Lampreys. 
Thornback. 
Tunie. 
Porpoise. 
Herrings. 
Pilchard. 
98 ON THE PLACE OF FISH IN 
called conger-eel. It yieldeth gross excremental nourish- 
ment as the common eel doth. It is a meat notwithstanding 
pleasant to most men’s palate, but is only convenient food 
for those of strong stomach and firm body. To the phleg- 
matic, those of weak stomach, subject to dropsy, gout and 
stone, it is very hurtful. 
Lampreys are of some greatly esteemed, but very un- 
worthily ; they are of the nature of eels, yet somewhat 
wholesomer, not being so clammy or gross. They are 
pleasant to taste, but not easily concocted. They give 
much nourishment; but the same somewhat clammy and 
tough, therefore they are not fit for weak stomach or those 
suffering from obstruction. They also increase melancholy, 
and are hurtful to the gouty and those with weak sinews. 
The small lampreys are the best, they are not so tough, 
and give most nourishment. 
Thornback is of moist substance, of gross excrementall 
and putrid juice; whereby it cometh to pass that it is a 
meat of ill smell, unpleasant savour, unwholesome nourish- 
ment, noisome to the stomach. The use breedeth cold 
diseases, and epilepsy very speedily if it be eaten hot. The 
noisome quality doth (as I think) in cooling sometimes 
evaporate, and sooner arise being eaten hot, for that it is 
a moist fish and full of superfluity. It is a meat fit for hard 
labouring men. 
The tunie, porpuise and such like great bestial fish are of 
very hard digestion, noisome to stomach, ofa very gross 
excremental and naughty juice. 
Herrings are somewhat pleasant to the taste, yet not 
wholesome, as is often proved. Through eating fresh 
herrings some quickly surfeit and fall into fevers. The salt 
herring giveth saltish unprofitable nourishment. They are 
good for them who want better meat. 
Pilchard is of like nature of herring, but of pleasanter 
taste and better nourishment. Yet it is not good for those 
of weak stomach, or it soon cloyeth with a nauseatif fullness; 
but, being well salted before using, the superfluity of their 
