DACE. 85 



or sand at the bottom, but not in shaded places. 

 Its flesh is coarse and soft, and full of bones, yet it 

 is considered palatable and nourishing. It seldom 

 grows to be a pound in weight. 



The Dace is a very simple fish, and therefore 

 easily taken. It spawns at the end of March or 

 beginning of April ; previous to which they appear 

 on the shallows in great numbers, rubbing them- 

 selves on the bottom, feeding on small worms and 

 insects until they deposit their spawn, which they 

 generally do in loose light gravel. At this season 

 the Dace will take a small red worm freely ; maggots, 

 wasp-grubs, greaves, and paste made of cheese and 

 honey, are also very good baits ; it bites well all day, 

 and after the river has been disturbed by rain, and 

 is again falling fine, great quantities may be taken 

 with the maggot. The line for either purpose 

 cannot be too fine ; the bottom to be at least two 

 yards of gut, or single hair ; the hook for maggots 

 No. 9, but for any other bait a little larger ; using a 

 very small quill float. By baiting several places 

 before you begin, with whatever bait you intend to 

 angle, good sport may be depended upon. When 

 the river is low and fine, it will take with avidity 

 any of the small artificial flies, particularly the Sky 

 Blue, Black G-nat, Eed and Black Ants, Whirling 

 Blue, WiUow, Ac. 



