32 ANGLING 



for roach, dace, perch, carp, tench, bream, trout of 

 moderate size, barbel, and most other fish, which will 

 frequently take it when they cannot be tempted with 

 any other. 



The marsh, or meadow worm, is also occasionally 

 a good bait for trout, grayling, perch, bream, and 

 gudgeons. 



When you have procured fresh worms, put them in 

 a box or jar of damp moss ; they will clean themselves 

 in a few hours, and improve for several days, becoming 

 brighter and tougher. 



To keep worms for any length of time, they should 

 be placed in a box with a few inches thickness of rich 

 soil, such as dung rotted to mould, and then scour them, 

 a few at a time, as wanted. Mr. Blaine, however, gives 

 the following, though not in so few words : — 



" To preserve worms for use, shred some mutton suet 

 and chop it into small pieces ; let it boil slowly in water 

 until the suet is dissolved, and then, having ready some 

 clean well-beaten hempen sacking or wrapper, dip it 

 into the liquor. When well soaked in it, and having 

 become cold, mix some fresh mould with the worms, 

 and put the whole into a tub, and over the top tie a 

 linen cloth that will admit air, and yet prevent them 

 escaping. Place them in a cool situation, and the worms 

 will feed and cleanse themselves, and keep lively and 

 fit for use for many months." 



Gentles are a favourite bait, especially for roach, dace, 

 and barbel. In fact, at times any fish will take it. 

 Gentles may be bred by hanging up a piece of liver 

 till it putrefies. They should be kept in sand. The 

 largest should be chosen. 



The beetles found in a cow-dung, and wasp-grubs, also 

 constitute good bait. 



The caddis, which is found at the shallow sides of 

 rivers, stony brooks, and ditches, is a good bait for 

 every fish in the water the caddis is found in. 



Flag-worms, which are found amongst flags, in pits, or 

 ponds, are good for the fish. 



Caterpillars, cabbage-worms, etc., are good for trout, 



