FISHING 59 



because this particular lure is so deadly as to 

 render the capture of fish a ridiculously easy 

 affair, and partly because the robbing of ant- 

 roosts has always been rightly regarded as a 

 distinctly unchivalrous proceeding. 



The legality of baiting a line with goldfish has 

 not yet been seriously questioned, but I under- 

 stand that there exists a strong feeling amongst 

 conjurors that this form of bait should be illegiti- 

 matized. Professors of magic depend so entirely 

 for their living upon a continuance of the world's 

 supply of goldfish that they not unjustly claim 

 that any action tending to the extermination of 

 these animals is eminently prejudicial to their 

 interests. There is, however, some talk of the 

 matter being thrashed out in the law-courts, 

 where an appeal has already been lodged for 

 what is legally known as the restitution of con- 

 juror's rights, and while the question is sub judice 

 it is obviously impossible to discuss it. 



It should always be the fisherman's chief aim 

 and object to keep his live-bait as fresh and lively 

 as possible. For this purpose many authorities 

 recommend the administration of small doses of 

 alcohol. This, however, should not be given 

 with too generous a hand, or the inebriated bait 

 tends to become lachrymose and depressed, and 

 the angler's ends are defeated. It is generally 

 advisable to provide oneself with an additional 



