54 ART OF ANGLING, 



a fish takes it. When a large Carp is hooked, 

 you will find it make an obstinate resistance ; 

 you should give it line cautiously, now drawing it 

 in, and letting it go again, until it is exhausted ; 

 it is a very strong and artful fish, and will use 

 its utmost endeavours to entangle the line among 

 weeds or roots ; in fact a Carp seems to become 

 more cunning and crafty as it increases in age 

 and size. It is but seldom that Carp will take 

 a bait in ponds until the beginning of May. 



It frequently happens in warm weather when 

 angling for Carp in ponds, that you see them 

 swimming near the top of the water, particular- 

 ly among large leaves that lie floating on the 

 surface ; at such times you may distinctly hear 

 them sucking the juices or insects from the 

 leaves ; and then if you act cautiously in drop- 

 ping a bait into the water, in any little opening, 

 about four inches deep, you will find them take 

 it very readily. The line adapted for this pur- 

 pose should be strong, to enable you to lift the 

 fish on shore the instant you strike. 



Observations on the Breeding of Carp. 

 The first thing which must be attended to is to 

 select the ground where Carp ponds are to be 

 made ; for, upon the soil, water, and situation, 

 the success in the management chiefly depends. 

 The best ponds are situated in a well-manured, 



