natural history. 
209 
Salmon-flies should be made with their wings standing 
one behind the other, whether two or four. This fish de- 
lights in the gaudiest colours that can be ; chiefly m the 
wings, which must be long, as the tail. 
The above rules for tiy-lishing chiefly respect trout , .which 
indeed of all fish furnish the most excellent sport in this way. 
Bait fishing is performed in two ways. 1st. On the giound 
with a long lead sinker, nicely fixed to the, line, at about 
nine inches from the hook, which is necessaiy in strong 
running streams, or shallows, and is chiefly employed lot 
trout ■ and then the angler feels the fish bile by his pulling 
at the line. 2dly. By means of a float, which is commonly 
made of cork or quill, and is proper in still or deep waters. 
In this case, it is absolutely necessary to plumb the depth, 
and adjust the hook to the proper depth according to the 
annexed table. . 
Much of the success in bottom or bait fishing depends on 
the angler having a quick eye and hand, and striking at the 
proper time. Roach, dace, bleak and gudgeons must be 
struck at the first nibble. Perch, tench and trout must be 
allowed certain lime ; and pike still longer, for those latter 
you must always fish with strong tackle and a bit ol wire 
near the hook. In fishing for roach, dace, barbel, carp or 
bleak, you must always previously throw into the pail ot 
the river or pond where you mean to fish, a quantity ot 
ground bait (bran and bread mixed into a paste and sunk 
with a stone or chandler’s greaves) which brings the hsli 
together anti keeps them from wandering. 
Happy England ! (says an elegant writer) where the sea 
furnishes an abundant and luxurious repast, and the tiesli 
waters an innocent and harmless pastime; where the angler, 
in cheerful solitude, strolls by the edge of the stream, and 
fears neither the coiled snake, nor the lurking crocodile; 
where he can retire at night, with his few trouts, to borrow 
the charming description of Old Walton, to some friend y 
cottage, where the landlady is $ood, and the daughtci 
innocent and beautiful ; where the room is cleanly, with 
lavender in the sheets, and twenty ballads stuck about the 
wall ! There he can enjoy the company of a talkative 
brother sportsman, have his trouts t/ressed for suppet, tel & 
tales, sing old tunes, or make a catch ! 1 here he can talk 
of the wonders of nature, with learned admiration, or find 
some harmless sports to content him, and pass away a little 
time, without offence to God, or injury to man ! 
