56 THE IDE. 



Lapland, of which it is not an inhabitant. It is found 

 likewise in the eastern Skargard; but I have my doubts 

 whether it attains to so large a size in salt as in fresh 

 water. 



During the summer months the favourite resorts of the 

 adult ide are deep pools with stony bottoms, where, upon 

 fine and calm evenings, one may see them swimming near 

 the surface. The young, on the contrary, resort more gene- 

 rally at this season to grassy shallows. 



The ide lives chiefly on aquatic plants, insects, and their 

 larvae; but it feeds at times on small fish, as is evidenced 

 by their frequently taking the bait, when one is spinning, 

 to which fact I myself can testify. 



As with others of the Oyprini, this fish is tenacious of 

 life, and will exist long after removal from its native element. 

 In the Sump, or fish-box, it will live for a length of time, 

 more especially if the same be placed in clear and slowly 

 running water. 



The ide not unfrequently finds a place at the table of 

 the higher classes, and when properly prepared makes 

 a very palatable dish. As with the bream, it is eaten 

 fresh and salted, smoked and inlagd, that is, served up 

 cold, as mentioned, in its own gelatine, with vinegar, 

 pepper, &c. 



In my vicinity the spawning season of the. ide was 

 usually about the end of April or beginning of May, the 

 precise time depending, in degree at least, on the breaking 

 up of the ice. The lek is commonly held in grassy shallows, 

 in the bend of a river or brook ; or it may be in a flooded 

 morass, to which access is at times only obtainable by means 

 of a very confined passage. In these their journeys from the 



