The Carp. 



477 



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THE CAKP, (Cyprinus carpio,) 



Is famous for the sweetness of its flesh, when of moderate 

 size, that is, when measuring about twelve to fifteen 

 inches in length, and weighing about three pounds. The 

 scales are large, with a golden gloss upon a dark green 

 ground. These fish sometimes grow to the length of 

 three or four feet, and contain a great quantity of fat. 

 The soft roe of the Carp is esteemed a great delicacy 

 among epicures. In the canals of Chantilly, formerly 

 the seat of the Prince of Conde, Carps have been kept 

 for above one hundred years, most of them appearing 

 hoary through old age, and so tame that they answered 

 to their names when the keeper called them to be fed. 

 This fish has large molar teeth only, situate at the back 

 part of the head or throat, and a broad tongue ; the tail 

 is widely spread as well as the fins, which are inclined 

 to a reddish tint. Carp that live in rivers and running 

 streams are preferred for the table, as those which inhabit 

 pools and ponds have generally a muddy and disagree- 

 able taste. Though so cunning in general as to be 

 called the River Fox, yet at spawning time they suffer 

 themselves to be tickled and caught without attempting 

 to escape. It is said that Carp were first brought to 



