BAIT FOR BREAM. 149 



perhaps take this bait in preference to any other, although 

 the gentle has a powerful effect upon his imagination. 



The bait should lie very near the bottom ; in fact it 

 should just touch the ground. As soon as he nibbles, he 

 must be dealt with on the instant, for, singular as it may 

 seem, the larger he is, the more light and delicate his 

 bite. If of large size something like a big pair of 

 bellows he will require some care and dexterity, as he 

 makes away for weeds at once; and if he succeeds in 

 getting into them, you are done for; and it is a difficult 

 matter to dislodge him. 



When you have succeeded in getting him out of the 

 water, be careful not to handle him, as he possesses a most 

 filthy hide ; but get the hook out of him in the quickest 

 and best way you can. If he be alive and uninjured; 

 throw him in again : if not, either leave him on the bank 

 for hawks and pole-cats, or throw him into the first pig- 

 stye you happen to pass. 



The bream requires ground-bait ; or at least, it seems 

 to be customary to use it in his case. The practice is 

 worthy of the fish, and the fish of the practice. The 

 recipe already given will do for him ; and if it were con- 

 fined to him, it would be quite as well. 



The bream is a very timid fish, shy, and crafty. He 

 hides himself in deep holes, and requires caution and 

 silence ; being easily frightened from his haunts, by the 

 slightest disturbance of the water. 



These fish bite early in the morning and late in the 

 evening; when the glare of day is off the waters, and all 

 is calm and still. Young anglers may practise their hands 

 with large bream, as they require considerable manage- 

 ment, and will call into requisition their patience and 



