63 



cannot be too soft and elastic ; but should be carefully 

 searched while washing, before it is put to the worms, 

 so that all thorns and rough substances may be removed ; 

 else the worms will not thrive so well. 



Those who can supply a little cream every day, to be 

 mixed in, or thrown upon, the surface of the moss-pans, 

 will obtain a decided superiority in the condition of their 

 baits, which will purge from all impurity, and become 

 beautifully bright and pellucid. 



The pan should be large, or the lols will not live : 

 whereas, when they have good room, clean moss, cream, 

 and delicate handling, they will go on from year to 

 year. 



The BRANDLING Is, with most fish, the object of 

 choice. These are to be found in various places, more 

 or less, but in greatest abundance among rotten tan, or 

 in heaps of manure composed chiefly of sweepings from 

 cow-houses, and swine's muck. 



They rarely exceed three inches in length, when at 

 rest, and may be readily distinguished by their annular 

 appearance, they being marked in very narrow rings of 

 strong red and yellow, alternately, for their whole 

 length. They, besides, seem to be of a distinct class, 

 as they do not, when pressed, void any earthy substance $ 

 and, when wounded, exude a very strongly scented, 

 yellowish liquor. 



Nor does the circumstance of keeping them in moss 

 create any change, except that of rendering them beau- 

 tifully transparent, and, if any thing, more lively. They 

 are an admirable bait, and may be used without any pre- 

 paration, or scouring, 



If 



