Preference for Sandy Shores. 369 
for they catch and kill many more than they can eat, 
or even have time to carry away. I have shot at 
these great rascals when they have been swimming 
fifty yards from shore, and I strongly suspect them of 
visiting the nests of moorhens and other waterfowl 
with felonious purposes. They catch fish at any time 
they see a chance, but are most destructive during 
the spawning season, because then the roach come 
within reach. Such rats, too, haunt the ditches and 
mounds, and are as dangerous to all kinds of game as 
any weasel, crow, or hawk. 
Tench lie in the deep muddy holes. With the 
exception of the tench, the greater number of the fish 
in this mere haunt the sandy and stony shores. 
When the lake is full there are broad stretches of 
water which are shallow and where the bottom is 
mud. You may look here in vain for fish: of course 
there are some ; but as you glide over noiselessly in 
a punt, gazing down into the water as you drift 
before the gentle summer breeze, you will not see 
any of those shoals that frequent the other shores 
where the bottom is clearer. Other favourite places 
are where the brooks run in and where there are 
sudden shallows in the midst of deep water. The 
contour and character of the bottom seem to affect 
the habits of fish to a large extent ; consequently 
those who are aware of the form of the bottom are 
usually much more successful as fishermen. 
BB 
