THE PIKE WHERE FOUND. 3 



main stream, or to the stillest parts of the 

 river, for the purpose of spawning, after 

 which they remain for some time long and 

 thin ; the various spots and golden tinge on 

 their sides and back then lose much of their 

 brilliancy, and their heads appear unusually 

 large through their having then lost that 

 depth and rotundity of body (especially about 

 the vent fin) which they possess when in full 

 season ; at such times the small ones take the 

 bait eagerly, but are only fit to be returned 

 to the water. 



From July (on the first of which month Jack- 

 fishing generally commences) to October, they 

 are usually found near or amongst water- 

 docks, sedges, or flag- weeds. They are seldom 

 found where the stream is very rapid, but 

 a retreat in the vicinity of a whirlpool or 

 sharp bend is a favourite locality for them. 

 In rivers, about the middle of September, 

 when the weeds are rotting, by dropping 

 down the stream quietly in a punt, the Jack 

 may be observed lying among the weeds 

 basking in the sun ; they then seem too lazy 

 to take the bait, for it is not unusual to see 

 numerous small fish swimming and playing 

 around this deadly enemy of the finny tribe 

 without his taking the trouble to disturb them. 

 As winter approaches they retire into the 

 deeps under clay banks, or where bushes 

 hang over the water, and where stumps and 

 roots of trees offer them a strong hold. At 



