46 THE SCIENTIFIC ANGLER. 



the water is most discolored* (which is generally in the 

 vicinity of weeds), is the depth. This may be easily as- 

 certained by plumbing, by means of a scrap of sheet lead 

 or Avire, rolled round the hook, or without this by ob- 

 serving the float when properly weighted, as in standing 

 water it lies on one side when the sinkers touch the bot- 

 tom. After thus accurately taking the depth, the tackle 

 should be so arranged as to admit of the lure reaching 

 within three inches or so of the bottom. A few pieces of 

 turf, containing worms, may be put in the water before 

 rigging up " the tackle, f The vigorous action of these, 

 on being suddenly introduced into a strange element, 

 answers admirably in attracting the notice of and collect- 

 ing the fish. A small, well-scoured dew or lob worm 

 should then be carefully threaded upon the hook. The 

 float should be cork, not colored. The brilliantly daubed 

 article usually offered for sale ought always to be assidu- 

 ously avoided. A common bottle cork is not to be sur- 

 passed, and, if the quill that pierces the cork be vermil- 

 ion-tipped, so much the better. By the use of a small 

 forked stick the rod may be suspended upon the bank, 

 whilst the owner looks out and prepares a new place, in 

 case a change may become desirable, or two rods may be 

 used. When fish run large, for better security, a pot- 

 hook shaped iron inserted in the ground at the full ex- 

 tremity of the rod will render all safe. Large hooks should 

 be used, as by such voracious and bold biters as perch an 

 ordinary worm hook for trout fishing will be paunched 

 without difficulty. 



In rivers, in the early part of the season, perch are 

 generally found in gently-flowing water, not very deep. 



* Clear water is best for perch fishing in our waters. When it is riled, 

 the fish cease to go in shoals and are caught, only here and there, gener- 

 ally a single fish at a time. 



t Ground baiting is not followed to any degree by American anglers. 

 Its value cannot be disputed, particularly in black bass waters. 



