294 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



then tie it on the hook with fine silk ; and some advise to 

 fish for the barbel with sheep's tallow and soft cheese beaten 

 or worked into a paste, and that it is choicely good in 

 August, and I believe it ; but doubtless the lob-worm well 

 scoured, and the gentle not too much scoured, and cheese 

 ordered as I have directed, are baits enough, and I think 

 will serve in any month, though I shall commend any angler 

 that tries conclusions, and is industrious to improve the art. 

 And now, my honest scholar, the long shower and my 

 tedious discourse are both ended together ; and I shall give 

 you but this observation, that when you fish for barbel, your 

 rod and line be both long and of good strength, for, as I told 

 you, you will find him a heavy and a dogged fish to be dealt 

 withal, yet he seldom or never breaks his hold if he be once 

 strucken. And if you would know more of fishing for the 

 umber or barbel, get into favour with Doctor Sheldon,* 

 whose skill is above others ; and of that the poor that dwell 

 about him have a comfortable experience. 



And now let us go and see what interest the trouts will 

 pay us for letting our angle-rods lie so long and so quietly 

 in the water, for their use. Come, c .holar, which will you 

 take up ? 



VEN. Which you think fit, master. 



PiSC. Why, you shall take up that, for I am certain, by 

 viewing the line, it has a fish at it. Look you, scholar ! well 

 done ! Come, now take up the other too : well ! now you 

 may tell my brother Peter, at night, that you have caught 

 a leash of trouts this day. And now let 's move towards 

 our lodging, and drink a draught of red cow's milk as we 

 go ; and give pretty Maudlin and her honest mother a brace 

 of trouts for their supper. 



