122 
THE PIKE, & C. 
to the equator should unnerve his powers, particularly during 
the summer heats.” 
In this country, generally speaking, except in the more 
southern parts, the habits of the pike, although very similar, 
are not quite so indolent as they are in England* In the 
northern parts of the States of New-York and Pennsylvania, 
and the more northern states, where the climate is colder than 
that mentioned by Blaine, they are frequently taken in fino 
condition, and with the usual quantity of sport, in the months 
of August and September. Generally speaking, the months 
of September and October are found to be the best months, 
and in many parts of the country, afford the Angler as much 
true enjoyment and diversion, as any other of the numerous 
inodes of piscatorial amusement. 
The streams and ponds containing them are abundant, and 
furnish immense quantities. There is perhaps more angling 
for the pike than for any other of the finny tribe, insomuch 
that it is almost impossible to mention a section of the country, 
except within some of our more southern states, which do 
not furnish fine grounds for the pike, from the moderate sizo 
contained in the ponds, to the essex or muscalinga of our 
western lakes. 
The most common mode of taking them in the ponds and 
lakes, is with a stiff rod of ash or bamboo, about 12 feet long, 
accompanied with a reel containing from 50 to 100 yards of 
strong flax or grass line, with a small fish, or the leg or 
hinder part of a frog for bait. The hook, which should 
be a Limerick or Kirby salmon, from No. 0 to 5, according 
to the size of your game, is attached to strong gimp or wire, 
from 12 to 24 inches long, for spring and autumn fishing, and 
for summer fishing, if the pike are shy, strong twisted gut i9 
preferable. In stream fishing, the addition of a swivel 
sinker and a cork or hollow float, will be found necessary. 
Of the Rod , Blaine remarks : “ Mr. Nobbs, with more 
