16 



Hailburn, in Suabia, with a brass ring attached to it, stating that 

 it was put there in 1230 ; it was therefore 267 years old ; its 

 weight, 350 pounds." 



Whether this be fable or fact, certain it is, that many of the 

 races live to a great age, and attain a great size. Does not this 

 go far towards shewing what I have long been inclined to believe 

 — namely, that fish continue to grow till they die ? a fact, if it 

 be one, well worthy of establishment ; as affording good evidence, 

 and elucidating the mystery, of the few diseases that afflict them; 

 for it is the gradual decay, consequent on a cessation of growth, 

 which forms a large item in the history of disease. 



Although fish is more difficult of observation than land 

 animals — which, at almost any time, and under a great diversity 

 of circumstances, we have opportunities for studying — yet, I think, 

 we may reasonably conclude that the diseases of fish are few. It 

 is a rare occurrence to find one out of condition, except from 

 spawning. If they suffered the deterioration of age — inevitably 

 following completion of maturity — we should as inevitably meet 

 with numerous specimens labouring under the signs indissolubly 

 united to the stage when growth has long ceased. As far as I 

 am aware, this is not the case. What then can we infer, but that 

 they are exempt from the visible decline, inseparable from having 

 passed the point of perfection ? and therefore, that they increase 

 in size as long as they live ? There are even proverbs in support 

 of the healthiness of fish ; and though it by no means follows, 

 that a common proverb must be true, there is usually some 

 foundation for it. We say in England, " as sound as a roach :" 

 and the Italians, " e sano come il pesce " — as healthy as a fish. 



It is said, that a pike will swallow a fish half its own weight, 

 and I have reason to believe this. But the stories told of his 

 voracity, from gorging a tailor's thimble, to fastening on the lip 

 of a cow, while drinking at the river — are endless. 



It is curious to note the different values placed on the same 

 article by different generations. In the reign of Edward 1st, 

 pike were dearer than salmon, and ten times dearer than turbot. 

 In Henry 8th's reign, a small one, sold for more than a fat capon; 



