268 



to put CHI rather a smaller hook than when the mackerel 

 and -wliitings abound. Herrings have four gills, and die 

 as soon as they quit their element. 



Of the Gar- Fish. 



This fish a good deal resembles the eel in its make, but 

 has not the dorsal or vent fins, though it has a long, 

 spiny, fibrous ridge both above and below. Its mouth is 

 very long and slender, armed with small sharp teeth ; 

 and its sides are marked with narrow longitudinal stripes, 

 from the head to the tail, of a light bluish olive colour. 

 It sometimes measures two feet in length, yet rarely 

 weighs more than a pound. 



In hot weather, this fish plays on the surface ; some- 

 times great numbers may be seen about ships : they may 

 be easily taken with any of the common sea-baits before 

 described, on a hook about No. 6, mounted on very 

 strong gut, or rather on weed. They are tolerably well 

 flavoured, but rather dry, and are best when boiled : good 

 sauce is necessary : indeed, they are more valuable for 

 the sport they give, by their eagerness to deprive each 

 other of the bait, than for their flesh. 



Give them time to get the bait well into their mouths, 

 and then strike freely : draw out as soon as hooked. 



You should have a small shot or two near your hook, 

 to prevent the wind from blowing it away : let your bait 

 play on the surface, or an inch or two below it. 



Gentles are well calculated for this sport, as are also 

 cadlatcs. I should think lamtides remarkably well 

 suited as a bait for this fish ; but I never tried them. I 

 liave taken great numbers, but always wi.th a piece of 

 raw shell-Jish ; at which they bite ravenously. 



Of 



