460 SUPPLEMENT ON 



The flesh of the tench is white, but it is soft, insipid, said 

 to be difficult of digestion, and frequently impregnated with 

 an odour of mud and mire. 



Passing over, as destitute of popular interest, the interven- 

 ing sub-genera and genera, we proceed to the family of the 

 Esoces. 



The Pike, Esox lucius, is a well known fish. It is re- 

 markable for the fineness of its hearing, a fact noticed from 

 the time of Pliny. Under Charles IX. of France several in- 

 dividuals of this species, kept in a basin of the Louvre, were 

 accustomed to recognize the voices of those that tended them, 

 and to come regularly to receive their food. 



The air-bladder of these fishes is very voluminous, and 

 it allows the pike to traverse great spaces, with the rapi- 

 dity of lightning, against the currents of the most impetuous 

 rivers, and in the midst of the purest waters, which, conse- 

 quently, are the least heavy, and the least adapted to sup- 

 port it. 



It is not rare to observe among the pikes some individuals 

 blind of one eye, and others which are hermaphrodites. 



The flesh of the pike is white, firm, savoury, and easy of 

 digestion. It is never very fat, and is therefore a suitable 

 aliment for convalescents, and persons who have a weak 

 stomach, especially if it be the flesh of a young individual. 

 It varies much according to age, sex, and time of the year, 

 and especially the place where the fish has been taken. The 

 pikes which inhabit limpid waters, where fish in general 

 abound, are better than the others. Those of certain lakes 

 of Germany and Switzerland possess a high reputation. Some 

 old pikes, which are taken in clear streams, have the back 

 green, and the flesh near the vertebral column of the same 

 colour ; they are sought after, in preference, and their price 

 is often very high. 



It appears that these fishes are not as good in Italy as in 



