baits, baiting, and ground bait. 229 



''Pith" and "Bullock's Brains." 



This bait is a modern discovery, but it is the most 

 deadly of all baits for Chub fishing in winter. The 

 "pith" is used as the bait on the hook, and the brains 

 for the ground bait, and I shall therefore describe them 

 both together. They are prepared thus : — 



Having obtained from a butcher some brains from a 

 freshly-killed bullock, cow, or sheep, first thoroughly 

 clean and wash them in cold water, and then boil 

 them for fifteen minutes, changing the water once 

 during the process. When cold they are ready for 

 use. 



The " pith" is the spinal marrow of a bullock or cow, 

 and should also be obtained quite fresh. The pith requires 

 to be boiled for about three minutes to prepare it for 

 use. The brains and marrow from one bullock will be 

 sufficient for an ordinary day's fishing. In order to 

 make the brains sink readily, and also in order to 

 separate the particles, or make them fine, some fishing 

 authorities recommend that the brains should be chewed 

 by the angler as he uses them. This process, however, 

 though effectual, is not relished by most persons, and 

 the best substitute is to squeeze the brains in the hand 

 whilst under water. The brains should be thrown in 

 from time to time, in pieces about the size of a walnut, 

 a few yards (according to stream and depth) above the 

 spot which is covered by the bait. 



