228 THE TENCti. 



waters they inhabit; in clear waters they are generally of a brown- 

 ish olive green cast on the back, growing lighter and assuming a 

 most resplendent golden cast on the sides, becoming still lighter 

 towards the belly ; but in muddy waters the colours are generally 

 darker and less brilliant. 



But it seems that the colour is not always the criterion of their 

 goodness, nor will the clearest waters always procure those of the 

 finest flavour. In a pond at Leigh Priory, a quantity of fine tench 

 were caught presenting a beautiful exterior, yet they tasted so 

 strong of a particular weed as not to be eatable : whilst others, that 

 were taken out of a pond at Munden Hall fleet in Essex, that was 

 choked up with weeds and black stinking mud, were exceedingly 

 well tasted ; although the mud had imparted its colour to every fish, 

 which in fact were as black as the very mud itself. But tench 

 will lose their rank muddy taste if removed to more healthy waters, 

 which from their tenacity of life can generally be accomplished with* 

 out much difficulty ; as these fish will live for several hours out of 

 water, and may with safety be transported for several miles, over 

 land, or sea either, if necessary. The best plan I know of curing a 

 rank taste either in this or any other fish, is to sew up a piece of 

 bread in the belly of the fish while dressing, which must be remov- 

 ed before it is sent to table, which will generally then be found to 

 have totally absorbed the muddy flavour. 



Tench will grow to a very large size, and that too in waters of 

 very limited dimensions. Thus we read in Daniel's Rural Sports, 

 that in a pond at Thornville Royal, which was almost choked up 

 with mud, weeds, and rubbish, so that very little water remained, 

 several tench and also perch were found, and amongst others a 

 perfect monster of a tench weighing more than eleven pounds. 



After the pond was thought to be quite free, under some roots 

 there seemed to be an animal which was conjectured to be an otter. 

 The place was surrounded, and on opening an entrance among the 

 roots, a tench was found of a most singular form, having literally 

 assumed the shape of the hole in which he had been for so many 

 years confined; the colour on the belly was also singular, being of 

 a perfect vermilion. It seemed otherwise to be in a healthy state ; 

 but how it contrived to obtain a supply of food in its contracted 

 prison, is a matter of some surprise, as we can scarcely suppose 

 him indebted for his sustenance to the charity of his neighbours. 

 A physician in prison is rarely visited or supported by his patients j 



