60 ART OF ANGLING. 



pear the scales, which are very small, and close- 

 ly affixed to the skin ; the head is rather large, 

 the eyes small, and on each side the mouth is 

 placed a beard or wattle. 



The Tench, like the Carp and Perch, is re- 

 markably tenacious of life ; it is supposed by 

 some to lie, during the winter, in a torpid state, 

 concealed beneath the mud of the water which 

 it inhabits, being rarely taken during that sea- 

 son. In the months of May and June it depo- 

 sits its spawn among water plants ; it is con- 

 sidered as a very prolific species, and is said to 

 be of quick growth. According to the difference 

 or caprice of taste and fashion, the Tench is held 

 in greater or less repute ; but, generally speak- 

 ing, it is esteemed as a very delicate fish ; the 

 flesh of the male is firmer and richer than that 

 of the female, and therefore is preferred. It is in 

 season from the end of September to the middle 

 of May. 



The best time to angle for Tench is in April 

 and May, in warm cloudy weather ; and par- 

 ticularly if the wind disturbs the surface of the 

 water. Well-scoured worms and maggots, and 

 wasp-grubs, are the best baits ; when angling 

 for it continue throwing in a few worms, or 

 maggots, whichever you may use, to keep them 

 together : indeed, Tench and Carp partake very 

 much the nature of each other ; their haunts are 



