THE PIKE. 55 



a double hook, but if a single one, directly in a 

 line with his belly, and tie his tail to the arming- 

 wire, very neatly, with white thread. To bait 

 the former, put the lead into the mouth of the 

 bait fish, and sew it up ; the fish will live some 

 time ; and though the weight of the lead will 

 keep his head downwards, he will swim with 

 nearly the same ease as if at liberty. Either of 

 the former hooks being baited and fastened to 

 the swivel, cast it into the water, and keep it in 

 constant motion ; sometimes letting it sink, and 

 at others raising it gradually, chiefly throwing it 

 into the parts of the pond, meer, or river, where 

 his haunts are most usual ; as near banks, under 

 stumps of trees, by the side of bullrushes, water- 

 docks, weeds, or bushes, but in any of these 

 places you need never make above a trial or two 

 for him, for if he is there, he will instantly sieze 

 the bait. When you draw your bait near the 

 bank, play it longer there, first deep, then raise 

 it higher and higher by degrees, till you bring it 

 so near the top, that you can see it glitter; take 

 it not hastily out, because he often rakes it near 

 the top. When he has taken it give him line, 

 and let him run to his hold and pouch it; allow 

 him in general five minutes law, then strike him, 

 and divert yourself with him as you please. But 

 if after he has run on with the bait to his hold, 

 nd rests there but about a minute, and then 

 runs quickly ofT with it again, do not strike him 

 until he has rested a second time: arid not then, 

 until the five minutes are expired, unless he runs 

 off again before they are ; which if he does, 

 draw a tight line and strike him immediately ; if 

 he resists very much give him iine enough, which 

 will soon exhaust his strength; and when you 

 pull him toward you do not do it violently; for 



