284 modern practical angler. 



Stone Loach. 



The Stone Loach, or " Beardle," though a somewhat 

 slenderer fish, closely resembles the Gudgeon both in 

 shape, size, and colouring, haunting similar waters, and 

 biting at the same bait — a small red worm. The normal 

 position of the Loach is under stones ; and here, of 

 course, it is difficult for him either " to take" or be 

 taken by the bait. Consequently, he is of no interest 

 to the angler as a sporting fish. He makes an excellent 

 spinning-bait, however, especially for Lake Trout, in 

 bright weather; and under that head will be found 

 directions for catching him otherwise than by hook and 

 line. For purposes of live-baiting the Loach is useless, 

 being too delicate to survive the slightest exposure either 

 to heat or air. 



Miller's Thumb, 



So named from the fancied resemblance of the head 

 of the fish to the proverbial *' Thumb of the Miller," is 

 in his habits, baits, &c., as nearly as may be similar to 

 the last-named species. It is, however, of no use to the 

 angler either for purposes of sport or bait. 



Minnows and Sticklebacks, 



Are distributed so widely over most parts of the 

 United Kingdom, and are so well known, as to render 

 description superfluous. A small bit of the tail of any 



