TENCH. 
!27 
s , he insinuates one hand, which alone is used, under it just 
e ind the gills, and raises it gently, but yet rapidly, towards 
le surface of the water. In lifting it over the side of the boat, 
he takes care not to touch the gunwale 
is knuckles, as the slightest jar makes the captive flounce 
anc struggle. On being laid down the Tench often remains 
motion ess for full a minute, and then begins apparently to 
perceive the fraud practised upon it. The fisherman then, if 
he marked more than one Tench when the shoal dispersed, 
proceeds to search for it. If not he endeavours to start another 
by striking his pole against the side or bottom of the boat. The 
concussion moves other fish, when the same manceuvres are 
repeated In the course of a favourable day one fisherman 
^11 easily secure five or six dozen. The run, as it is termed, 
Veiy often the fish halts within five or six yards of the nlace 
a " good-sized fish is more easily taken than 
a SIllR.ll one. 
The shape of the Tench is generally thick and solid, but 
compressed at the sides; its breadth (or depth) being conveyed 
almost to the tail, and if our figure is less so, it isliccause of 
the form of the individual example. In England it does not 
often exceed four or five pounds in weight, but old fishes grow 
to a more considerable size, especially on the continent. The 
gape is moderate, jaws nearly equal, lips fleshy, without’ teeth; 
a slight barb at the corner; the palate is fleshy only on its 
posterior half. The back rises from the snout to the dorsal fin. 
Eye small; body clothed with small fine scales; the lateral line 
cliops at first, and then passes straight to the tail. Dorsal fin 
a little behind the middle of the body; as wide as long; anal 
eimd the termination of the dorsal; pectoral fin broad, and 
the ventrals rather so. Tail straight or a little rounded. Colour 
ot the back and fins rich dark brown; sides fulvous brown or 
yellow, lighter below. Eye red. The dorsal fin has nine rays, 
the first riiort, and the anal has the same; pectoral fourteen, 
ventral nine, caudal seventeen. 
