THE CARP. 53 



We must, however, take all these stories about the ages 

 of fish cum yrano salis. It is extremely difficult to obtain 

 correct information on such a subject, especially as the 

 evidence, from the very nature of the case, must neces- 

 sarily be of a very loose and inadequate description. The 

 weight of fish is a more tangible affair ; and on this point 

 we cannot be deceived, if proper precautions be adopted. 

 Carp, if only half the statements on record be true, will 

 undoubtedly reach a very large size, especially in the north 

 of Europe, where they seem to be highly prized, and very 

 carefully protected. Pallas says that the Volga produces 

 carp five feet long. " In 1711," says Eleazar Bloch, in his 

 splendid work, " a carp was caught near Frankfort on the 

 Oder, which was more than nine feet long, and three 

 round, and which weighed seventy-pounds ! " In the lake 

 of Zug, in Switzerland, one was taken which weighed 

 ninety pounds. Monsieur Pesson Maisonneuve seems to 

 think their size varies according to the places they inhabit, 

 and the food they feed upon. " In France," says he, " they 

 reach ten or twelve pounds; in Germany they become 

 monstrous. They are taken in Pomerania thirty or forty 

 pounds in weight; and in Prussia fifty pounds is a com- 

 mon size ! " For our own part, we should like to see 

 some of these extraordinary fish, but much fear we shall 

 not be so fortunate. 



The carp spawn in May, and even in April, when 

 the spring is forward and warm. They seek out quiet 

 places covered with verdure, in which to deposit their 

 esrers: and it is said that two or three males follow each 



Go ' 



female, in order to swim over and impregnate the deposit. 

 At this season, carp which inhabit rivers and running 

 streams, endeavour to get into more tranquil waters; and 

 if, during their migration they meet with unexpected 



