BAIT-FISHING. 429 
The baits for trout used in bottom-fishing are chiefly 
worms and minnows, the latter either natural or artificial. 
Caddises, however, and caterpillars, with ‘gentles and 
salmon-roe, are in some localities much prized. The 
worms which are the best for trout-fishing are the marsh- 
worm, the button-worm, and the brandling; the last being 
chiefly adapted to the smaller sizes of fish. They should 
be well scoured, and applied as follows :—Six or eight 
dozen worms will in all probability be required in a good 
day’s fishing, and should be carried in some damp moss in 
an appropriate: bait-box, or canvas bag. In putting the 
worms on the hook, take the latter in the right hand, 
between the finger and thumb, then taking a worm in 
the left finger and thumb, insert the point of the hook 
near the head of the worm, and run it along its body 
until the whole of the hook is concealed, and also a very 
short portion of the gut; in doing this, great care should 
be taken not to expose any part of the hook, and espe- 
cially the barb, which should not on any account penetrate 
the side of the worm. If the worm is too small to con- 
ceal this quantity of the hook and line, and also to leave 
a portion, at least an inch long, hanging free from the end, 
two may be applied ; and if, on the other hand, it is too long, 
the barbed end may be brought through and re-entered an 
inch or so lower down, so as to pucker up a coil of the 
worm’s length, which adds to its allurement, and at the 
same time prevents too long a free portion from hanging 
from the end. The worm is thus injured as little as possi- 
ple, and will live a considerable time if not roughly used 
in the water. It should be examined every now and 
