30 BREAM. 



Bream are gregarious, and swim in herds of forty or 

 fifty brace. 



In form, the bream is broad and flat, with a small 

 head, smooth at the top, a sharp snout, large eyes, and 

 forked tail, of a dull purple colour, as are also the fins. 

 The scales are something like those of the carp, but the 

 fish is lighter in colour. 



The bream is not generally of a large size, the 

 weight running from 21bs. to 41bs. although they have 

 been taken of a much greater weight. It spawns in 

 May, and is in the highest season in March and April, 

 though it eats well enough in September. 



The bream affords the angler good sport, being a 

 strong fish, and not at all disposed to yield, while it has 

 a chance of getting away from the hook. 



" Surpris'd, amazed, 



He glitters in the sun, and struggling, pants 

 For liberty, till in the purer air 

 He breathes no more !" 



The flesh of the bream is not very highly prized, 

 but it may be rendered an agreeable dish, if pickled 

 like the salmon. It is usually stuffed, as carp or 

 tench. The choice parts are the head and belly. 



