195 



the former generally seemed to have all their eyes about 

 them, and to keq? close in shore. 



In my opinion, unless the jack should seize, a rat 

 about the middle, so as to press the lungs, the former 

 would stand but an indifferent chance, in regard to mak- 

 Uig a meal. As to m ice, they -stand nx> chance > though I 

 think them a very indifferent bait, and not to compare 

 with a good yellow frog. 



I have great reason to believe, that unless very hungry, 

 jacks will not rise to the surface : for on many occasions, 

 J have seen fliem follow my bait until k was nearly out > 

 but not being in time to make a snatch before it was osi 

 the surface, they have suddenly darted down : on throw- 

 ing in again, and giving deep play to my bait, I have 

 always liad them at me very quickly. 



Possibly the fishes b?gin to smell the trick as the bait 

 retires from the deep ; when, even though they should 

 not see the angler, they feel some diftidenoe, no t to be 

 overcome "but by a keen appetite. 



I do not know any branch of' angling that require* 

 more patience, temper, and skill, than jadL'-fishing.'" A 

 knowledge of the most likely haunts is easily attained ; 

 for jacks will seldom remain in the clear parts of the wa- 

 ter, unless in search of prey ; they prefer what are called 

 <e black-waters," i.e. such as either being overhung by 

 mborage, or bunks; are shady and gloomy; or where 

 there are deep holes among, or near to, heavy masses of 

 weed. But when on the feed they occasionally frequent 

 the shallows ; laying concealed among rushes, flags, cr 

 shaded hollows ; from which they dart forth upon wliat- 

 ever they think they can swallo-w. 



K 2 * 



