60 MALACOP. ABDOM. CARP FAMILY. 



casting-net in the Avon near Bath, many are ex- 

 posed for sale alive, in shallow tubs of water, and 

 are thus obtained in the highest perfection for in- 

 valids. 



Gen. LIV. Tinca. — -The generic distinctions of 

 the Tench are, that the barbules are very small, as 

 are also the scales, and the mucous secretion of the 

 body is abundant. 



(Sp. 101.) T. vulgaris. The Common Tench 

 possesses a higher interest than many of its asso- 

 ciates in the family, in as much as, like carp, it is 

 with many a favourite for stocking fish-ponds, and 

 for introduction to the table. Its excellence as an 

 article of food should of course be the recommenda- 

 tion to this kind of preference ; and yet it is curious 

 that, as with many other fishes, great contrariety 

 of sentiment has prevailed upon this point. Along 

 with the Carp, the older writers held it in no 

 esteem. In Ausanias we find the interrogatory, 

 Quis non et vivides vulyi solatia Tineas novit f 

 Gesner says it is insipid and unwholesome ; and 

 Baron Cuvier, that it is not good, except in some 

 waters ; and many of our modern writers, as Mr. 

 Griffith, affirm that the flesh is soft, insipid, and 

 difficult of digestion. Not so, however, the whole 

 of them. " Sure I am," says I. Walton, " he eats 

 pleasantly, and doubtless you will think so if you 

 taste him." " At present," says Mr. Pennant, " it 

 is held in good repute." Boccius affirms " that it is 

 peculiarly delicate, nutritious, and in good repute 

 for the table." And Mr. Yarrell, " its flesh is nu- 



