FISHES AND FISHING. 361 



Each had his pungent power applied 



To save the dead and dying ; 

 This relishes a sole that's fried, 



That saves a soul from frying." 



A curious opinion was entertained as to the nature 

 of fish, by Phillip of Spain, the consort of our Queen 

 Mary, who did not eat them, giving as his reason for 

 not doing so, " that they were only element con 

 gealed, or a jelly of water." 



In contrast to this, may be cited the conduct of 

 Aterbates, Queen of Scythia, who interdicted her 

 subjects from eating fish, "because there would not 

 be enough to regale their sovereign." 



In the " Northumberland Family Book," the break 

 fast for the earl and countess during four days of the 

 week in Lent, was a loaf of bread in trenches, two 

 manchets, i. e. two loaves of the finest flour, weigh 

 ing six ounces each, a quart of beer, a quart of wine, 

 two pieces of salt fish, six baconed herrings, four 

 white herrings, or a dish of sproits (sprats). A 

 tolerable commencement of a day of mortification in 

 Lent. 



THE NEGRO'S TRANSFORMATION OF FLESH INTO FISH. 



A. missionary of the Catholic Church induced a sly 



old negro, whom he found in India, to embrace his 



creed, and believing him to be a sincere convert, admit- 



