OBSERVATIONS OF THE NATURE AND 



lusty, and he is usually fatter and better meat at the end of 

 that month, than at any time of the year. 



Now you are to know, that it is observed, that usually the 

 best Trouts are either red or yellow ; though some, as the 

 Fordidge Trout, be white and yet good ; but that is not usual : 

 and it is a note observable, that the female Trout hath usually 

 a less head, and a deeper body than the male Trout ; and is 

 usually the better meat : and note, that a hog-back, and a little 

 head to either Trout, Salmon, or any other fish, is a sign that 

 that fish is in season. 



But yet you are to note, that as you see some willows or 

 palm-trees, bud and blossom sooner than others do, so some 

 Trouts be in rivers sooner in season : and as some hollies or 

 oaks are longer before they cast their leaves, so are some 

 Trouts in rivers longer before they go out of season. 



And you are to note, that there are several kinds of Trouts, 

 but these several kinds are not considered but by very few 

 men, for they go under the general name of Trouts : just as 

 Pigeons do in most places ; though it is certain there are tame, 

 and wild Pigeons : and of the tame, there be Helmits and Runts, 

 and Carriers, and Cropers, and indeed too many to name. Nay, 

 the Royal Society have found and published lately, that there 

 be thirty and three kinds of Spiders : and yet all, for aught I 

 know, go under that one general name of Spider. And 'tis so 

 with many kinds of fish, and of Trouts especially, which differ 

 in their bigness and shape, and spots and colour. The great 

 Kentish Hens may be an instance compared to other hens ; 

 and doubtless there is a kind of small Trout, which will never 

 thrive to be big, that breeds very many more than others do, 

 that be of a larger size ; which you may rather believe, if you 

 consider, that the little Wren and Titmouse will have twenty 

 young ones at a time, when usually the noble Hawk, or the 

 musical Thrassel or Black-bird, exceed not four or five. 



And now you shall see me try my skill to catch a Trout, 

 and at my next walking, either this evening, or to-morrow 

 morning, I will give you direction how you yourself shall fish 

 for him. 



VEN. Trust me, Master, I see now it is a harder matter to 

 catch a Trout than a Chub : for I have put on patience, and 

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