184 BAITING THE HOOK. 



In a full state of the water, I have often found it an 

 advantage to append a second smaller-sized hook to the 

 line as a dropper, about three feet above the end one, 

 tied either to a fine white bristle, or a piece of gut three 

 inches long. This, I think, gives two chances for one ; 

 and, so far as my own experience goes, the dropper will 

 take quite as many fish as the main hook. I recollect 

 of a large trout one day gorging both hooks. Besides, 

 this admits of two different kinds of bait being used if 

 thought proper. The end hook may be baited with 

 worm, and the upper with a slug, caterpillar, or caddie. 



BAITING THE HOOK. 



To do this neatly, requires a little tact and care, and 

 simple as it seems, I have seen but few perform it well. 

 Proceed thus : Having smeared the fore-finger and 

 thumb of both hands with sand, or dry earth (if none is at 

 hand some should be carried in the waistcoat pocket), 

 take the worm and insert the point of the hook in at its 

 mouth, and slide the remainder of the body dexterously 

 over the bend, and along the gut, until the barb reaches 

 within half an inch of the tail, which must be left to 

 wriggle about ; and the more lively its motions are, the 

 more readily will the bait be taken. As soon as ever 

 you perceive that the worm is dead, instantly remove it, 

 and substitute a fresh one ; as in all rivers where the trout 

 are well fed and shy, and therefore little inferior as 

 epicures to the Eoman Emperor, whose favourite dish 

 was the brains of singing birds, you will incur about 



