THE ANGLER'S GUIDE. 67 



a peck of bran in it, and as you catch them 

 put them into it, shaking the bran over them 

 now and then. This keeps them from spoiling 

 one another, which they will do if you are not 

 very careful with them, for they are exceedingly 

 tender, and the weather in which you catch 

 them being warm, an hour or two will spoil 

 them. The best rivers to catch them are the 

 Lea and the Thames ; in the latter they often 

 run a very good size. The directions given in 

 the chapter on roach, with regard to cooking, 

 &c., will answer admirably for gudgeon. 



THE GUDGEON. 



When flowers of May 



Are seen smiling and gay, 

 While skylarks sing sweetly on high, 



And fair nature is dress' d 



In her loveliest vest, 

 'Tis time, then, for gudgeon to try. 



But some one may say 



In sarcastical way, 

 Who would be seen fishing for gudgeon ? 



But better there found, 



Than on culpable ground, 

 Or feeling a something like dudgeon. 



Whatever things please, 



If they harm not, nor tease, 

 Are not to be treated with scorn ; 



For pleasure is worth, 



And the smallest on earth 

 Should not be from us wantonly torn. 



