G4 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [part i. 



for then it is observed, that the forked bones are 

 lost or turned into a kind of gristle, especially if he 

 be baked, — of cheese and turpentine. He will bite 

 also at a Minnow or Penk, as a Trout will ; of 

 which I shall tell you more hereafter, and of divers 

 other baits. But take this for a rule, that in hot 

 weather he is to be fished for towards the mid-wa- 

 ter, or near the top ; and in colder weather nearer 

 the bottom, And if you fish for him on the top, 

 with a beetle or any fly, then be sure to let your 

 line be very long, and to keep out of sight. And 

 having told you that his spawn is excellent meat, 

 and that the head of a large Cheven, the throat be- 

 ing well washed, is the best part of him, I will say 

 no more of this fish at the present, but wish you 

 may catch the next you fish for. 



But, lest you may judge me too nice in urging to 

 have the Chub dressed so presently after he is taken, 

 I will commend to vour consideration how curious 

 former times have been in the like kind. 



You shall read in Seneca his " Natural Questions," 

 Lib. iii. cap. 17, that the ancients were so curious in 

 the newness of their fish, that that seemed not new 

 enough that was not put alive into the guest's hand ; 

 and he says that to that end they did usually keep 

 them living in glass-bottles in their dining-rooms ; 

 and they did glory much in their entertaining of 

 friends, to have that fish taken from under their 

 table alive, that was instantly to be fed upon. And 



