166 SEA-FISH. 
by Mr. Wilcocks. The courge, the only satisfac- 
tory receptacle for this delicate bait, has been 
figured on a ‘previous page. 
The bait may be kept alive in the courge for 
two or three days at any moorings ; or, if moorings 
are not to be had, the courge can be sunk near the 
fishing grounds with a buoy to mark its where- 
abouts, and it is a good plan to cut or paint the 
owner’s initials or name on the buoy in order 
to prevent errors. It is wonderful what a differ- 
ence this makes; such are the morals of the 
foreshore, that the difference between mine and 
thine does not demand close attention in the case 
of nameless owners. It is also to be remarked that 
the luxury of scruples is indulged in to a far 
greater extent west of Plymouth, possibly, cynics 
say, because the communities are so limited and it 
is so hard to get away, the “iron road” being often 
miles from the sea. 
Where sand-eels are unattainable, there are 
plenty of other baits suitable for the drift- 
ussel |. ; 
line. Two mussels, one red, the other white 
or yellow, make a very deadly combination, and, as 
I have already said, will at times kill against the 
more popular eel. The hook should be completely 
buried in them, as both pollack and mackerel take 
the whole bait, and there is no need for the point 
of the hook to project. 
Then the prawn, or even the shrimp, is a first- 
rate livebait, and should be hooked through 
the tail, the reason for this being that, when 
threatened, these crustaceans retreat face to the foe, 
and if the gut line were seen projecting from the 
face it is unlikely that any pollack would be taken 
in for a moment. Also, be careful to insert the 
M 
Prawn 
