156 
THE CARP OR TENCH. 
the spot you plumbed over night ; then rest part of your rod 
in the forked stick, and the bottom of it on the ground. 
You must now retire a few paces, keeping entirely out of 
flight ; but still, near enough to observe your float ; when you 
perceive a bite, give a little time ; indeed it is better to wait 
till you see the float begin to move oft' before you strike, 
which you may then do smartly ; and as the carp is a leather- 
mouthed fish, if you manage him well, there is no fear of 
losing him, unless the pond is very weedy. Be careful to 
have your line free, that, if a large fish, he may run out some 
of your line before you attempt to turn him ; as he is a very 
strong fish, and your tackle rather slight, you must give him 
careful play before you land him. 
“ The extreme shyness of the large carp, makes all this 
somewhat tedious process necessary to insuro success ; but 
I can safely assert that I scarcely ever took this trouble in 
vain. Various baits are recommended for carp ; such as 
green peas parboiled, pastry of all descriptions, gentles and 
caterpillars, &c. ; but I have found the red worm the best, 
and next to this, the gentle, and plain bread paste. Those 
who prefer a sweet paste, may dip the bread in honey. 
Pastes and gentles will answer better in autumn than iu 
spring. April and May are, in my opinion, tho best months 
for carp fishing, and very early in the morning, or late in the 
evening, is the best timo for pursuing your sport.” 
Walton remarks : “ The carp bites either at worms or 
pastes ; and of worms, I think the blueish marsh or meadow- 
worm is best; but possibly another worm, not too big, may 
do as .well, and so may a green gentle ; and as for pastes, 
there are almost as many sorts as there are medicines for the 
tooth-ache ; but doubtless sweet pastes are best ; I mean 
pastes made with honey or with sugar, which that you may 
the better beguile this crafty fish, should be thrown into the 
pond or place in which you fish for him, some hours or 
