62 THE PIKE. 



into small balls to prevent the stream from washing it 

 away, for it resorts to such like places. If you fish in 

 gentle running water, you may use a quill or cork float ; 

 but when you fish in streams it is better without a float ; 

 your line should be loaded with a moderate-sized lead of 

 an oval form, with a hole through it to admit the line, which 

 may be bought at any respectable tackle shop, and a shot 

 about a foot from the hook to prevent the lead from drop- 

 ping any lower. When it bites give it a little time, and 

 strike when you see your line going out. It is a leathern- 

 mouthed fish, therefore, when you have hooked one, all that 

 you need be afraid of is your tackle, which should be fine 

 and strong, for the barbel is a powerful fish and struggles 

 hard for its life. 



THE PIKE, 



May justly be termed the fresh-water shark, on account of 

 its verocity ; it has a long and roundish body, covered 

 with small scales, and is of a greenish colour ; the sides 

 are spotted with yellow, and the belly with white ; the 

 snout is somewhat like the bill of a duck ; the teeth in the 

 lower jaw are crooked, the upper jaw is void of teeth; there 

 is a tripple row on the palate, and the tongue is almost 

 covered with them. Its chief article of sustenance are 

 frogs and fish, even those of his own species ; but the 

 larger ones do not confine themselves to these alone, but 

 will take young ducks from the top of the water. Their 

 spawning time is from the middle of February to the mid- 

 dle of March; at which time they seek out some narrow 



