42 ART OF ANGLING. 



that he may always have one proportioned to 

 the size of the bait which his judgment leads 

 him to prefer. Some are of opinion that it is 

 better to deprive the bait of all its fins, except 

 the tail ; they say it helps it to spin better ; we 

 think it is not a matter of importance, and there- 

 fore the angler may use his own discretion. 



To preserve the baits fresh, it is best to keep 

 them in a tin box covered with bran, which will 

 absorb the moisture from their bodies ; if, when 

 packing the baits, you sprinkle a little salt over 

 them, they will keep longer and be in a better 

 state for use. 



The Trimmer. 



The next mode, in general estimation, of tak- 

 ing a Pike is with the trimmer, or bank-runner, 

 and this may be used while angling for other 

 fish, or left to remain all night ; the baits most 

 proper are enumerated on page 38, which must 

 be alive, and about six inches in length ; the 

 line should be about twelve yards of hard-twisted 

 twine, the double hooks and platted wire adap- 

 ted for the bottom, will cost a mere trifle, and 

 may be had at any fishing-tackle shop. When 

 at the place where you intend leaving the line, 

 take a bait and make an incision in the skin 

 with a sharp knife on the left shoulder, and an- 

 other a little below the back fin ; then introduce 



