CHAPTER IX. 



OF THE CARP OR TENCH, 



This beautiful fish is not a native of our own country; but 

 as they have been imported from England by a number of 

 persons in many parts of the United States, for the purpose 

 of stocking their ponds, and protection having been given 

 them by the laws of the State of New-York, they will un- 

 doubtedly become an object of the Angler's pleasure, it will 

 be well to give some information of their habits, and the 

 modes of taking them in other countries. 



" The family of carps," says Smith, " is distinguished by 

 not possessing an adipose fin ; by a small mouth, and weak 

 jaws, destitute of teeth. The brancial rays are few ; the 

 body scaly ; the intestines short and without caecums. They 

 have a swimming bladder, divided into two sacks, somewhat 

 like an hour-glass, and live in fresh water, being harmless, 

 inoffensive, and quiet inhabitants. 



" In the United States we have not yet discovered the 

 true carp of Europe, which is so extensively bred in pleasure 

 grounds. Usually it grows to a length of 12 or 18 inches, 

 but in the stagnant waters of Persia, still larger. It is gene- 



