60 THE ANGLER-NATUEALIST. 



consists of minnows, of wHcli he can devour an extra- 

 ordinary number ; but failing these, any small fry, worms 

 (especially brandlings), insects, frogs, caterpillars, and grubs 

 of aU sorts are good baits. 



Mr. Jesse informs us that if a bottle of live minnows be 

 sunk at the bottom of a hole or other resort of Perch, it 

 will in a day or two attract large numbers to the spot, 

 when they may readily be taken by a similar bait dropped 

 quietly amongst them. In order to preserve the minnows 

 alive, the stopper of the bottle should consist of a piece of 

 perforated zinc, or other substance of a porous nature, so 

 as to admit free ingress and egress of the water. This 

 experiment I have never had an opportunity of trying, 

 nor do I remember any writer who mentions having done 

 so ; but it is quoted by many. 



The extent to which the Perch will gorge himself with 

 his favourite food may be illustrated by a fact within the 

 knowledge of most anglers. When the fish has filled his 

 stomach with minnows so that he can positively swallow 

 no more, he will still endeavour to bite and, if possible, 

 masticate others ; and it is by no means uncommon under 

 these circumstances to hook and capture a Perch with the 

 tails of the minnows which he has already partially swal- 

 lowed, and been unable to pouch, protruding from his 

 gullet : when thus gorged, he often ejects a portion of his 

 prey on being landed. From this it may be inferred that 

 fish, like many other animals — including man himself, in 

 the first degree— find a gratification in the exercise of their 



