THE CARP FAMILY.. ^59 



A friend who is a veteran Chub -fisher, and who stands up 

 for his favorite, writes thus in his defence; I insert his 

 remarks, word for word : — 



" I suggest that the mistake of Frank Forester arises from 

 the fact of a fish with a clumsy, horny head, which is washy 

 and worthless, and rarely attains a greater length than ten 

 inches, is frequently found in Trout-streams, and is called 

 ' Chub.' But the fish in question, which is known in Chester 

 county and in many other parts of the state as ' the Fallfish/ 

 probably from his being in the best condition and most 

 readily taken in the autumn months, is a shapely, cleanly 

 fish, with a white, silvery belly, and when well grown is shy 

 and requires careful and quiet fishing. The sides and heads 

 of those above twelve inches are often colored with a pink 

 tinge." 



From the above it will be seen that the Chub is much 

 esteemed in many streams for the sport he affords in bottom- 

 fishing. The best season of the year is September ; a grass- 

 hopper or grub-worm, or a small cube of tough cheese, is a 

 good bait ; the bottom-tackle should be neat, as he bites 

 delicately ; a long, light cane rod, a small float, and a No. 1 

 Kir by hook, are appropriate tackle. 



Some anglers now residents of the " Quaker City," who 

 came from an adjoining county, as our friend just quoted, are 

 expert Chub-fishers. I am acquainted with a retired mer- 

 chant, a neat, dapper old gentleman, who fishes the B randy - 

 wine, and has all kinds of contrivances pertaining to catching 

 them. To be appreciated, he should be seen with his tin 

 bait-box strapped before him, his portable stool, and his im- 

 provement for holding his umbrella without the use of hia 

 hands; the latter invention is a long pocket, two inches 

 wide and twelve inches deep, down the back of his coat, into 

 which he slips the staff of his umbrella, and waits patiently 



