THE PIKE. 59 



form of a cross, which is said to be discoverable in the head of the 

 fish, has been worn by the credulous as a sort of talisman against 

 witchcraft and enchantment. In some of the districts of Hun- 

 gary and Bohemia, it is considered an unlucky omen to witness 

 before mid-day the plunge of the pike in still waters or ditches. 



Medicine, too, has had its weaknesses and delusions on subjects 

 of this kind. The heart of the pike is recommended to be eaten 

 against the paroxysms of fevers; his gall to be used as a lina- 

 ment in affections of the eyes; his mandibulse, dried into dust, 

 against pleurisy ; and little fishes found in his belly were pre- 

 scribed, when dried, as a draught for poor persons in consumption. 

 These follies, have now, however, nearly passed away ; but still the 

 age ^ which patronises the absurdities and extravagances of mes- 

 merism, spirit rapping, &c., is scarcely in a condition to brag very 

 loudly of its superiority in matters of this kind. 



We shall now describe the various methods of capturing this 

 ravenous and singular fish. 



There are various methods of catching pike. He may be snared, 

 trimmered, angled for with the float, huxed, trolled, snapped, 

 shot, and, unfortunately, in the open rivers of England, he is re- 

 morselessly and illegally netted. 



The trick of snaring used to be and we suppose is now done 

 to perfection in the small streams which drop into the Ouse in 

 Huntingdonshire, and in the large ditches and drains in the fens 

 about Ely, Soham, Whittlesea, &c., &c. A strong, short, stiff 

 aspen bough, or rough rod, about ten or twelve feet in length, is 

 generally used for this purpose. Erom the thinner end of it is 

 suspended a thread of copper wire, about three feet in length, with 

 a running noose kept wide open. This wire must be previously 

 burned in hay, which renders it ductile and pliable as a thin piece of 

 lead, and takes off all the glare and shine. When the pike is dis- 

 covered basking in the water, the noose is cautiously slipped over 

 the head of the fish an operation requiring considerable dex- 

 terity, owing to the refraction of the rays of light in the water 

 and as soon as it clears the gills, a sharp jerk fixes the snickle, and 

 the fish is dragged out of the water by main force, the wire often 

 cutting deep into his flesh ^ when he is of some magnitude. 

 Hundreds of fish are taken in this manner, in the calm, sunny 

 days, when they are basking in still water, and can be easily 

 seen. 



The trimmer is a fatal weapon, more destructive than any other, 

 but considered by many as utterly unworthy of a real sportsman. 

 It requires no skill, no patience, and very* little attention; well 

 adapted for poaching, and very; convenient to gamekeepers. A 

 double hook, with a twisted wire shank about five inches long, 

 having a loop at the end, must be baited with a bright, shining roach 

 or gudgeon, alive or dead, it does not much signify which. The wire 

 must te put down its throat and drawn through at the vent, the 

 hooks being neatly placed on either side the mouth, with the 



