14S TltS COMPLETE ANGLER. PAKT I. 



say, where they have store of feed, and the water is of a 

 clayish colour. But you are to remember that I have 

 told you there is no rule without an exception ; and there- 

 fore being possest 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 tenth 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 tooth- 

 ache; 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 certain place, that they may the bet- 

 ter and with more hope be fished for, you are to throw 

 into it, in some certain place, either grains, or blood mixt 

 with cow-dung or with bran ; or any garbage, as chicken's 

 guts or the like; and then, some of your small sweet pel- 

 lets 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 rabbit, or cat cut small; and bean-flour; and if that 



