CHUB FISHING. 179 



Highlands of Sumatra, where the Malays preserve the fish in 

 private ponds. Peculiarities in the methods of feeding these fish 

 rendered one averse to eating them. The Chub will feed on 

 anything and everything, from gentle to live bait. Nevertheless, 

 there are certain methods which experience has proved to be 

 more efficacious than others for making bags of this fish. 

 Although to be found in literally every part of the river, he haunts 

 certain places in larger numbers than elsewhere. Fish follow 

 their food, and when the hungry period which immediately follows 

 the spawning time, and which drives the Chub to the weirs where 

 small fry are congregated, is over, quantities of the fish settle 

 down in "runs," where the flow of water carries down food in a 

 more or less narrow channel. Others, again, distribute themselves 

 where overhanging trees promise contributions to the larder in 

 the shape of caterpillars, beetles and other insects. On the 

 approach of any disturbing element, such as a boat on the water, 

 or a pedestrian on the bank, the Chub, who is foraging under 

 trees, immediately bolts to a refuge under the bank, which is 

 generally more or less hollowed out ; or a convenient root will 

 serve the purpose just as well. Poachers know this propensity of 

 the Chub, and wading in the stream, feel for the fish under the 

 bank. 



The shyness of the Chub is extraordinary. A falling leaf will 

 send a shoal flying in all directions, whilst the smack of an oar 

 upon the water, will drive them perfectly frantic, and nothing will 

 be seen of them again for hours. Therefore, whatever be the 

 method you may employ, one general rule that must be observed 

 is the adoption of extreme caution. Except high up, above 

 Oxford, where the river is narrow, it will be necessary to fish from 



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