Besides, all fishes that are what we term " out of sea- 

 son," that is, whose flesh loses its firmness, and in some 

 kinds its colour, are more or less in a state of periodical 

 disease ; and v/hen hooked, not only fail to display their 

 usual vigour, but even appear divested of that brilliancy 

 they derive from health and good condition. 



I shall, in the description of eaeh fish respectively, in~ 

 form the learner at what times they are out of season j an 

 object of some importance, since it is then next to useless 

 angling for them, as they neither take die bait freely^ 

 nor are worth sending to the kitchen. 



One observation should, however, be carried in mind, 

 viz. that all fishes in ponds are more or less valuable, ac- 

 cording to the extent of their waters, and as the bottoms 

 are more or less gravelly and firm. Such fishes as are bred 

 in spacious deep basons, or lakes, whose bottoms are not 

 muddy, approach nearly in perfection to those found in 

 streams. 



The larger and more rapid the stream, especially if the 

 waters be clear, and not impregnated with any mineral, 

 or other deleterious matter, the larger and more vigorous 

 will the fishes be, and, as before observed, their firmness 

 will correspond with their vigour* 



Some kinds of fish are apt to be muddy, even when 

 taken from waters that are tolerably pure; of this the 

 tench is a conspicuous instance. All eels that have very 

 yellow bellies, and generally those fishes whose scales are 

 of a duller colour than others of their kind, may be sus- 

 pected of a muddy flavour. 



This, however, may be chiefly, if not entirely, re- 

 moved, by keeping them alive in a tub, or other capa- 

 cious reservoir, of cler,r water 3 in two or three days, es- 

 pecially 



