FISHES. 
45 
sometimes these are united into an implement of 
ingenious construction. A minute fish is the 
common bait^ which is affixed to the hooks in a 
living state, and in such a manner as not to do 
it vital injury ; but well-formed imitations, made 
of metal, or cut-glass^ are substituted with success 
by those who have scruples about impaling the 
little minnow or dace. The bait, whether living 
or artificial, is sometimes afiixed to the line by a 
swivel, and a bend being given to the tail, it is 
made to revolve rapidly on its long axis when 
drawn through the water. This spinning motion 
is very attractive to fish of prey, which eagerly 
pursue the dazzling object that seems to flee from 
them. Large Perch, Pike, and Trout, are taken 
by spinning. It is much used on the Continent 
by English travellers, as well as in the United 
States, and in Canada. All the large Thames 
Trout are taken with spinning-tackle. 
But the perfection of angling is fly-fishing, 
which is performed at the surface of the water, 
the baits being in general artificial imitations of 
the various flies which flit about the surface, and 
attract the fish to leap up at them. The greatest 
skill is put in requisition to throw the bait so 
that it shall fall on the surface with the light 
elastic touch of the natural fly alighting, and 
shall imitate its fitful motions so perfectly as to 
deceive the practised eye of the wary and ex- 
perienced Salmon or Trout beneath. Other 
sports,” says a master in the art, ^^may be more 
exciting than artificial fly-fishing, but there is not 
one requiring more skill, or calling into exercise 
more intelligence and adroitness of mind and 
body. A quick eye, a ready and delicate hand, 
