64 ANECDOTES OF FISHES 



the back is of a dark colour, and the sides grey : 

 for flavour they are preferred to the trout, they 

 are in season in winter ; the haunts of the gray- 

 ling and trout are the same. After the angler has 

 hooked his fish, the greatest caution is required to 

 prevent the barb breaking its hold. 



Bainbridyes Fly Fisher. 



Mr. Franks says, the Umber, or grayling, is 

 an amorous fish, that loves his life ; his mouth 

 waters after every wasp, as his fins flutter after 

 every fly : for, if it be but a fly, or the produce 

 of an insect, out of a generous curiosity, he is 

 ready to entertain it, smooth and swift streams 

 enamour him, but not a torrent; yet, for this fly- 

 admirer there is another bait, the munket, or 

 sea-green-grub, generated amongst owlder trees, 

 also issues from willows, sallow, &c. &c. fish him 

 finely, for he loves curiosity, neat and slender 

 tackle, and lady-like ; you must touch him gently, 

 for he is tender about the chaps, a brandling will 

 entice him from the bottom, and a gilt-tail will 

 invite him ashore Hansard's Trout Fishing. 



Walton says, the largest graylings are eighteen 

 inches in length ; Mr. Pennant asserts that one 

 was taken at Ludlow, that was half a yard long, 

 and weighed four pounds six ounces. 



Donovan, p. Ixxxviii. 



