OR, THE HOME-CULTURE OF FRESH-WATER PLANTS. 
arisen, however, from his French name, Roclie , that 
is, roch ; and “ sound as a rock 55 may possibly have 
been the original form of the saying. But as the 
Italians have a proverb, “ sano come il pesca” 
(sound as a fish), it seems that we may leave the 
English form of the same idea, “ sound as a roach,” 
undisturbed, for it is certain that he always looks 
positively gleaming with bright fresh health; the 
vivid orange circlet of the eye and the ruddy fins 
tending to increase that pleasing impression. 
Boach of from a quarter to half a pound are 
considered by the angler fine fish, quite above the 
usual run; hut Pennant refers to Boach of five 
pounds in weight. Jesse states that the largest ever 
taken in the Thames weighed three pounds; and 
old Izaak Walton tells us, in his quaint way, that 
he considered a Boach of two pounds worthy of 
“ particular attention.” 
The Pike (Plate IV., No. 4), may he added to the 
Aquarium without danger, if space should allow; 
hut he must he a small specimen, not much larger 
than the Boach, or the latter would stand hut little 
chance of exhibiting his personal charms for a very 
lengthened period. The Perch, the Carp, the 
Tench, and the Pike should, in fact, he selected of 
as nearly the same size as possible. Taking away 
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