l6o THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [PART I 



days together, for a River-Carp, and not have a bite. And 

 you are to note that, in some ponds, it is as hard to catch a 

 Carp as in a river ; that is to say, where they have store of 

 feed, and the water is of a clayish color : but you are to re- 

 member, that I have told you there is no rule without an ex- 

 ception ; and therefore, being possessed with that hope and 

 patience, which I wish to all fishers, especially to the Carp- 

 Angler, I shall tell you with what bait to fish for him. But 

 first you are to know, that it must be either early or late ; and 

 let me tell you, that in hot weather, for he will seldom bite in 

 cold, you cannot be too early or too late at it. And some have 

 been so curious as to say, the loth of April is a fatal day for 

 Carps. 



The Carp bites either at worms or at paste ; and of worms I 

 think the bluish marsh or meadow worm is best ; but possibly 

 another worm, not too big, may do as well, and so may a 

 green gentle : and as for pastes, there are almost as many sorts 

 as there are medicines for the toothache ; but doubtless sweet 

 pastes are best ; I mean pastes made with honey or with sugar : 

 which, that you may the better beguile this crafty fish, should 

 be thrown into the pond or place in which you fish for him 

 some hours, or longer, before you undertake your trial of skill 

 with the angle-rod : and, doubtless, if it be thrown into the 

 water a day or two before, at several times and in small pellets, 

 you are the likelier when you fish for the Carp to obtain your 

 desired sport. Or in a large pond, to draw them to any cer- 

 tain place, that they may the better and with more hope be 

 fished for, you are to throw into it, in some certain place, 

 either grains, or blood mixed with cow -dung or with bran ; or 

 any garbage, as chicken's guts, or the like ; and then some of 

 your small sweet pellets with which you purpose to angle : and 

 these small pellets being a few of them also thrown in as you 

 are angling, will be the better. 



And your paste must be thus made : take the flesh of a rab- 

 bit or cat cut small, and bean-flour ; and if that may not be 



