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ON THE PLACE OF FISH IN 



called conger-eel. It yieldeth gross excremental nourish- 

 ment as the common eel doth. It is a meat notwithstanding 

 pleasant to most men's palate, but is only convenient food 

 for those of strong stomach and firm body. To the phleg- 

 matic, those of weak stomach, subject to dropsy, gout and 

 stone, it is very hurtful. 



Lampreys. Lampreys are of some greatly esteemed, but very un- 



worthily; they are of the nature of eels, yet somewhat 

 wholesomer, not being so clammy or gross. They are 

 pleasant to taste, but not easily concocted. They give 

 much nourishment; but the same somewhat clammy and 

 tough, therefore they are not fit for weak stomach or those 

 suffering from obstruction. They also increase melancholy, 

 and are hurtful to the gouty and those with weak sinews. 

 The small lampreys are the best, they are not so tough, 

 and give most nourishment. 



Thornback. Thornback is of moist substance, of gross excrementall 

 and putrid juice; whereby it cometh to pass that it is a 

 meat of ill smell, unpleasant savour, unwholesome nourish- 

 ment, noisome to the stomach. The use breed eth cold 

 diseases, and epilepsy very speedily if it be eaten hot. The 

 noisome quality doth (as I think) in cooling sometimes 

 evaporate, and sooner arise being eaten hot, for that it is 

 a moist fish and full of superfluity. It is a meat fit for hard 

 labouring men. 



The tunie, porpuise and such like great bestial fish are of 

 very hard digestion, noisome to stomach, of a very gross 

 excremental and naughty juice. 



Herrings are somewhat pleasant to the taste, yet not 

 wholesome, as is often proved. Through eating fresh 

 herrings some quickly surfeit and fall into fevers. The salt 

 herring giveth saltish unprofitable nourishment. They are 

 good for them who want better meat. 



Pilchard. Pilchard is of like nature of herring, but of pleasanter 



taste and better nourishment. Yet it is not good for those 

 of weak stomach, or it soon cloyeth with a nauseatif fullness; 

 but, being well salted before using, the superfluity of their 



Tunie. 

 Porpoise. 



Herrings. 



