THE BEST KINDS OF FISH FOE RIVERS. 123 



their room being in such places far better than their 

 company. There are many rivers, however, of a 

 mixed character, where they are found in great 

 abundance, and where they manage, owing to the 

 varied character of the water of the rivers, to do well 

 enough together, though even here the more delicate 

 fish cannot but suffer severely from them ; these 

 are, however, usually large rivers : in small ones, if 

 largely introduced and left to themselves, they would 

 in time almost destroy both trout and salmon. As 

 they do so exist, however, and are considered by 

 many as affording a wide range of sport, they must 

 be considered accordingly. In such cases I would 

 recommend artificial breeding of better fish to be 

 carried on largely as the only means of coping with 

 them. 



Many rivers, again, are merely white or coarse 

 fish rivers, unadapted to salmon and trout ; and it is 

 chiefly in respect to them that I treat of them. In 

 rivers, however, like the Usk, Severn, and Wye, 

 where they have increased so much as to become 

 a positive nuisance, I would keep them down by 

 every means in my power. 



Dace and roach are very fair eating when taken 

 in clear rivers. They may be pickled or potted or 

 plainly broiled, salted and peppered, a slice of butter 



