'NATURALIZATION OF FISHES. 217 



wastes of water with which our islands abound might be 

 turned to actual account. This want the silurus seems 

 likely to meet." The fish in question is described as 

 savagely predatory ; in view of which fact, and considering 

 our smaller species of catfish the opposite, as well as excel- 

 lent eating, and easily naturalized, I have suggested to 

 Mr. Francis the benefit to be derived from its acclimation 

 in such waters as the society he represents wishes to bring 

 into use. 



Mr. Francis was so taken with the idea that he commu- 

 nicated it to the " Field/' which published the letter sug- 

 gesting the introduction of the catfish. The matter has 

 created some interest with those who are interested in the 

 acclimatization of new species, and may lead to favorable 

 results. 



CYPRINID^. 



Of this family we have many native species, from the 

 bulky Buffalo fish to the little roach and redfin of our 

 small brooks ' } all of them are coarse or insipid, and in this 

 country are eaten only when other fish cannot be had. 

 In China, however, they are cultivated as they are in Ger- 

 many. The English Carp, it is said, unless taken from 

 lively rivers is not a good fish. What the carp (f the 

 Romans (who grew them to a prodigious size), was as to 

 edibility, it is hard to infer. They doubtless considered 

 them a luxury. After a long abstinence from piscine food, 

 I have on some occasions partaken of broiled suckers with 

 some relish when taken from cold streams. 

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