A HARD-WORKING DIET. 417 



am the fish which was first put into this lake by the 

 hands of the Governor of the Universe, Frederick II., 

 the 5th of October, 1230!" This fish was therefore 

 260 years of age, and weighed 350 Ibs. The skeleton, 

 nineteen feet in length, was preserved in Manheim as 

 a great curiosity. 



In Ireland they have been caught of 70 Ib. weight ; 

 but Isaac Walton says : " Such old or great fish have 

 in them no great goodness." 



Those of the Medway, when feeding on smelt, 

 acquire excellent condition and fine flavour. 



Found on coast of Cornwall ; its flesh is good food. Red Wrasse. 

 The Comber Wrasse is mentioned by Couch, Jago, and 

 Pennant as found on our coast, and good food. 



Though taking colour from its food is not injured Tench, 

 thereby. One taken at Munden Hall, Fleet, Essex, 

 was dyed black as ink from fetid lake, yet, when 

 eaten, none could taste sweeter, or be better grown. 

 Some caught at Leigh Priory of about 3 Ib. weight 

 looked beautiful, but when dressed smelt and tasted 

 so rank, and of a particular weed, no one could touch 

 them. 



Yarrell (Vol. II.) says of Holibut :- 

 Occasionally seen in London market, common on 

 coast of Ireland ; flesh firm and white, though dry, 

 muscular, fibre coarse, little flavour, head and fries 

 best part ; sold at low price by the Ib. 



VOL. I. H. 2 E 



