73 



head, so as not to endanger the line, will 

 generally produce the desired effect ; and if 

 it so happen that it becomes sulky, and sinks 

 without motion to the bottom, this is the 

 only method to be employed to rouse it 

 into action ; for a fish should never be per- 

 mitted to remain quiet after being hooked. 

 As it becomes exhausted, it may be easily 

 drawn by degrees on to a gravel bank, or 

 within reach of the gaff, when the anxiously 

 earned prize is made secure. If when taken 

 out of the water the colour of the back be 

 blue or inclining to black, the fish is in high 

 season — if reddish, approaching to brown, it 

 is kipper and good for nothing. 



The male fish is frequently found with a 

 horny proboscis projecting from the under 

 jaw, with which he roots in the gravel in 

 order to form a bed for the spawn of the 

 female. This being deposited, they both 

 proceed to cover' it with the loose gravel, tf> 



