116 
THK PIKE, &C. 
from your hoke, and a flote in mid way betweene ; and cast 
it in a pytte where the pyke usyth ; and this is the beste and 
moost surest crafte of takynge the pyke.” In all probability 
they are natives of Englund as well as other parts of Europe. 
lie is certainly one of the oldest inhabitants of our own 
country, as he was well known to the natives, and in some 
parts is still called by the Indian name of Muscalinga. At all 
events, he does not need such restrictions for his preservation 
as were a short time since proposed in the Legislature of the 
State of New-York, for the protection of carp in the Hudson 
river. On a debate for the passage of a law to protect some 
newly imported fish of the carp species, a Mr. Bloss said: 
“ that he was in favor of a term of naturalization , not over 
five years, and so he would protect the fishy foreigner, 
at least for that space of time.” This well-timed joke caused 
so much merriment and good feeling amongst the members 
of the House, that the law of protection passed with but little 
opposition. 
The pike is also called the Tyrant of the Waters, the Wolf- 
Fish, and the Fresh Water Shark; and certainly, from his 
ravenous disposition, he well deserves all these names; and 
although not quite so voracious as that very peculiar bird, 
that devoured the boards, shavings, and even the jack-planes 
and hand-saws of the carpenter employed to fit up its cage, 
still his masticatory apparatus must be very powerful, and 
his digestive machinery equally strong, if all that is said of 
him be true. 
“ A thousand foes the finny people chase: 
Nor are they safe from their own kindred race : 
The Pike, fell tyrant of the liquid plain, 
With rav'nous waste devours his fellow train.” 
It is said that ih Germany a mule, while drinking from a 
pond, was seized at the mouth by a largo pike, and nearly 
