82 A FISH DINNER. 



In rivers carp bite more boldly than they do in ponds ; 

 at any rate such is the case in the Thames, where they 

 are often taken when the angler is roach or barbel-fishing 

 in some parts. The favourite method of fishing for them 

 there is by a very light ledger with a pistol-bullet, and a 

 lump of paste, the foundation of which is, I am told, new 

 pound-cake, from which point of view doubtless the carp 

 may be called ' deyntous.' I do not, however, think the 

 carp is native to the Thames. Some years ago a good 

 many were turned in at Teddington, and there they cer- 

 tainly have thriven, and in the eddies by the weir (a 

 somewhat strange place for them to affect) they frequently 

 take the worm boldly, and show good sport ; no doubt 

 they might easily be increased in the Thames, and would 

 form an agreeable diversion if more general. 



The worst- of the carp is that you must be content with 

 your sport ; for when you have caught him (in England 

 at any rate, as far as my experience goes) he is not worth 

 eating, being a muddy, bony, woolly beast, on whom any 

 sauce or condiment is simply wasted. I shall never forget 

 a scene which occurred several years ago. My old friend 

 James Lowe, formerly editor of the * Critic,' and known to 

 readers of the ' Field ' in those days as ' the Chronicler,' 

 and myself^ caught by accident a fine carp of 7 Ibs. 

 weight. Jemmy was a great gourmet ; we would have a 

 great dinner on this carp. Invitations were issued for a 

 stately festival. The fish was taken to host Cooper of the 

 Albion, near Drury Lane, and directions given to spare no 

 expense in the preparation. Jemmy made many pilgrim- 

 ages to the perfidious tavern, and displayed great taste in 

 selecting choice vintages to accompany the regal delicacy. 

 The day came, and James, Mr. Crockford, the former 

 manager of the ' Field,' myself, and three others sat down 

 in a private room in great tate. 



