162 



AMERICAN ANGLER'S BOOK. 



of eight inches ; float, a neat quill ; the sinker should be just 

 heavy enough to sink half or two-thirds of the float; the 

 bottom hook should touch or be near the bottom. 



The bait, if paste, should be rolled in small pellets, not 

 larger than a No. 1 shot, between the finger and thumb ; it 

 should merely cover the point and barb of the hook. When 

 they bite freely, a small mite of the tough skin of a chicken's 

 leg will obviate the necessity of baiting often. "Worms ob- 

 tained by peeling the bark from rotten logs, are generally 

 used in winter. On a cold day a bite is almost imperceptible 

 to a novice, but a little observation will soon teach him when 

 to strike, which should be done by a quick but slight motion. 

 Eoach will not rise at a fly in winter, but I have caught them 

 when casting for Trout on a pond in March. They are soft, 

 and have a muddy taste. 



