CARP. 19 



of a rich scarlet; the anal fins, and the tail which is 

 forked are of the same colour, but a little paler. 



Perch, unlike most other voracious fish, swim in 

 shoals. They are fond of swift, clear rivers, with 

 pebbly or gravelly bottoms, as also those having sandy 

 and clayey soils. They prefer water moderately deep, 

 and frequent holes adjacent to gentle streams, where 

 there is an eddy; or the hollows under banks, and 

 amongst weeds and roots of trees, piles of bridges, &c. 

 They abound most in deep, dark, sluggish rivers. 

 They are seldom taken of a very large size in this 

 country, although one of 91bs. weight is said to have 

 been once caught in the Serpentine. The general size 

 of what is considered a good perch is from ten to six- 

 teen ounces. The perch is very tenacious of life, and 

 has been known to live for many hours after taken out 

 of the water, packed in dry straw. 



This fish is in season from June to November, but 

 is in finest condition in June and July. Its flesh is 

 very agreeable, being firm, easy of digestion, and 

 wholesome, except the liver, which should not be eaten. 

 The largest and fattest fish are accounted the finest, 

 but they are not so digestible as the smaller ones. 

 They may be cooked in a variety of ways, according 

 to the directions given for the cooking of Carp, which 

 see. 



SECT. VI. THE CARP. 

 Cyprinus Carpio. 



THIS fish is not fond of a rapid stream, but of a still, 



deep water, with a marly or clayey bottom, especially 



if there be green weeds about. In form, it is a bold, 



c 2 



