THE BRITISH ANGLER'S LEXICON. 49 



bass loves clear, rapid-flowing streams and greater elevations 

 than those in which the large-mouthed thrives. It detests 

 pollutions, hibernates in the winter, and comes to the 

 shallows in the spawning season. There is no difference in 

 the close season from the other variety. The food is the 

 same. It is not so cannibalistic in its tendencies, and its 

 smaller size limits its power of overcoming larger fish. 

 Being fond of clear, rapid water, it is very active in its 

 movements, rivalling a white trout in jumping properties. 

 It swims in shoals, and feeds wherever food is to be 

 obtained. The reproduction is similar in every way to that 

 already described under the heading of the large-mouthed 

 variety. It can be bred artificially, and the fry may be 

 transported with perfect safety; this will tend in a great 

 measure to insure its distribution. The game qualities of 

 this variety are very well known and highly appreciated by 

 our sporting cousins across "the pond/' As a fighter and 

 tactician it is probably not excelled by any fish of equal size, 

 except the trout. Its resistance when hooked is violent and 

 determined, and with light tackle great skill is essential 

 for its capture. It takes minnows, cray fish, frogs, artificial 

 minnows, spoons, and the artificial fly. A Devon bait is 

 irresistible, one with a green back and silver belly being the 

 best. The tackle requires to be sound. The rod may be one 

 from eight to twelve feet long, light and well balanced, plain 

 reel, silk line. The flies maybe those in use in Sutherland- 

 shire lake trout flies. A favourite one is black wing and 

 silver body. The spinning Alexandra fly has also been 

 used with great success. The following extract is taken 

 from u Forest and Stream ": " I have listened with a great 

 deal of interest to the remarks of Dr. Henshall, whom I 

 deem to be the best authority on the black bass and whom 



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