76 ART OP ANGLING. 



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 remark- 

 ably 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 season. In the 

 months of May and June it deposits its spawn 

 among water plants; it is considered 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 speaking 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 April. 



The best time to angle for Tench is in March, 

 April and May, in warm cloudy weather; and 

 particulary 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 precisely the 

 same ; they may be angled for with similar baits, 

 and after the same manner. 



