430 MANUAL FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN. 



then to see that it is not broken. Grubs, caterpillars, and 

 gentles applied two or three at a time on the hooks tir.<t 

 one lengthwise, then one obliquely, so as to leave each end 

 free, and finally one lengthwise to conceal the barb. The 

 mode of applying the dead minnow and parr-tail has been 

 described under the head of " Baits," as well as the other 

 ordinary methods of baiting the gorge-hook and the live 

 minnow-tackle. 



The artificial minnow, in all its varieties, may be tried, 

 and in some rivers and states of water will do great execu- 

 tion. In none, however, will it take equally well with a good 

 and well-baited real minnow ; and if these can be obtained, 

 it is useless to attempt to take fish with an inferior article. 

 The devil-bait is also sometimes successful 5 indeed trout 

 are so capricious, that it is difficult at all times to say 

 beforehand what they will take, and what refuse. I have 

 already mentioned and described Mr. Blacker's modifica- 

 tion of this bait. 



The common trout is found in almost all the clear, gra- 

 velly, and quick running streams throughout the Northern 

 and Middle States, and sometimes, though not in the same 

 perfection, in streams of an opposite charater. They spawn 

 in the autumn, the exact time varying in different localities ; 

 and they come into season in the spring, when, also, their 

 time of perfection will be early or late, in accordance with 

 the nature of their habitat. A low temperature seems 

 rather to accelerate than retard their condition. After 

 August, trout are not fit for the sport, being full of roe, or 

 else spent from the operation of spawning. For bottom- 

 fishing, the deeper and stiller parts of the stream answer 



