63 THE SONG OF THE REEL. 



the chub. Moreover, the general colouring of the bodies of the two 

 fish is somewhat different, that of the dace being the more silvery. 



The lures offered to the lusty " Chavender " are many, chief 

 among them being flies of various sorts and sizes, natural and 

 artificial ; frogs, shrimps, worms, maggots, caddis-grubs, wasp-grubs, 

 bullock's pith, greaves, cherries, blackberries, and pastes of different 

 kinds. Also, occasionally, a spinning bait may be found effective. 



The time, par excellence, for winter chubbing arrives when the 

 rivers have cleared after floods, and when one or two frosts have 

 sharpened the piscine appetite. Then it is that the numerous 

 swims prove the most productive those spots where, out of the 

 rush and turmoil of the stream, the water glides and eddies beneath 

 overhanging trees and bushes, past snags and roots and camp- 

 sheddings and under hollow banks. When the temperature of the 

 river becomes low, chub do not always seek the deeper holes, as is 

 commonly supposed ; but they may be discovered frequently in 

 quite shallow streams. After the water has fined down, a very 

 deadly bait is bullock's pith ; whilst other winter lures are cheese- 

 paste, greaves, lobworms, brandlings, and a large bunch of gentles. 

 Often the use of a boat or punt is advantageous, sometimes even 

 necessary ; but, generally, there are swims that can be fished 

 successfully from the bank. 



III. 



In the south-east the sun, like a dull ball of fire, hangs sus- 

 pended in space above the line of gaunt, grim trees which crowns 

 the ridge of low hills. And, anon, the feeble sunlight, gradually 

 penetrating the morning mist, gives promise of a typical old-time 

 winter's day. Across the fields the frosted grass-blades glisten and 

 scintillate, crunching crisply beneath the angler's feet ; and the air, 

 so clear and keen, is delightfully invigorating. 



" More propitious conditions for chubbing could not have been 

 desired," soliloquises the angler, what time he observes that, as 

 regards colour, height, and volume, the river is in perfect order. 



Quickly he puts together his " Nottingham " rod, and threads 



