FISH AS DIET. 261 



who select at market fish for themselves, that a fish 

 caught with a hook, and the marks are frequently ob- 

 vious about the mouth, are generally better subjects 

 for the table than those taken in a net. The net en- 

 closes the invalids among fish, as well as the healthy, 

 and a fish, on his feed, caught by a baited hook, is the 

 more likely to be in good condition. Choose a fish 

 with a short body, a small head, and a thick shoulder ; 

 such a fish is most likely to be firm to the touch. 



The flesh of fishes as an article of food appears to 

 have been in great request from remote ages of the 

 world, and the variety of species among them supplying 

 wholesome diet is even greater than in any other class 

 of animals. I have profited by the example set by 

 Mr. Bellamy, of Plymouth, in his very useful " House- 

 keeper's Guide to the Fish-market," to show at one 

 view, by adopting his form of table, the months in 

 which the fishes most in request as food are in season ; 

 and when, generally, in good condition. 



