HOW TO STRIKE BARBEL. 63 



best bait, as they are invariably in discoloured water ; 

 gentles and paste come more to the fore in the 

 autumn. 



The formation of the aquatic quarry of every fisher- 

 man ought always to be noticed by him, so as to 

 enable him to strike with some knowledge of the pro- 

 bable effect. The mouth of the barbel is placed well 

 under the head, which therefore enables it to take the 

 bait, and its food generally, from off the ground : 

 hence to strike directly perpendicularly, will most 

 likely be to hook effectually. The barbel is so leather- 

 mouthed, that the hold of the hook, however meagre, 

 seldom breaks away. 



