CURIOSITIES OF ANGLING LITERATURE. 271 



That the refined trout should be induced to partake 

 of this precious compound in dirty water, and a gud- 

 geon in clean water, is perhaps intended to illustrate 

 the wide difference in the intellect of the two fish. 



Then follow instructions how to know the true 

 camphire and how to keep it : 



" The Bornean camphire is best ; choose that which is 

 white and clear like crystal, strong-scented, will easily crumhle 

 between the fingers, and, being fired, will scarcely be quenched. 

 There is a counterfeit or factitious sort, which, put into a hot 

 loaf, will parch ; but the true will melt. It will keep many 

 years in flax-seed, if it be not exposed to the air ; otherwise 

 it will evaporate and consume to nothing. 



" Assafoetida chuse that which is pure, fine, clammy, 

 and smelling almost like garlick. 



" In the absence of gum-ivy, take ivy berries and express 

 them ; put some of the infusion into a box, and when about to 

 use gentles put them therein for a few minute?. 



" Dissolve gum-ivy in the oil of spike, and anoint the bait 

 with it. Mr, Walton prescribes this for a pike." 



The oil of spike must not be confounded with 

 the oil of spikenard, often mentioned in old books 

 upon angling. The former is alluded to in Hill's 

 .Valeria Medica as an oil extracted from a smaller 

 species of lavender " The oil of spike is mucli 

 used by our artificers in their varnishes, but it 

 is generally, adulterated ;" while that of spikenard 

 (Spica nardi, Lat.) is a plant which grows plentifully 

 in Java, and appears to have been known to the 

 medical writers of all ages ; indeed it is thus men- 



