122 A BOOK OF THE RUNNING BROOK: 



said, require some deep holes into which the fish 

 like to retire for either meditation or warmth, 

 and collectors serve this purpose admirably. 



In the edition of 1760 of " The Complete 

 Angler" there is a curious quotation from 

 Bowlker, , who was a great authority on fish- 

 ponds, in which he recommends : 



" When you intend to stock a pool with carp or tench, 

 make a close ethering hedge across the head of the pool 

 about a yard distance of the dam, and about three foot 

 above the water, which is the best refuge for them I know 

 of, and the only method to preserve pool-fish ; because, 

 if any one attempts to rob the pool, muddies the water, 

 or disturbs it with nets, most of the fish, if not all, imme- 

 diately fly between the hedge and the dam, to preserve 

 themselves ; and in all pools where there are such shelters 

 and shades the fish delight to swim backwards and for- 

 wards, through and round the same, rubbing and sporting 

 themselves therewith. This hedge ought to be made 

 chiefly of oris, and not too close, the boughs long, and 

 straggling towards the dam, by which means you may feed 

 and fatten them as you please." 



This hedge, in fact, served as a sort of col- 

 lector for the fish, and in the absence of any 

 better kind must have been very useful. 



Another thing which will be found a great 

 advantage in the adult pond is a fattening tank, 



