254 THE TROLLER S GUIDE. 



heads appear unseemly large, because they have thei 

 lost that depth and rotundity of body (especially about 

 the vent-fin) which they possess when in season -, for 

 Pike, that weigh ten pounds when in full health and 

 vigour, would not weigh more than seven or eight 

 while out of season or condition j which they certainly 

 arci and so remain (generally speaking) in all rivers, 

 lakes, meers, or ponds, from the month of April, until 

 September or October. — Note. A Jack or Pike will 

 be much firmer, and of better flavour, if they are gut- 

 ted, and a handful of salt put in its place, and left 

 there for some, say twelve, hours, laying the Fish in a 

 dish to drain before it is cooked. 



