274 Book of the Black Bass. 



particular times place a plug of clay in the orifice of the 

 chimney and seal themselves in for a certain length of 

 time. Still others reside in the drains and mud of the 

 rice-fields and plantations of the south, and sometimes 

 burrow through the embankments, allowing the water to 

 flood the region." 



The crawfish is used as a bait for the black bass only 

 in still-fishing, when it serves a good purpose. In its 

 usual state it should be hooked through the tail, but " soft- 

 craws " or " peelers " may be hooked through the head or 

 body. They may be kept alive a long time in damp aquatic 

 grass, moss, or weeds. 



Grasshoppers and Crickets. 

 Grasshoppers and crickets are at times very taking baits. 

 They should be used as surface baits entirely, and should 

 be employed only when a brisk breeze is blowing, and on 

 the windward side of the water; for it is at such times 

 that they are blown into the water, and the bass, are then 

 on the look out for them. The water, also; being broken 

 into ripples by the breeze, enhances the angler's chances 

 of success. These insects should be hooked through the 

 upper part of the thorax or body, small hooks being used. 



Progs. 

 On marshy streams and ponds, young frogs are often 

 used for baits, with good success, in still-fishing. They 

 may be hooked through the lips, or through the skin of 

 the back. They should be of small size, and kept in pretty 

 constant motion, as they are inclined to bury themselves 

 in the mud, or hide under stones, on the bottom, or crawl 

 out upon objects on the surface, if left too long to their 

 own devices. 



