FISH : THEIR HABITS AND HAUNTS. 63 



may be used by fixing a No. 9 hook under 

 the back fin, or by passing it through 

 his lips, with a cork float carrying shot ac- 

 cording to the depth of the water. You 

 should fish within a few inches of the bot- 

 tom ; and when a fish bites, a little time 

 should be given before you strike, as the 

 perch is tender-mouthed, and if not well 

 hooked is apt to break his hold." 



In concluding these remarks about perch- 

 fishing, it is proper to describe a means of 

 attracting the fish, which is not generally 

 known. It is a secret of such value to the 

 fisherman that he ought to feel amply repaid 

 for perusing these pages when he comes 

 upon it. 



Procure a large glass bottle, like those seen 

 in the windows of chemists, the clearer 

 the glass the better ; fill the bottle with river 

 water, and put into it a quantity of live and 

 lively minnows ; cover the top with a piece 

 of parchment with holes punctured in it ; 



