THE TENCH. 215 



ing either storms or rain. This peculiarity some suppose 

 to arise from its being what is called a ground-fish, having 

 a low standard of respiration and a high degree of muscular 

 irritability, which is rapidly acted upon by electrical changes 

 in the atmosphere. 



Some think the loach quite equal to the gudgeon in a 

 gastronomic point of view. It is said that Frederick, 

 King of Sweden, had the fish imported into Sweden 

 for his own particular eating. 



THE TENCH. 



The TENCH (Tinea vulgaris, Cyprinus tinea). The scales 

 are small, and deeply embedded in the thick skin ; lateral 

 line complete ; dorsal fin short, its origin being opposite 

 the ventral fin ; a barbel at the angle of the mouth ; 

 pharyngeal teeth 4 or 5-5, cuneiform, slightly hooked at 

 the end. 



Izaak Walton says the tench " is observed to be a 

 physician to other fishes, and has been so called by many 

 that have been searchers into the nature of fish." 



Thomas Weaver says : 



" The tench, physician of the brook, 

 In yon deep hole expects your hook, 

 Which having first your pastime been, 

 Serves then for meat or medicine." 



And he also remarks that, in consequence of this medicinal 

 power, the pike will not devour or hurt him. 



