THE BREAM. 



333 



indeed, seems to be too thick, muddy, or even fetid, for the Tench to inhabit, and it 

 is rather curious that in such cases, even where the fishermen could scarcely endure 

 the stench of the mud adhering to their nets, the fish were larger sized and of remark- 

 ably sweet flavor. 



In the winter months the Tench is said to bury itself in the mud, and there to re- 

 main, in a semi-torpid condition, until the succeeding spring calls it again to life and 

 action. The color of the Tench is greenish olive, darker above than below, and with 

 a fine golden wash. 



ROACH. Leuclscus rutila. 

 BREAM. 'Abramls brama, 

 TENCH.-TYuta vulgaris. 



The BREAM is mostly found in rather large lakes or in slowly running rivers, the 

 lakes of Cumberland being favorite resorts of this fish. Although the flesh of the 

 Bream is not held in any great estimation, being poorly flavored and very full of bones, 

 so that, in spite of the great depth of its body, there is scarcely sufficient flesh to repay 

 the trouble of cooking, still, the fish was formerly in much repute as a delicacy ; so 

 that either the fish seems to have deteriorated, or the present generation to have be- 

 come more fastidious. Spring and autumn furnish the best Bream, and the flesh can 

 be dried something like that of the cod-fish. 



The color of the Bream is yellowish white, except the cheeks and gill-covers, which 

 have a silvery lustre without any tinge of yellow. Sometimes the Bream attains a 

 considerable size, reaching a weight of twelve or fourteen pounds. 



