BAIT-FISHING. 49 



line must be loaded with shot, as in the other method, 

 but a little longer,; the hook about the same size, with a 

 light cork float ; and you must strike as soon as you see 

 the the float move away. You must also angle in this 

 way with the ant-egg, but your rod need not be so long. 

 I consider this the best bait for deep waters, especially 

 when it is disturbed by rain. You must proceed as fol- 

 lows : provide a moderate-sized bag when you go to an 

 ant-hill, which is generally found in the woods on a slop- 

 ing bank, open your bag ready to receive the eggs as you 

 take them from the hill ; which piece of business must 

 be performed very quickly or you will be covered over 

 with ants, which will not be very pleasant, work with 

 both hands till you get to the centre, where the eggs are 

 deposited; then lift out indiscriminately, eggs, ants, 

 and nest, till you get all you want, then tie your bag up 

 securely, otherwise they will creep all about you. When 

 you are thus provided, and have reached the pool at 

 which you intend to angle, take a handfull of the eggs 

 and nest and wet them so that they will sink, then throw 

 them into the water; bait your hook with five or six eggs, 

 and proceed as with the worms, and you may take both 

 trout and greyling if there be any in the place, for they 

 are both fond of them. You will find larger eggs the 

 latter end of April and May than in the summer months, 

 when the wasp-grub or gentle may be used, but they are 

 not to be compared to ant- eggs. To prepare the wasp- 

 grub some put them in a warmish oven to bake them, 

 but I consider scalding them in blue milk to be much 

 better ; it makes them tough, and they keep longer ; and 



