24 THE JOLLY ANGLER. 



iron rake of this description*, attached to a pole about 



20 feet long, with which they stir up the gravel at the 

 bottom of the river where they intend to fish, as well 

 as frequently during their stay, if they leave off biting. 

 When you fish from the bank of a river, it is as well 

 to change your stand occasionally, and try another ; by 

 paying attention to these directions, you may take some 

 hundreds in a day's angling during the season +, in the 

 Thames about Richmond, Twickenham, Kingston, &c. 

 The other means and baits for Gudgeons you will see under 

 the head of Bottom Fishing for Roach, Dace, Chub, &c. 

 Before leaving this subject, I must impress strongly on 

 your mind the necessity of plumbing your depth, as the 

 Gudgeon will not rise from the ground to take your bait. 



THE SMELT 





is a lively little fish of a light silvery colour, the back 

 being of a very pale brownish cast. It is a fish of prey, 

 with strong teeth in its mouth, though seldom growing 

 above four ounces in weight; they are rarely taken near 

 Londoiwnow, though they used to come up in large quan- 



* Some use them in the shape of a cross, but the shape is a mat- 

 ter of indifference, if it will rake about the gravel at the bottom of 

 the river. 



+ Unfortunately the prohibited months are the best. 



