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such a retreat as this, he seeks one under bridges, 

 and about mill-tails or the apron of sluices, flood- 

 gates, and weirs. In such places as these he finds 

 a pretty sure harbour, nor can the fiercest shooting 

 of the current drive him out ; at the beginning of 

 winter, he shifts his haunts, and lies in deep water, 

 or under the banks. 



The nicest bait for a barbel is a well- scoured 

 clean red worm, or dew worm, or the gentle, also 

 very clean ; he is also taken with a bait of new 

 cheese, and with pastes, and with the bait called 

 bob ; but the worm will be found best, as these 

 light baits are easily drawn off by such a cunning 

 fellow. 



Use No. 7 or 8 hook ; and in the river Lea, 

 either a bamboo or cane rod with a stiff top, running 

 tackle, fine gut line, No. 9 hook, and red worms, 

 gentles, or greaves. 



The barbel is a fine fish to look at, and good 

 sport for the angler ; but of little value for the 

 table. As he bites very cautiously, it requires 

 some skill to hook him. When you have him 

 tight, your work is but beginning, for he struggles 

 hard and long, and as he is a very strong fish, so 

 he never gives up while he has any life in him. 



The biting of the barbel is to be nicely watched ; 

 for if you are not very careful, he will get your 

 bait off the hook, and never come in danger of the 

 hook; therefore be careful in putting the bait on, 

 so that he cannot, by taking the top of it in his 

 mouth, draw it off the hook ; for he will suck it so 

 strongly, and pull so cautiously, and yet so hard 

 withal, that he will have] it off the hook if it be 

 possible. Let him nibble and suck; and while he 

 does, you may gently draw with your hand, as if 



