CRIMPING. 99 



Poiet.— Would not the fisli be still bet- 

 ter, or at least possess more curd, if caught 

 in a net and killed immediately? In the 

 operation of tiring by the reel there must be 

 considerable muscular exertion, and I should 

 suppose expenditure of oily matter. 



Hal. — There can be no doubt but the 

 fish would be in a more perfect state for the 

 table from the nets ; yet a fish in high sea- 

 son does not lose so much fat during the 

 short time he is on the hook as to make 

 much difference ; and I am not sure that the 

 action of crimping after does not give a 

 better sort of crispness to the fibre: this, 

 however, may be fancy ; we will discuss the 

 matter again at table. See ! our companion 

 on the lake, the eagle, is coming down the 

 river, and has pounced upon a fish in the 

 pool near the river. 



Phys. — I fear he will interfere with our 

 sport: let us request Ornither to shoot him. 

 I wish to see him nearer and to preserve 

 him as a specimen for the Zoological Society. 



Hal. — O ! no. He will not spoil our 

 sport; and I think it would be a pity to 



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