267 



same manner as for mackerel ; observing, tliat die whit" 

 tug is far more choice in regard to the bait, which must 

 be very fresh liver, good worms, gentles, or a piece of 

 any white fish. 



You should be careful not to take them under six 

 inches in length, at least while within die district of the 

 Thames or Medway j it being contrary to law, and sub- 

 jecting you to informations, which will prove very trouble- 

 some, and not less expensive. 



I have before cautioned you { ' always to consider your- 

 self attended by spies /' there being persons every where, 

 who get their livelihood solely by lodging informations ! 



Of the Herring. 



Though tliis fish is rarely taken with the hook, being 

 principally caught in very extensive nets, yet it will not 

 refuse a bait, as many experience who now and then 

 hook" a stray herring, after the shoals have been thinned 

 and dispersed by the fishermen, and by the dog-fish. 



The herring will take almost any bait, being extremely 

 ravenous, on account of the scarcity of provision natu- 

 rally attendant upon so large an accumulation of these 

 greedy devourers. 



It is not easy to instruct how to angle for diem ; the 

 fact is, that when taken it is quite a matter of chance, and 

 generally forms a part of the sport while fishing for whit- 

 ings late in the season -, for the herrings very rarely visit 

 our northern coasts before June, when they are full of 

 roe, and they do not come southward until much later in 

 the year. 



If, however, you find them come in any j roportion to 



your bait, it would be in favour of your sport, were yo i 



N2 t* 



