THE PROPER SIZE OF WORMS. 243 



large mouth, yet by sucking it can take in a very 

 large worm, and we believe that the general 

 result of barbel-fishing shows that they are par- 

 ticularly enticed by a large bait ; perhaps we may 

 also include the salmon with the barbel in this 

 respect. A very long worm is not, however, a 

 desirable bait for any other fish, unless it be very 

 thin, when it may be put on as directed above. 

 In all other cases a worm whose length exceeds 

 the linear measurement of the whole hook rather 

 more than one half, is the most convenient for 

 baiting, and the best for expedition. For, as in 

 our opinion, fish never willingly take dead worms, 

 so when one is exhibited to them crumpled up 

 and wrinkled, or torn or crushed, we suspect it is 

 refused because it is dead. It ought, therefore, to 

 be the aim of every worm-fisher to show his worm 

 lively, by allowing it some motion, and to exhibit 

 it as healthy also, by avoiding to tear or unneces- 

 sarily pierce it ; yet it should be kept so compact 

 to the hook, that the fish shall not take any of 

 the former without taking also the whole of the 

 latter." 



In order strongly to impress the young angler 

 with the necessity of baiting his hook carefully, 

 Captain Williamson observes : " I have frequently 

 remarked the effects of doubt and of apprehension 

 in fishes of various descriptions, when any part of 

 my hook has been bare. They have come to it 



B 2 



