THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 137 



the first rush is for the weeds, in which, if they they once become 

 entangled, it will be found almost impossible to clear them. As 

 they do not possess air cells, when killed with an explosion of 

 dynamite they will not float on the surface like other fish, but 

 remain at the bottom, their necks being invariably broken by the 

 force of the concussion. When caught under one pound in weight 

 they are very good eating, but those much exceeding that size are 

 excessively coarse. 



The Yellow Fish {Barbus capensis). — GheelFisch of the Boers. 



\_Spectmens have been taken weighing over 20 lbs., but the average 

 run is between 2 and j lbs. In shape it is not unlike the common 

 dace, but the body is more elongated and slender in proportion. 

 Colour of back, pale greenish brown; remaining portions golden 

 yellow, tinged throughout with green ; scales very large.'] 



This fish is common in the Orange, Vaal, Reit, and Modder Rivers, 

 and may be found in almost every stream in the South, afford- 

 ing very fair sport with rod and line. In the Crocodile and its 

 tributaries it becomes rather scarce, and never attains any large size 

 while it is unknown in the rivers within the Tropics. Between 

 daylight and nine o'clock in the morning, and for an hour before 

 sunset, it is on the feed, rarely taking a bait during the extreme heat 

 of the day, and will usually be found frequenting the deep eddies on 

 the edge of rapid running water. Ordinary perch tackle will be 

 found sufficient, using a float and fishing as near to the bottom as 

 possible without letting the bait actually rest stationary on it. It 

 will take worms and locusts well, but when these are unobtainable, 

 the entrails of small birds may be used with effect. When caught 

 weighing upwards of two or three pounds, although bony, they are 

 very fair eating, but when smaller they are almost useless. To cook, 

 scrape off all the scales, tightly tie the fish in a cloth, and boil in 

 water containing plenty of salt. They are not at all nice when fried. 



The Wlud Fish (Ambrostomus capensis).— Modder Fisch of the 

 Dutch. 



\_Seldom exceeds 2 lbs. in weight. Back, brownish purple, with 

 green tinge; belly, yellowish white. Can readily be distinguished 



