PIKE. 
157 
that grains of the roe of Pikes were deposited in the thatch 
of a cottage, where they remained for some years; and then, 
when this thatch had been thrown into a dry ditch, that 
afterwards Avas filled with rain, young Pikes were seen to be 
produced. It is certain at least that Pikes of some moderate 
size will leave the river or pond in which they have lived, 
and travel over land to some other water; but this alone cannot 
account for the fact that these fishes in a very early stage of 
existence have been found in these newly-formed pieces of 
water, to which, from their very small size, Ave cannot suppose 
them to have travelled over land. 
Much difference of opinion has existed in regard to the value 
set on the Pike for the table; so that Avhile in some districts 
It has been highly valued, in others it has been thought scarcely 
worthy of notice. But this Avill not be deemed strange when 
we consider the effect produced on the generality of fishes by 
the difference of food, of water, and even by the colour of the 
soil; and their health is also much influenced by the season 
of the year; for the Pike is said to be in a high condition 
only through the summer, from June to October. That it was 
known and greatly valued in England at a time far preceding 
that in which Leonard Mascal is reported to have introduced 
it, may be seen in the Book of St. Albans; and it is mentioned 
also by Chaueer. It AA^as also thought of sufficient importance 
in the reign of King Edivard the First as to be made, with 
other fishes, a subject of that king’s legislative meddling; and 
a further proof of the value set on the Pike, in company with 
Bream, is seen in an enormous feast given by Archbishop 
Neville, at his enthronation in the reign of Edward the Fourth, 
when six hundred and eight of these fishes, conjointly, were 
set before the guests, together Avith twelve porpoises and seals; 
but no ^ other fish, properly so called, was thought worthy of 
the notice of the guests. It is probable however that the high 
pnee fixed on it at that time is to be eonsidered rather as a proof 
of the prevalence of fashion than of the general esteem in which 
It Avas held; and it is further probable that it was the cost 
and skill bestowed on feeding it for the market, as we shall 
presently shew, that enhanced the price above that of many 
other fishes. 
M'e have it on the authority of Gesner and other writers of 
