PIKE. 157 



that grains of the roe of Pikes were deposited in the thatch 

 of a cottage, where they remained for some years; and then, 

 when this thatch had been thrown into a dry ditch, that 

 afterwards was filled with rain, young Pikes were seen to be 

 produced. It is certain at least that Pikes of some moderate 

 size will leave the river or pond in which they have lived, 

 and travel over land to some other water; but this alone cannot 

 account for the fact that these fishes in a very early stage of 

 existence have been found in these newly-formed pieces of 

 water, to which, from their very small size, Ave cannot suppose 

 them to have travelled over land. 



Much difference of opinion has existed in regard to the value 

 set on the Pike for the table; so that while in some districts 

 it has been highly valued, in others it has been thought scarcely 

 worthy of notice. But this will not be deemed stransre when 

 we consider the effect produced on the generality of fishes by 

 the difference of food, of water, and even by the colour of the 

 soil; and their health is also much influenced by the season 

 of the year; for the Pike is said to be in a high condition 

 only through the summer, from June to October. That it was 

 known and greatly valued in England at a time far preceding 

 that in which Leonard Mascal is reported to have introduced 

 it, may be seen in the Book of St. Albans; and it is mentioned 

 also by Chaucer. It was also thought of sufficient importance 

 in the reign of King Edward the First as to be made, with 

 other fishes, a subject of that king's legislative meddling; and 

 a further proof of the value set on the Pike, in company with 

 Bream, is seen in an enormous feast given by Archbishop 

 Neville, at his entlironation in the reign of Edward the Fourth, 

 when six hundred and eight of these fishes, conjointly, were 

 set before the guests, together with twelve porpoises and seals; 

 but no other fish, properly so called, was thought worthy of 

 the notice of the guests. It is probable however that the high 

 price fixed on it at that time is to be considered rather as a proof 

 of the prevalence of fashion than of the general esteem in which 

 it was held; and it is further probable that it was the cost 

 and skill bestowed on feeding it for the market, as we shall 

 presently shew, that enhanced the price above that of many 

 other fishes. 



We have it on the authority of Gesner and other writers of 



