PLAYING A FISH. 



93 



Thus, when a powerful fish is hooked and tries to escape, the 

 line is gradually let loose, so as to yield to its efforts. When it 

 becomes tired by the gradual strain, the line is again wound in, 

 and in this way a fish which would at the first effort smash 

 rod and line of a novice will, in the hands of an experienced 

 fisherman, be landed as surely as if it were no bigger than a 

 gudgeon. 



Nature has in this case also anticipated Art, and surpassed 

 all her powers. 



There is a wonderful worm, common on our southern coasts, 

 and bearing, as far as I know, no popular name. It is known to 



PLAYIttG" A FISH. 



the scientific world as Nemertes Borlasii. It possesses the power 

 of extension and contraction more than any known creature, 

 and uses those powers for the purpose of capturing prey. The 

 fishermen say that this worm can extend itself to a length of 

 ninety feet, and as Mr. Davis found one to measure twenty-two 

 feet, after being immersed in spirits of wine, it is likely that 

 their account may be true, especially as the spirit greatly con- 

 tracted the animal in point of length. 



A most vivid description of this worm is given by C. Kingsley, 

 in his " Glaucus," and was written before he knew its name. 



" "Whether we were intruding or not, in turning this stone, 

 we must pay a fine for having done so ; for there lies an animal 

 as foul and monstrous to the eye as ' hydra, gorgon, or chimsera 



