THE 'PERCH. 49 



the fishing manuals illustrative of the fact. Now, how- 

 ever, he is to be found in most of the British waters 

 adapted to his nature and habits; and there is scarcely 

 a private pond in the kingdom, of any respectable 

 dimensions, which is not well stocked with these noble 

 fish. 



The pike must be carefully excluded from trout- 

 streams, otherwise the trout will very soon be gone. 



Superstition, which has touched everything connected 

 with this world, more or less, has not spared the pike. A 

 little bone in the form of a cross, which is said to be dis- 

 coverable in the head of this fish, has been worn by the 

 credulous, as a sort of talisman against witchcraft and 

 enchantment. 



Medicine, too, has had its weaknesses on subjects of 

 this kind. The heart of the pike is recommended to be 

 eaten against the paroxysms of fevers ; his gall to be used 

 as a liniment in affections of the eyes; his mandibulse 

 dried into dust, against pleurisy; and little fishes found in 

 his belly were prescribed, when dried, as a draught for 

 poor persons in consumptions, etc., etc. These follies 

 have passed away ; but the age which patronises the absur- 

 dities and extravagancies of animal magnetism is scarcely 

 in a condition to brag of its superiority in matters of 

 this kind. 



There are various methods of catching the pike, which 

 will be described in the proper place. 



The PERCH is a handsome, noble-looking fish, a bold, 

 dashing biter, and a courageous resolute fellow when 

 hooked, never yielding as long as he has any strength re- 

 maining, but fighting bravely to the last. He is extremely 



