view raw text
AUSTRALIAN RAT A REAL FISHERMAN Once while duck shooting on one of the many lagoons which are common in the Nelson province of New Zealand I saw a demonstration of the fact that some rats are real fishers One in particular was an accomplished angler his method although primitive was very ingenious 1 was concealed behind a log which jutted into the lagoon waiting my chance to get a shot at some ducks which were feeding in seme rather thick clumps of reeds about forty yards distant when my attention was drawn to the peculiar gymnastics of a black bush rat which was sitting on the extreme end of the log After seeing him throw a sprat upon tin log using his tail as a rod it suddenly dawned upon me that here was an angler making splendid use of the tackle at his command I had a close view of the grand little fisherman and his methods were truly ingenious lie would sit on the end of the log with nearly the whole length of his tail in the water his first case was unsuccessful he having thrown his fish clean over the log I then saw him place the end of his tail into his mouth which apparently he bit for immediately blood appeared It was palpable this was our fishermans bait and I can truthfully add he was using it to some purpose too for he had grassed or logged three fish inside of half a minute After landing his fish he would twist quickly around anil the silver midget was instantly devoured A slight movement of mine frightened the little fellow which scampered quickly off the log taking his natural tackle with him Jolly Tail in llobart Tas Mercury
