PIKE AND PIKE-FISHING. 57 



Omnivorous as a feeder, the pike preys upon fish and fishlings 

 of all kinds, including even the younger members of his own 

 family ; neither does he show quarter to the perch, despite the 

 latter's spinous dorsal fin, nor to the tench, which Walton styles 

 " the physician of fishes." 



" It is observed," remarks the " Father " of anglers, " that the 

 tyrant pike will not be a wolf to his physician, but forbears to 

 devour him though he be never so hungry." Nowadays, however, 

 the pike apparently entertains not the slightest respect for the fish 

 in question ; for it has been satisfactorily proved that at any rate 

 when starvation is imminent the " freshwater shark " will seize 

 upon, and devour, even poor " doctor " tench. 



Also included in the pike's lengthy menu are frogs, worms (have 

 not large pike been caught on a bunch of lobs ?), rats, voles and 

 ducklings. Moreover, ducks, geese, swans and other aquatic birds 

 are occasionally assailed by his insatiable majesty, who, it is said, 

 has gone so far as to attack human beings, as witness the mauled 

 hands and feet of men and boys he has caught bathing in his watery 

 domains. 



Although the pike is reputedly a gourmand, he does not, as it is 

 natural to suppose, feed continuously from morning till night, day 

 in, day out ; but there are times when he is unaccountably dour, 

 whilst his meal-times, at best, are tantalisingly irregular. It is no 

 unusual occurrence for pike, especially the larger specimens, to 

 remain " off the feed " for many hours, probably even days, together; 

 and, though the cause, in most instances, is not apparent to the 

 angler, there is reason to conclude that this abstinence on the part 

 of the fish is frequently due, though not always, to their being 

 positively glutted. 



In connection with the incalculable feeding humours of the 

 pike, the writer recalls certain experiences met with on the banks 

 of a particular mill-dam, which for several years, during the winter 

 months, he was privileged to fish. On every occasion sport was 

 obtained during the morning, the pike feeding from nine until 

 twelve, after which hour further attempts to lure a fish were in- 



