356 LOCALITIES m ENGLAND SUITED FOR PIKE-PERCH. 



I uuderstand from those who have eaten the xDike- 

 percli in continental cities, such as Hamburg, Berhii, 

 Leipzig, &c., that it is exceedingly good for the table. 

 It is just possible, therefore, that a new business may be 

 opened up of importing pike-perch to the English 

 markets as an article of food from Eussia.* 



I have been frequently asked my opinion as to en- 

 couraging this fish in England. My opinion is that iu 

 certain places the pike-perch would be a most valuable 

 addition to our indigenous fishes, both as a source of 

 sport and food. They would not do any more harm 

 than the common pike, and as long as roach and dace 

 are allowed an annual close time in their breeding 

 season there will always be plenty of food for them. I 

 would not advise that they should be turned out in 

 public waters, such as the Norfolk Broads, but I know 

 many lakes and ponds not connected with any river 

 where they would thrive admirably and be kept under 

 proper control. 



* The Sandra lucio, Perca sandra is found in nearly all the lakes 

 and rivers of Eussia. It likes clear and deep waters. In tlie 

 lower Volga they are taken in the spring in very large numbers, 

 and dried. It is calculated that 45,000,000 are taken every year ; 

 and in the Delta of Couban they take annually 7,000,000 of these 

 fish. There is a large export of the roe of this fish, which is 

 sent to Greece and Turkey. This preparation, which is principally 

 made in the Sea of Azov, and, above all, by the Cossacks of 

 Couban, is said to amount annually from fifteen to twenty thousand 

 pounds. The roes are simply taken out, placed in barrels, and 

 salted. A considerable quantity of fat is found in the intestines 

 of sandras. This is collected and washed, and the oil derived 

 from it is used as a substitute for vegetable oil during fast days. 

 This oil is also used to a considerable extent in the preparation of 

 caviare, i.e., the roe of sturgeon. I have this on the authority of 

 a writer in the proceedings of the Acclimatisation Society of 

 Pari?. 



