AND FISHING. 131 



STICKLEBACK. 



This fish, with the prickles cut off, is said to be 

 equal to the minnow, as a bait, and even supe- 

 rior in pond-fishing, for perch ; Walton considers 

 them preferable bait, as they are capable of 

 whirling round quicker ; there is one singularity 

 in the spawn of the stickleback, its ova are bigger 

 than those of the cod-fish. Daniel. 



Mr. Pennant observes, there is such an 

 amazing quantity of sticklebacks in the fens of 

 Lincolnshire, that they are used to manure the 

 land, men were paid three shillings per day for 

 selling them at one shilling and sixpence per 

 bushel. 



Gmelin likewise says, they are used to fatten 

 ducks, about Dantzig. They are frequently found 

 amongst the sprats and herrings. The stickleback 

 on the continent generally is of the length of three 

 inches, it rarely lives more than two years, and 

 is greatly tormented with worms. 



Donovan s British Fishes* 



