Chapt. v. Adva lagtsoj La ,■■ Bait discussed. 55 



though both fish with precisely the same bait. The finest Ksb are 

 the oldest, the most experienced, mosl wary, and in a positioE to 

 be the most fastidious. The deception that satisfies them must 



consequently be the most perfect ; but if it be quite satisfactory, 

 then tlu-y are thoroughly competent to look out for them- 

 selves, and well able to prevent the smaller try from rudely 

 rushing in and currying off their intended dinner. There is a very 

 decided, dignified, awe-sinking, keep-your-distanee expression in 

 the countenance and general bearing of a large fish about to feed, 

 and in a handsomely attired trout an unmistakable odi profawum- 

 ■ look, quite enough to make any small fry shrink into their 

 shoes. Though 1 have uot yet arrived at the point of recognizing 

 the varying lines in the lace of a large Mahseer, there is no doubt 

 in my mind but that the small fish are thoroughly conversant with 

 them, for I see a knowledge of a certain something there so clearly 

 reflected in their behaviour, that 1 cannot question it, and myself 

 am often able to gather something from his general demeanour, 

 his lordly lineaments, even before he leaves his station for the bait. 

 His daily satellites the small tish must, however, have much more 

 i losely studied bis physiognomy. 



Still the rule cannot be considered by any means absolute. 

 Small Mahseer must rush in and take their risks of punishment 

 sometimes, just as half-grovi n chickens do in a yard, and get a good 

 now and again for their pains. Nothing venture nothing 

 have. Your small bait may also be taken by a small Mahseer 

 before it comes within the ken of the large tish which is in another 

 part of the pool or run, a part you have not yet spun over. An 

 argument this for spinning through the best bits first; a reason 

 again why the best fisherman catches the best fish. He divines 

 intuitively where the best fish ought to be, and he fishes accord- 

 ingly. Furthermore, the best tish having taken up their position 

 in the best localities command only a limited radius therefrom. 

 If the smaller Mahseer never jot a chance of a small fish they 

 would be badly off. 



There is no doubt, however, in my mind but that the large fish 



tie to make the smaller ones understand that he means to 



have such and BUCh bait in sight, and that they are not to think of 



anticipating him. It is quite intelligible that he should do it 



almost without a Sign, just as you would intimate to your second 



