BAIT OF THE AVERAGE FISHERMAN. H. C. DODGE.

This is the bait the fishermen take, the fishermen take, the fishermen take, when they start out the fish to wake so early in the morning. They take a nip before they go—a good one, ah! and long and slow, for fear the chills will lay them low so early in the morning. Another when they're on the street, which they repeat each time they meet for "luck"—for that's the way to greet a fisher in the morning. And when they are on the river's brink again they drink without a wink—to fight ma- laria they think it proper in the morn- ing. They tip a flask with true delight when there's a bite; if fishing's light they "smile" the more till jolly tight, all fishing they are scorning. An- other nip as they depart: one at the mart and one to part, but none when in the house they dart, ex- pecting there'll be mourning. This is the bait the fisher- men try who fishes buy at prices high and tell each one a bigger lie of fish- ing in the morning.