241 



I have occasionally seen them so keen after my cream- 

 fed worms, that I could scarcely find time to bait ft 

 second hook. 



Ruff's are very voracious, and, like the lull-head, arc 

 apt to gorge the bait in a second ! this is in the angler's 

 favour, when he uses more than one rod -, as he is then 

 tolerably sure of all that bite, if left to themselves 5 but 

 he must keep his disgor'ger at hand. 



I do not know any fish that, including all seasons, 

 bite more promptly, or more decidedly : they seem to 

 be little choice about weather, especially when they can 

 get a good haunt, among thick weeds, with a gravel, or 

 sand bottom, about three or four feet in depth. They 

 will occasionally bite, even when there is a sharp frost $ 

 but such is rare. 



I cannot say that I ever saw a rvff but in running 

 \yater : and then chiefly in retired tranquil parts ; such as 

 the backs of small islands> where the current was very 

 moderate, and the bank little frequented. They are not 

 so shy as fishes in general j for they will play about a boat, 

 though the persons in it are in motion, and do npt 

 remain either silent or steady. 



As you may expect perch, and large roach where the 

 n/ffs commonly lay, it is prudent to have sound tackle ; 

 your hook, on account of this fish having rather a large 

 mouth, may be No. ^ ; your gut fine, and well stained ; 

 only one small shot, and a very delicate float. When 

 you have a bite, give a little time, and draw tight -, die 

 rnffvj\\\ hook himself in general, lake care how you 

 handle him, for his fins are rather sharp. 



With respect to their proper season, I really have never 



been able to form an opinion ; having found them at all 



* times 



