26 
TKNCH. 
the temperature of the waterj which in the case here described 
was above seventy degrees. The growth of the Tench afterwards 
is speedy, so that in twelve months it may weigh from half a 
pound to a pound; and an instance is known where a Tench 
placed in a pond in six years and a half attained to the weight 
of four pounds and a half — which is what it most frequently 
reaches in England. 
We have not thought it necessary for the most part to 
describe the methods used in Britain in fishing for those species 
which inhabit our fresh waters, since there are numerous volumes 
which treat on this subject at greater length than our space 
will allow; hut we copy the following from the Eeverend RicLird 
Lubbock’s “Fauna of Norfolk,” because it includes a lively 
picture of some particulars of the nature of this fish: — 
“In Norfolk there are fishermen who for catching Tench in 
shallow water prefer their own hands, with a landing-net to be 
used occasionally, to any other engines. The day for this 
operation cannot be too calm or too hot. During the heats of 
summer, but especially at the time of spawning, Tench delight 
in lying near the surface of the water amongst beds of reeds; 
in such situations they are found in parties, varying from four 
or five to thirty in number. On the very near approach of a 
boat they strike away, dispersing in different directions, and 
then the sport of the Tench-catcher begins. He perceives where 
some partierdar fish has stopped in its flight, which is seldom 
more than a few yards; his guide in tliis is the bubble which 
rises generally where the fish stops. Approaching the place as 
gently as possible in his boat, which must be small, light, and 
steady in her bearings, he keeps her steady with his pole, and 
lying down with his head over the gunwale, and his right arm 
bared to the shoulder, taking advantage in his search, of light 
and shade, he gently with his fingers displaces the weeds, and 
endeavours to descry the Tench in his retreat. If the fisherman 
can see part of the fish, so as to determine which way the head 
lies, the certainty of capture is much increased; but if he cannot, 
immersing his arm, he feels slowly and cautiously about until 
he touches it; which, if done gently on head or body, is generally 
disregarded by this sluggish and stupid fish; but if the tail is 
the part molested, a dash away again is the usual consequence. 
Should the fisherman succeed in ascertaining the position of the 
