OF GREAT BRITAIN. 113 



A less poetical explanation of the Pike's abstinence 

 is given by Bingley, who suggests that, as the 

 Tench is so fond of mud as to be constantly at the 

 bottom of the water, where the Pike cannot find 

 him, the self-denial of the latter may be attributable 

 to less elevated causes. This prosaic theory, how- 

 ever, also requires confirmation, 



As to the gastronomic qualities of the Tench 

 opinions differ, but in Holland and some other 

 parts of Europe it is a common dish at the dinner- 

 table and is thought both wholesome and nutritious. 

 Like the Eel, however, it would appear to be palat- 

 able in a precisely inverse ratio to the cleanliness of 

 its abode, improving in gustatory attractions as it 

 approaches more nearly in colour and diet the com- 

 position of its habitual mud. Thus, "Tench were 

 taken out of Munden Hall Fleet, Essex, which 

 was so thick with weeds that flue nets could hardly 

 be sunk through them, where the mud was intoler- 

 ably fetid and had dyed the fish of its own hue, 

 which was that of ink; yet no Tench could be 

 better grown or of a sweeter flavour." . . . " In a 

 clean pond at Leigh's Priory a quantity of Tench 

 were caught, about 3 lbs. weight each, of a colour 

 the most golden and beautiful ; but when dressed 

 and brought to table they smelt and tasted so 

 rankly that no one would eat them!" The re- 

 moval of the slime from the fish with warm water 

 before cooking is said to take away the muddy 

 taste. 



