138 NATURALISTS CABINET. 



Singular tench taken at T hornville Royal. 



perhaps a few eels ; but, greatly to the surprise 

 of the persons employed, nearly two hundred 

 brace of tench, and as many of perch were dis- 

 covered. After the pond was supposed to be 

 quite cleared, an animal was observed to be un- 

 der some roots, which was conjectured to be an 

 otter. The place was surrounded, and on mak- 

 ing an opening, a tench was found of most sin- 

 gular form, having literally taken the shape of 

 the hole in which he had of course been many 

 years confined. His length was two feet nine 

 inches, his circumference two feet three inches, 

 and his weight near twelve pounds. The colour 

 was also singular, his belly being tinged with 

 vermilion; like that of a char. This extraordi- 

 nary fish, after having been examined by many 

 gentlemen, was carefully put into a pond. At 

 first it merely floated, and after a while it swam 

 gently away. When Mr. Daniel produced his 

 " Rural Sports" it was alive and well. 



Notwithstanding this account was authenti- 

 cated by persons of veracity, the following wit- 

 ticisms of incredulity, in prose and verse, ap- 

 peared in the public prints. 



<e The yel/ow-bellied TENCH of Thornville 

 House, in Yorkshire, which is supposed to have 

 lain so many centuries, and lived under the roots 

 of some ancient trees, without water, is to be 

 lirt'ssed at that celebrated mansion, as soon as an 

 instrument is procured in which a proper kettle of 

 jish inav be auide of this amphibious animal : it 



