 

 wise to make use of fresh gathered worms, there 

 is a danger of running into the opposite extreme 

 by keeping them until they lose much of their 

 vitality. 



