RIVER FISH AND FISHING. 381 



worms, known to anglers as the dew-worm, lob-worm or the 

 marsh-worm, the tagtail, the brandling, and the red-worm. 



The dew-worm, or large garden worm, is of consider- 

 able size, varying from 6 to 12 inches in length when ex- 

 tended. The tail tapers somewhat, but in the squirrel- 

 tailed variety it is flattened. In color this worm is of a 

 dull brick- red, approaching to a crimson towards the head. 

 These worms are obtained either by digging, or by search- 

 ing for them quietly at night with a candle and lantern on 

 the lawns or paths of the garden. In dry weather they 

 are always out when the dew is falling. 



The marsh-worm, or blue-head, is found in moist 

 and undrained localities, where they may be obtained with 

 a candle and lantern in large numbers during the fine 

 summer nights. In color they are of a light dirty or 

 brownish purple. These worms should be kept in damp 

 moss with a little earth mixed with it. A variety of this 

 worm, found in land only partially marshy, is called in 

 Scotland the black-head or button-worm, and is more 

 tough, and therefore better calculated for standing the 

 rough treatment which it must undergo in swift and wide 

 streams. It is an excellent bait for trout. 



The tagtail is common in good strong clays, which 

 are well manured for turnips, mangel-wurzel, &c. It is 

 a small worm of about 2 or 3 inches in length. Head 

 larger, and of a deeper blue than the body, which is a 

 dingy red ; tail, yellowish. 



The brandling is a small worm found in artificial 

 composts, and in rotten tan, or other decaying vegetable 

 matter, of a dirty red color, approaching to brown. 



