CARP AND BREAM. 59 



Gesner reports that in Poland a certain and a 

 great number of large breams were put into a 

 pond, which, in the next following winter, was 

 frozen up into one entire ice, and not one drop 

 of water remaining, nor one of these fish to be 

 found, though they were diligently searched for ; 

 and yet, next spring, when the ice was thawed, 

 and the weather warm, and fresh water got into 

 the pond, he affirms they all appeared again. 

 This Gesner affirms, and I quote my author 

 because it seems almost as incredible as the 

 resurrection of an atheist ; but it may win some- 

 thing, in point of believing it, to him that con- 

 siders the breeding or renovation of the silkworm 

 and of many insects." WALTON. 



The Bream is close cousin to the carp, and, 

 like its congeners, loves large stretches of water. 

 All the members of this family do best in com- 

 paratively still water, and when their environment 

 is suitable, they grow and multiply exceedingly. 

 In winter they lie in the " deeps," but in summer 

 come to the warmer water-strata near the surface. 

 They swim in shoals, and at this time the back 

 fin is often apparent above the water. A " school " 

 of bream is an exceedingly pretty sight, and after 

 a hot day, they frequently indulge in evolutions, 

 just, as it would seem, for the love of the en- 

 joyment. They are rather omnivorous feeders, 



