THE ANGLER'S GUIDE. 11 



the middle of the loaf in a square shape, about 

 as big as a large walnut, dip it into the water, 

 and take it out again as quickly as possible, 

 and as quickly squeeze all the water out of it, 

 or it will become too wet and never mix well. 

 Having done that, put it into the palm of your 

 left hand, and work it up with the thumb and 

 finger of your right, until it is quite solid, 

 smooth, and white ; it will then be fit for the 

 hook, and should be kept from the action of 

 the air, for that turns its colour; and to 

 prevent that, we always put it into a small 

 clean piece of white rag, and put it into the 

 left-hand waistcoat pocket, from whence we 

 take it piece by piece as we want it. If 

 you fish some hours, and you find that it 

 has become discoloured, make a fresh piece 

 by all means, or your finny company will fall 

 out with you. Be sure that your hands are 

 perfectly clean when you make it, or it will all 

 be spoiled. The piece you put on the hook 

 should be about the size of a white pea, and 

 as round, and should be so placed on the hook 

 that the point should be just at the outside of 

 the round; be particular in that, or you will 

 run a chance of not hooking your fish, espe- 

 cially if your paste be too stiff. 



