FISHES. 393 
has very small teeth, and a broad tongue; the tail id 
widely spread as well as the fins, which are inclined to a 
reddish tint. Those that live in rivers and running 
streams are most approved, as those which inhabit pools 
and ponds have generally a muddy and disagreeable 
taste. Though so cunning in general as to be called the 
River Fox, yet at spawning time they surfer themselves 
to be tickled and caught without attempting to escape. 
It is said that Carp were first brought to England about 
three hundred years ago. They are very tenacious of 
life, and at the inns in Holland they are often kept alive 
a month or six weeks, by being laid on wet moss in a net, 
which is hung from the ceiling in an airy place, and being 
fed with bread and milk. The moss is kept moist, and 
water is thrown over the fish twice a day. 
Carp is always considered a delicacy for the table, es- 
pecially when stewed in port wine ; and it appears to have 
been long held in high estimation on that account, as we 
find from the privy purse expences of Henry VIII., that 
sturdy monarch was exceedingly fond or Carp. 
In genial spring, beneath the quivering shade, 
Where cooling vapours breathe along the mead, 
The patient fisher takes his silent stand 
Intent, his angle trembling in his hand ; 
With looks unmoved he seeks the scaly breed, 
And eyes the dancing cork and bending reed. 
Our plenteous streams a various race supply, 
The bright-eyed perch with fins of Tyrian dye ; 
The silver eel, in shining volumes roll'd, 
The yellow Carp in scales bedropp'd with gold ; 
Swift trouts, diversified with crimson stains ; 
And pikes, the tyrants of the watery plains. 
POPE. 
