CHAP. IX. J THE FOURTH DAT. 215 



to fish for a river-carp : I have known a very good fisher 

 angle diligently four or six hours in a day, for three or four 

 days together, for a river-carp, and not have a bite. And 

 you are to note that, in some ponds, it is as hard to catch a 

 carp as in a river ; that is to say, Avhere 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 therefore being possessed 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, 1 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. 2 



The carp bites either at worms or at paste ; and of worms 

 I think the bluish marsh or meadow-worm is best ; but pos- 

 sibly 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 doubt- 

 less sweet pastes are best ; I mean pastes made with honey 

 or with sugar : 3 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 under- 

 take 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 



1 About noon of such a day he will take a lob-worm at top, as a trout 

 does a fly ; or between the weeds in a clear place, sink it without a float, 

 about eight inches in the water, with only one large shot on the line, which 

 is to be lodged on the leaf of some weed : then retire, keeping your eye on 

 the spot till you see it taken away, with about a foot of the line, and then 

 you may venture to strike ; but keep him tight, and clear of weeds. Great 

 mtmbers of carp have been taken this way. BROWNE. 



2 Allowing for the alteration of style, this would now be the 23rd. ED. 



3 The best sweet paste is bread crumbs and white honey well mixed into 

 an adhesive mass. Salter says "it is a most killing bait for carp during 

 the months of July and August, and as long as the fishing season lasts."' 

 As regards carp, this bait has a very peculiar claim on those anglers who 

 cannot be at their posts early and late, as this paste is one of the few baits 

 which carp will take in favourable weather, even at mid-day. ED. 



