236 BLOOD-WORMS AND MARSH-WORMS. 



marked in very narrow rings of strong red and 

 yellow, alternately, for their whole length. They, 

 besides, seem to be of a distinct class, as they do 

 not, when pressed, void an earthy substance ; but, 

 when wounded, exude a very strongly scented yel- 

 lowish liquor. Nor does the circumstance of keep- 

 ing them in moss create any change, except that 

 of rendering them beautifully transparent and, if 

 any thing, more lively. They are an admirable 

 bait, and may be used without any preparation or 

 scouring." Other authors do not praise them so 

 highly ; but I think Captain Williamson's praise is 

 deserved. 



Blood or red worms. These worms run very 

 small, and are to be found in dung heaps of long 

 standing where the dung and soil meet. Those 

 found in tan heaps are the best, because they are 

 the toughest and liveliest and require least scour- 

 ing. They are also found in the sides of ditches, 

 and in most light and moist soils. They are a 

 delicate worm, and require light handling. Being 

 small, the hook must be small-sized and very light 

 in the wire. They are a good bait for carp and 

 small perch, and the best of all baits for gudgeons. 



Marsh-worms are very well known in London, 

 and far too highly prized. They cannot be well 

 preserved, require a deal of cleansing, and are, 

 after all, a brittle, and, when but a short time in 

 the water, a lifeless bait. In truth, they are only 



