called "helgramite," "dobson,' grampus,” " "dobsell," "hellion," "kill-devil," "crawler," and other euphonious names. The male of the perfect, winged-insect has long antennæ, or horns, from which its specific and common names are derived.

It exists for several years in the larval state, when it is generally known as the "helgramite," being a curious, flattened, and, to most persons, a repulsive-looking worm, growing to a length of two or three inches, and about a half inch in width. It has a head and pincers resembling, somewhat, those of a beetle; has six legs along the thorax; while the body is composed of a number of rings, to which are attached fringes bearing some likeness to small legs; the body terminates in two short appendages, or tails, on each of which are two small hooks. The color is a dark, dirty, brown.

The helgramite, by means of its hooks and pincers, clings readily and tenaciously to different objects, and hides securely under rocks, bowlders, driftwood, logs, etc., even in swift-running streams. They may be found clinging to the decaying timbers of old dams and bridges, and in the crevices of submerged stone-work at these places. They are found on the "riffles" of streams, under the bowlders and flat stones, and may be taken in these situations with the minnow-net, by stretching the latter across the foot of the riffle; when the stones above the net are turned over, the helgramite, being thus disturbed, curls himself into a ball and drifts into the net.

They can be found, in fact, hiding under almost any submerged object in the shallow portions of streams. They feed upon decaying wood and vegetation, and other substances. They can be kept alive for almost any length

of time, in a vessel half filled with wet pieces of rotten wood, and damp aquatic vegetation. In this way the angler can always have a ready supply of bait on hand.

The helgramite is hooked by inserting the point of the hook under the cap or shell that covers the neck, from behind forward, and bringing it through next to the head. It is a capital bait for the Black Bass, especially when the Bass are found on the riffles or rapids, and in shallow

water.

THE CRAWFISH.

The crawfish (Cambarus), sometimes called crayfish and crab, is, in some localities, and at certain seasons, a good bait, especially when casting its shell, when it is called a "peeler," or a "shedder." The crawfish exists wherever the Black Bass is found, in greater or less quantities. In waters where it is very abundant it forms an excellent and killing bait.

"Distinct species live in the mountain streams and in the springs at their sources. Some frequent the marshes of the lowlands (both the fresh and salt marshes), either near the streams, or adjacent to the bays, sounds, or ocean. Some occur beneath stones in rivers, creeks, or branches; in the muddy basis; beneath stones in the rapids; among grass and weeds in more quiet places, and in coves; under shelving grassy banks; in holes at the bottom of ponds, lakes, dams, and mill-races. Others bore holes in the meadows, or even in the hill-tops near water; and in bringing up the mud and clay from their tube-like holes, pile it as a chimney at the entrance. These species at particular times place a plug of clay in the orifice of the

chimney and seal themselves in for a certain length of time. Still others reside in the drains and mud of the rice-fields and plantations of the South, and sometimes burrow through the embankments, allowing the water to flood the region."

The crawfish is used as a bait for the Black Bass only in still-fishing, when it serves a good purpose. In its usual state it should be hooked through the tail, but "peelers" may be hooked through the head or body. They may be kept alive a long time in damp aquatic grass, moss, or weeds.

GRASSHOPPERS AND CRICKETS.

Grasshoppers and crickets are at times very taking baits. They should be used as surface baits entirely, and should be employed only when a brisk breeze is blowing, and on the windward side of the water; for it is at such times that they are blown into the water, and the Bass are then on the look out for them. The water, also, being broken into ripples by the breeze, enhances the angler's chances of success. These insects should be hooked through the upper part of the thorax or body, small hooks being used.

FROGS.

On marshy streams and ponds, young frogs are sometimes used for baits, with good success, in still-fishing. They may be hooked through the lips, or through the skin of the back. They should be of small size, and kept in pretty constant motion, as they are inclined to bury themselves in the mud, or hide under stones, on the bottom,

or crawl out upon objects on the surface, if left too long to their own devices.

Salt water shrimps, when they can be procured, are good baits for Black Bass, alive or pickled, that is, preserved in salt or strong brine.

I have seen Black Bass caught with cut bait, and even the humble "wum;" but the angler who is reduced to such severe straits, is more to be pitied than envied. It would be in better taste to offer pork to a Mussulman, or páté de foie grus to a tramp.