106 PERCH FISHING CLUB. 



taken, and I have generally found that in places 

 where these fish are very numerous, the largest 

 perch are taken with a large gudgeon. 



I have also had some good sport while I have 

 been gently rowed in a boat on a pond or lake, 

 with a considerable length of line let out, with a 

 bleak or gudgeon at the end of it which would 

 spin well. Frequently also, while I have been 

 trolling for pike, I have taken large perch. The 

 Pater noster may be used with good effect in deep 

 holes, baited with minnows, but the angler must 

 not expect to take many large perch with them. 



I am no advocate for fishing with worms, and 

 therefore say nothing about it, except that the 

 evident pain which is inflicted on these reptiles 

 when they are impaled on a hook, would, I should 

 think, counterbalance any pleasure to be derived 

 from catching fish with them they are all the 

 'meanest things that 



4 As free to live, and to enjoy that life, 



' As God was free to form them at the first, 



' Who in his sovereign wisdom made them all.' 



Perch will sometimes grow to a large size. One 

 of nine pounds weight was taken in a lake in 

 Ireland, and I have seen the painting of one of 

 six pounds which was taken in the canal near the 

 Brades in Warwickshire by Mr. Hunt, the late ex- 

 cellent and amiable proprietor of the extensive steel 



