66 AET OP ANGLING. 



somewhat gritty, about the roots of grass, osier 

 roots, &c. the milter, or male fish, by a natural 

 instinct, follows the spawner, and the milt, or soft 

 roe. is spread over the spawn, which thus becomes 

 impregnated. Carp at this season are frequently 

 seen swimming as it were in a circle, about the same 

 spot. The finest and calmest days are commonly 

 those on which Carp spawn; Providence having 

 thus made a provision for the greater security of 

 the fry of so useful a fish ; as otherwise, in a stormy 

 day, the spawn would be washed towards the banks, 

 where it would be eaten up by birds, trampled 

 under foot, or dried up by the heat of the sun. 

 The Carp is an extremely prolific fish, and the 

 quantity of roe is so great, that it is said to have 

 sometimes exceeded the weight of the emptied fish 

 itself, when weighed against it. 



The usual food of the Carp consists of worms 

 and aquatic insects ; it is so tenacious of life that it 

 may be kept for a very considerable time in any 

 damp place, though not immersed in water ; and it 

 is said to be sometimes fattened with success by 

 being enveloped in wet moss, suspended in a net, 

 and fed at intervals with white bread steeped in 

 milk; taking care to refresh it now and then by 

 throwing fresh water over the net in which it is 

 suspended. The age to which the Carp arrives is 



