233 



The China line I allude to, is sold in small circular 

 bundles, running from thirty to forty yards 5 though 

 some are shorter : be particular in observing, that it is of 

 the twisted sort, composed of three strands or threads ; 

 for there is another kind made up in the same form, 

 which Is all of one twist, and does not answer, as it opens 

 in the water : this last kind is, however, when chosen of a 

 proper thickness, very good for the first stfing of a violin. 



Both kinds are made of white silk, and are of prodi- 

 gious strength. Care should be taken to open the skein 

 completely to its whole length j suffering it to lay on the 

 grass, &c. to get out the extra twist j also rubbed gently 

 with a bit of soft flannel, &c. it makes an admirable light 

 reel-line ; capable of subduing a fish of twenty pounds 

 weight, under fair circumstances. 



Before I conclude this article I must remark, that the 

 larlel bites best about sun-rise, and sun-set, in warm 

 weather ; that he will not touch a bait in general, when 

 a cold wind blows, except there is a fresh in the water j 

 and that unless your baits are very neatly set on, notwith- 

 standing his swinish similarity, he will seldom bite at all. 

 You must not expect them to bite freely before the frosts 

 are entirely gone, and the spring well advanced. 



In taking this fish out of the water, beware of the 

 stiff ray, or spine, on his dorsal or back-fin ; and if you 

 3re disposed to serve him up to table, give directions, 

 or rather see, that the roe be thrown away j else those 

 who do not know its baneful effects may eat of it. The 

 larlcl is best baked, with a rich pudding in his belly : it 

 is, indeed, one of those fishes that depend entirely on a 

 good sauce. 



