ROACH. 131 



the depth, and, in clear and easy streams, fishing 

 exactly on the bottom; but in some rivers, such as the 

 Waveny, in Suffolk, which abounds with roach, it is 

 better to fish about a foot from the bottom, owing to 

 the great quantity of slimy weeds growing in all the 

 deeper parts. Here, also, as well as in all rivers that 

 are not much fished, a stronger rod, and a fine gut 

 line, may be used, as the fish are not so shy as 

 in more frequented waters. I generally use a light, 

 stiff cane rod, from sixteen to eighteen feet long; and 

 in all moderately still waters, not more than twelve or 

 fifteen inches of line ought to be left between the top 

 of the float and the rod, otherwise many fine bites 

 will be missed, which are often the best fish. In 

 case the line is much shorter than the rod, it is best to 

 divide the rod, so as to bring the fish within easy reach. 

 Then bait the hook, and join the rod again. Many 

 persons think roach fishing beneath their notice ; so it 

 may be, in over- stocked ponds and stagnant waters ; 

 but many anglers, of whom I am one, subscribe to the 

 Lea, and similar fisheries, for almost the sole purpose of 

 taking roach, which, if caught in the winter or spring, and 

 well cooked, are equal to almost any fresh-water fish. 

 " I am here reminded of a circumstance that occurred 



to my friend K , well known at Broxborne and 



Hoddesdon, which shows the exactitude of his fishing. 



"We were angling from a punt, just above Car- 



thagenia Wear, in the month of February, and for 



upwards of an hour had not had even a nibble. It 



was. now one o'clock, and R proposed a run on 



the bank, to circulate the blood a little (as it was very 



cold), and then to have lunch ; but he said he would 



previously cast in some ground-bait, and plumb the 



K 2 



