The fresh-water Cray-fish very much resembles the lobster in
appearance, but is considerably broader in its proportions. It is
commonly found in the tributary streams of large rivers, inhabiting the
banks, in which it burrows, and feeding on any animal substance that
may happen to come in its way.
The Cray-fish is taken in various ways, sometimes by the hand, which
is thrust into the holes in which they burrow. Another method is thus
described:—
Procure a dozen little rods, about five feet in length, and the
thickness of the thumb,—split them at the smallest end, and by way
of bait, place a frog, or a piece of putrid flesh in the cleft; take
then the rods by their thickest end, and hold the bait at the entrance
of the little holes where you suspect your prey to be; if they are
there, they will generally come out to seize the bait. As soon as you
perceive them, hold a small landing-net underneath, and raise the bait
suddenly, and the Cray-fish will either be brought up along with the
bait, or will fall back into the net.
Another method noticed, consists in first burying a dead cat, or a
hare, in a dunghill, for eight days, and then placing it in the midst
of a bush of tangled thorns and brambles, which is thrown into the
water, in the place frequented by the Cray-fish. After it has remained
there a few hours it may be drawn up, when the shell-fish will be found
partaking of their delicate fare, and the tangled bush will effectually
prevent their escape.