7 HE GUDGEON. 27 



It is customary for the puntsman to use a long, 

 heavy iron rake, with which he disturbs the bed of 

 the stream, thereby exposing the myriad of insects 

 and partially-developed forms of insect life on 

 which the gudgeons feed, and towards which they, 

 with small perch, ruffs, young barbel, and other 

 fishes, eagerly rush. For ourselves, we, upon the 

 principle of " nee Deus intersit" &c., prefer trying 

 a few swims before we rake. It is easy to see the 

 shoals of fish where they exist, and the bottom 

 being level and clear of weeds, to make your pitch 

 accordingly. When the appetite of what may 

 be called your invited guests is to some extent 

 satiated, it is time enough to use the rake, to call 

 distant friends and strangers to the feast 



This fish is in season from June. to September, 

 after which they retire to the deep holes, and are 

 rarely, if ever, taken remaining probably in a 

 semi-torpid state throughout the winter. It spawns 

 early in the season the end of March or beginning 

 of April. 



The gudgeon, properly dressed fried in oil, or 

 abundance of lard, we consider the best mode is 

 a dish worthy of an epicure, and a few hours may 

 occasionally be spent in capturing him with both 

 pleasure and profit. 



