A SCIENTIFIC FISHERMAN. 481 



from October to April) has long been celebrated ; and 

 one of the most scientific and best books on fishing 

 that has ever been written is from the pen of Mr. 

 H. S. Thomas, an Indian sportsman. * This book is 

 well worthy of perusal by every fisherman and lover 

 of natural history, even though they may never intend 

 to fish in India. It is full of good suggestions and 

 sound practical advice on the subject of fishing, and 

 forms a regular vade mecum for every one who thinks 

 of angling in tropical waters. The suggestions for the 

 preservation of fishing tackle used in hot climates will 

 be found specially valuable to anglers in hot damp 

 regions. There is another work by the same writer 

 on " Tank Angling " in India, which is also of con- 

 siderable value. 



As regards mahseer fishing, Mr. Thomas considers 

 that 



"a mahseer shows more sport than a salmon, and makes a 

 better fight than a salmon of the same size. His attack is 

 more impetuous and his first rush more violent. My preju- 

 dices (he states) were all in favour of the salmon, but the 

 mahseer compelled me to believe in him, in spite of my pre- 

 judgment to the contrary, and as a table fish he is the best 

 in Indian waters, and stands between salmon and trout for 

 the table." f 



The mahseer (Barbus Mosal] is a species of carp, 

 and like the ordinary British carp is a bottom fish, 

 and takes its food by suction. It has a leathery mouth 

 without teeth, the teeth as is usual in the carp species 

 being in the throat, so far down as to be invisible; 



* The Rod in India: Hints on Sport, "with Remarks on the Natural 

 History of Fish, by Henry Sullivan Thomas of the Madras Civil Ser- 

 vice, published Mangalore 1873. 



j Ibid., p. 10. 



VOL. III. 31 



