221 



Iiave far better sport with any of the above-mentioned 

 baits. T have noticed this lure (if it really be one), 

 that I may not appear deficient in regard to any matter 

 \vhich men- tend to inform the learner, or to diversify the 

 practice of the more experienced. 



Of the Tench. 



This is a very handsome fish, having a peculiar colour 

 xehen in season, which makes it appear in some points of 

 view as though bronzed. It is remarkably tenacious of 

 life, and may be conveyed, under proper management, 

 to a considerable distance. 



Being, however, more common in ponds than in rivers, 

 and remarkably fond of laying on a muddy slimy bottom, 

 k usually acquires a bad flavour, and requires to be kept 

 in clear water, in which it should be fed on crumbs, bran, 

 malt, or worms, for at least a week before it is consigned 

 to the kitchen. Such as are taken from hard bottoms, 

 but especially from gravelly rivers, are peculiarly deli- 

 cious. 



The tench is covered with a slimy or mucilaginous sub- 

 stance, which renders it very slippery : from the common 

 practice of other fishes to rub themselves against him, for 

 even the jack will do so, and never offer any violence, it 

 is supposed this slime possesses some peculiar qualities, 

 especially as only sick or wounded fishes resort to him 

 for, what we suppose to be, a cure. 



I rather think the slime acts merely in a mechanical 

 Banner, by sheathing the wounded parts after they have 

 been rubbed, and consequently become smeared there- 

 with i perhaps any other mucilage that would resist the 

 water, might be equally efficacious. 



L 3 Tills 



