130 THE AJ^GLER-NATUEALIST. 



brace of Tench of all sizes, and as many Perch, were found. 

 After the pond was thought to be quite free, under some 

 roots there seemed to be an animal which was conjectured 

 to be an otter : the place was surrounded ; and on opening 

 an entrance among the roots a Tench was found of most 

 singular form, having literally assumed the shape of the 

 hole in which he had of course for many years been con- 

 fined. His length from eye to caudal fork was 33 inches ; 

 his circumference, almost to the tail, was 27 inches ; his 

 weight 11 lbs. 9^ oz. : the colour was also singular, his 

 beUy being that of a Charr,. or vermilion. This extraordinary 

 fish, after having been inspected by many gentlemen, was 

 carefully put into a pond, and at the time this account was 

 written, twelve months afterwards, was alive and well." 



As to the gastronomic qualities of the Tench, opinions 

 differ. The fish, however, is white and firm, and is con- 

 sidered nutritious, — though, like the Eel, it would appear 

 to be palatable in a precisely inverse ratio to the cleanli- 

 ness of its abode, improving in gustatory attractions as it 

 approaches more nearly in colour and diet the composition 

 of its habitual mud. Thus, " Tench were taken out of 

 Munden Hall Fleet, Essex, which was so thick with weeds 

 that the flue-nets could hardly be sunk through them, and 

 where the mud was intolerably fetid and had dyed the fish 

 of its own hue, which was that of ink ; yet no Tench could 

 be better grown, or of a sweeter flavour." ..." In a clear 

 pond at Leigh's Priory a quantity of Tench were caught, of 

 about 3 lbs. weight each, of a colour the most golden and 



