176 
THE ICING-FI8H, OIC BARD. 
is called Caving Channel — a channel running north from Ca- 
ving Point. Back your boat about ten feet on the hard, and 
anchor at low water: as the young flood comes in, if there 
are any of these fish in the harbor you will most probably 
find them here. I have taken from ten to thirty on this 
ground, together with basse and weak-fish, in a tide. 
“The best bait forking-fish is shedder crab: the hook 
should be smaller than for basse, as they have not a large 
mouth. They are fine fish for the rod, being very powerful 
and active, running deeper than basse or weak fish, and in a 
way peculiar themselves, so that an experienced angler can 
always distinguish them on their first run. The largest I 
have ever taken in this harbor I have found on this ground, 
weighing up to one and a half pounds. They are sometimes 
taken of larger size in the south bays of Long Island, but 
rarely if ever over two pounds. There are many other spots 
on the extensive oyster beds on these flats, particularly along 
in front of Communipaw, and along the fyke fences between 
Jersey City and Ellis’ Island. In Jamaica bay I have had 
many a fine day’s sport with these capital fish. 
“The following communication, giving an account of my 
excursions in that bay, was written by me at the time, and 
published in the Commercial Advertiser of Gth July, 1827. 
This I admit was an extraordinary performance, but I have 
many times taken over one hundred in a tide: but of late 
years these fish have become scarce in those waters, it being 
supposed that their enemy the blue-fish, by preying on their 
young, have caused the scarcity. Poor Bannister, the guide 
spoken of, Ins long since slept with his fathers. A pleasanter 
guide, and a more honest man, could not easily be found. 
Mrs. llicks is still “at homo” to her friends, and as kind and 
accommodating as ever. 
“ 4 Great Flaking . — On Friday last, a gentleman of this 
city went out from Rockaway, into Jumaicu bay, with his 
