ANGLING IMPROVED. 49 



time only, the fish will bite exceedingly well; I suppose 

 the filth that falls from the sheep draws them, as like 

 baiting a place together, and then they so glut them- 

 selves, that till the whole washing time be over, and they 

 have digested their fulness ; they will not take any ar- 

 tificial baits. 



6. Sharp, bitter, nipping winds, which most 

 usually blow out of the North or East especially, blast 

 your recreation ; but this is rather the season than the 

 wind, though I also judge those winds have a secret 

 malign quality to hinder the recreation. 



7. After any sort of fish have spawned, they will 

 not bite any thing to purpose, until they have recovered 

 their strength and former appetite. 



8. When any clouds arise, that will certainly 

 bring a shower or storm, though in the midst of Sum- 

 mer, they will not bite : I have observed, that though 

 the fish bite most eagerly, and to your heart's content, 

 yet upon the first appearing of any clouds, that will 

 certainly bring rain, though my own judgment could not 

 then apprehend, or in the least conjecture, that a storm 

 was arising, they have immediately left off biting; and 

 that has been all given me to understand that a shower 

 was coming, and that it was prudent to seek shelter 

 against the same. 



