195 



the former generally seemed to have all their eyes about 

 them, and to keep close, in shore. 



In my opinion, unless die jack should seize a rat 

 about the middle, so as to press the lungs, the former 

 would stand but an indifferent chance, in regard to mak- 

 ing a meal. As to mice, they stand no chance j though I 

 think them a very indifferent bait, and not to compare 

 with a good yellow frog. 



I have great reason to believe, that unless very hungry, 

 jacks will not rise to the surface : for on many occasions, 

 1 have seen them follow my bait until it was nearly out ; 

 but not being in time to make a snatch before it was on 

 the surface, they have suddenly darted down : on throw- 

 ing in again, and giving deep piny to my bait, I have 

 always had them at me very quickly. 



Possibly the fishes begin to smell the trick as the bait 

 retires frjrn the dei-:p -, when, even though they should 

 not see th e angler, they feel some diffidence, cottol^e 

 overcome but by a keen appetite. 



I do not know any branch of angling that requires 

 more patience, temper., and skill, than jack-sh'mg. A 

 knowledge of the moot likely haunts is easily attained ; 

 for jacks will seldom remain in the clear parts of the wa- 

 ter, unless in search of prey ; they prefer what are caned 

 *' ilack-Truicr*" i.e. such as either .being overhung by 

 aibornge, or banks; are shady and gloomy; or where 

 there are deep holes among, or near to, heavy masses of 

 weed. IJut when on the feed they occasionally frequent 

 the shallows ; laying concealed among rushes, flags, or 

 shaded hollows ; from which they ds:t forth upor* what- 

 ever they think they -can swallow. 



? It 



