^96 
CARTILAGINEI. — AClPENSERIDiE. 
been taken of the weight of four hundred and 
sixty pounds ; and the Great Sturgeon attains 
a length of twenty feet, and a weight of two 
thousand pounds ; of which the roe, which con- 
stitutes its chief value, weighs one fourth part. 
The Sturgeon, when taken in the Thames, is 
called a Royal fish, by which is meant, that it 
ought to be, and formerly was, presented to the 
sovereign, for the royal table. The fiesh, which 
is much more solid than that of fish generally, is 
considered as a great delicacy ; it is usually stewed 
with a rich gravy, and is commonly compared to 
veal. It was held in high repute among the 
luxurious Romans, in the times of the empire : 
according to Pliny it was brought to table with 
much pomp, adorned with garlands ; the slaves 
who carried the dishes were also decorated in a 
similar manner, and marched to the sound of 
music. 
Caviare is prepared in the following way. The 
roes, taken out and placed in tubs, are cleansed 
with water ; the fibrous parts, by which the ova 
are connected, are removed, and the spawn is 
rinsed in white wine, or vinegar, and spread to 
dry. It is then put into a vessel and salted, 
being crushed down at the same time with the 
hands, and afterwards inclosed in linen bags to 
drain off the moisture. Finally, it is packed in 
tubs, pierced in the bottom, that any remaining 
moisture may yet drain ofiF, and closed down for 
domestic use or exportation. Sometimes it is 
said to be preserved, after having been salted and 
seasoned, by being rolled up into large balls, and 
immersed in vessels of oil ; or the rolls are in- 
closed in wax, so that the air may be more 
effectually excluded. 
