THE PIKE FAMILY. 235 



of moderate depth, and not too much acted upon by the 

 current. As a general rule, Pike will be found during the 

 summer in or close upon the streams, and in winter, after 

 the first heavy flood, in the large eddies and deeps. At 

 the latter season the fish feed best about mid-day, with a 

 breeze and a warm sun; and in the summer months, at 

 morning and evening, with a cloudy sky and plenty of wind. 

 A hot, sultry day is always inimical to success in Pike- 

 fishing ; as also a muddy or flooded state of the water : a 

 full water, however, if not discoloured, is very favourable. 



As regards both game and edible qualities the pond 

 Pike bears no comparison to its river congener, standing in 

 about the same relationship that the Pike of Holland does 

 to that of England. This distinction was once amusingly 

 illustrated by a fishmonger : " You see, sir," said he, " we 

 reckon it 's pretty much about the same as the difference 

 between an Englishman and a Dutchman." 



The British fish, however, differ materially in point of 

 excellence according to the quality of the water and the 

 nature of the food. Those produced by the Thames are 

 firm and of good flavour. " Horsea Pike, none like," has 

 been a well-known proverb for upwards of a century ; and 

 the fish of the Medway, which, near the mouth of the 

 river, feed upon Smelts, are supposed to possess a particu- 

 larly fine taste in consequence. Probably the worst Pike 

 are those bred in the Scotch lochs. 



When in high season, the general colour of the fish is 

 green, spotted with bright yellow, whilst the gills are of a 



