48 THE ANGLER'S GUIDE. 



sure that the point is very sharp, for the 

 barbel is leather-lipped ; if therefore the hook 

 is not sharp, it will not penetrate when you 

 strike. 



THE BAITS. 



There are several baits used in barbel fish- 

 ing, and they should be varied according to 

 the season and place. In the spring a worm 

 is to be preferred, and it may be a small 

 lob or marsh- worm, about four inches long, and 

 the more clean and lively the better. In the 

 Whitehouse water, Hackney Marsh, this is 

 a very good bait in the month of March. It is 

 also used with great advantage in the Thames 

 in the month of October. Sometimes barbel 

 of great weight are taken with it at these 

 places at such seasons, and your gut may then 

 be of a stronger order then we have described. 

 In the summer, gentles are decidedly the best 

 bait, in all waters ; they should be those bred 

 from liver, and in the highest state of per- 

 fection. As the season advances, graves may 

 be used with advantage; they should be of 

 the newest and whitest kind, and for the 

 hook, should be soaked in cold water, for 



