CHAP. xx. THE FIFTH DAY, 167 



or elm piles, which should be scorched in the fire, or half-burnt, 

 before they be driven into the earth ; for being thus used, it 

 preserves them much longer from rotting : and having done so, 

 lay faggots or bavins of smaller wood betwixt them, and then 

 earth betwixt and above them, and then having first very well 

 rammed them and the earth, use another pile in like manner as 

 the first were : and note, that the second pile is to be of or about 

 the height that you intend to make your sluice or flood-gate, or the 

 vent that you intend shall convey the overflowings of your pond 

 in any flood that shall endanger the breaking of the pond-dam. 



Then he advises, that you plant willows or owlers about it, or 

 both, and then cast ih bavins in some places, not far from the 

 side, and in the most sandy places, for fish both to spawn upon, 

 and to defend them and the young fry from the many fish, 

 and also from vermin that lie at watch to destroy them, espe- 

 cially the spawn of the carp and tench, when 'tis left to the 

 mercy of ducks or vermin. 



He and Dubravius, and all others advise, that you make 

 choice of such a place for your pond, that it may be refreshed 

 with a little rill, or with rain-water, running or falling into it ; by 

 which, fish are more inclined both to breed, andare also refreshed 

 and fed the better, and do prove to be of a v much sweeter and 

 more pleasant taste. 



To which end it is observed that such pools as be large, and 

 have most gravel and shallows where fish may sport themselves, 

 do afford fish of the purest taste. And note, that in all pools, it 

 is best for fish to have some retiring place ; as namely, hollow 

 banks, or shelves, or roots of trees, to keep them from clanger; 

 and when they think fit, from the extreme heat of the summer; 

 as also, from the extremity of cold in winter. And note, that if 

 many trees be growing about your pond, the leaves thereof, 

 falling into the water, make it nauseous to the fish, and the fish 

 to be so to the eater of it. 



Tis noted that "the tench and eel love mud: and the carp 

 loves gravelly ground, and in the hot months to feed on grass. 

 You are to cleanse your pojid, if you intend either profit or 

 pleasure, once every three or four years (especially some ponds), 



