68 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



There are many modes of catching this fish, which will 

 be considered in the proper place : suffice it to say here, 

 the best bait for him is a gentle, the very worst, a worm. 



The bleak is a very excellent fish, when cooked accord- 

 ing to our mode of frying gudgeons. Cooks do not like him , 

 because he gives them too much trouble in the preparation. 



or 



Walton calls this fish the EuFFE-PERCH; and it is 

 known to all the school-boys in England under the familiar 

 appellation of the " Tommy Kuffe," at whose unfortunate 

 expense they often enjoy a vast deal of rather cruel fun. 

 They stick the strong sharp fin on his back into a large cork, 

 and in this fashion launch him into the water. The cork 

 prevents him from sinking; and so poor " Tommy" swims 

 about on the very surface of the water until some accident, 

 or extra exertion, rids him of the cork, or some water- 

 rat puts him out of his trouble. 



These fish are found in almost all the waters in England, 

 and roam about in large shoals. The ruffe fearlessly fre- 

 quents the haunts of the pike and the perch; and, indeed, 

 is generally found in company with the perch, secure 

 under the protection of his strong dorsal fin, which pre- 

 sents an obstacle too formidable to be encountered by the 

 most voracious of his fresh- water brethren. 



The ruffe prefers deep water which flows gently over a 

 clear sandy bottom. He is an excellent biter, greedy and 

 bold, and will afford the young angler very good sport, as 

 he fights hard, and, for his size, shows a great deal of game. 



This fish spawns in May and is very prolific. 



The ruffe is a very delicate, sweet-flavoured fish, and 

 cooked after the mode which we have recommended for 

 dressing gudgeon, makes a very respectable dish. Nine 



