238 THE PERCH 



foregoing remarks, which apply more particularly to 

 good-sized rivers, that these views are incorrect. In 

 very small streams, however, the deeper portions 

 often called the holes will nearly always contain 

 the best fish. A hole in a small stream would be a 

 shallow in a large river.' 



In swift running water all kinds of fish bite 

 sharper than in more quiet streams, the reason of 

 course being that their food is whirled rapidly by 

 them, and unless they seize it hurriedly they miss 

 it altogether. When, therefore, perch are on the 

 shallows at the beginning of the season, lying usually 

 between waving masses of weecls, it is a good plan to 

 drop quietly down in a boat, and shoot in a pater- 

 noster at every likely spot, leaving it there only a 

 few seconds. Almost immediately the lead touches 

 the bottom, the perch, if feeding and provided it is 

 not alarmed by the approach of the angler, will dash 

 at the minnow and take it down head first. 



A few weeks later, when the fish are dropping 

 back into slightly deeper water, a gudgeon on a pater- 

 noster may still be used among the weeds, and 

 roving is certainly the best plan for making a satis- 

 factory basket. But if during the early part of the 

 season, or the summer, there should be heavy rains, 

 or the water becomes coloured, then it is a good plan 



