42 



English writers on angling highly approve of this bait for 

 barbel, roach, dace, chub, and eels. As it can be easily 

 procured, and may prove a good bait for some varieties of 

 our own fish, we conclude our Chapter on Baits, by giving 

 Elaine and Hofland's manner of preparing it. Elaine says : 

 " To prepare them, break a sufficient quantity, over which 

 first pour some cold water, and let it stand by all night : in 

 the next morning, pour off the cold, and in lieu of it pour 

 some warm, but not very hot water ; after this has stood an 

 hour or two, the parts of the greaves will separate, from 

 which choose as baits the largest, whitest, and most connect- 

 ed pieces, which cover with leaves, or wrap in a moist cloth 

 for use. When fishing, hang one, two, or three of the whitest 

 pieces on the hook, concealing the point." Hofland says: 

 " They must be chopped into small pieces, placed in an 

 earthen pan, and boiling water poured on them till covered > 

 when in one hour, the slimy particles will have softened and 

 separated, and become fit for use : when mixed with clay and 

 bran, they form an excellent ground bait. Graves should be 

 newly scalded for every day's fishing, for if stale, they do 

 more harm than good." 



The following beautiful lines by Cotton, the celebrated 

 Angler, and friend of Walton, may serve to remind their dis- 

 ciples of many requisites for success, which put in plain prose 

 might possibly be forgotten. 



Away to the brook, 



All your tackle out-look, 

 Mere's a day that is worth a year's wishing, 



See that all things be right, 



For 'twould be a spite 

 To want tools when a man goes a-fishing. 



