<B CEHAND3A>
<Q E3 IS HANDO WALTON>
<N COMPLEAT ANGLER>
<A WALTON IZAAK>
<C E3>
<O 1640-1710>
<M X>
<K X>
<D ENGLISH>
<V PROSE>
<T HANDB OTHER>
<G X>
<F X>
<W WRITTEN>
<X MALE>
<Y 60->
<H OTHER>
<U NON-PROF>
<E X>
<J INTERACTIVE>
<I X>
<Z INSTR SEC>
<S SAMPLE X>


[^WALTON, IZAAK.
THE COMPLEAT ANGLER, 1653-1676.
ED. J. BEVAN.
OXFORD: CLARENDON PRESS, 1983.
PP. 210.1 - 217.7   (SAMPLE 1)
PP. 292.1 - 299.10  (SAMPLE 2)^]

<S SAMPLE 1>
<P 210>
[}CHAP. II.}]

[}OBSERVATIONS OF THE OTTER AND CHUB.}]

(^Venat.^) My friend (^Piscator^) , you have kept time with my
thoughts, for the Sun is just rising, and I my self just now    #
come
to this place, and the dogs have just now put down an           #
(^Otter^) ;
look down at the bottom of the hill there in that Meadow,
chequered with (^water-Lillies^) , and (^Lady-smocks^) , there  #
you may
see what work they make; look, look, you may see all busie,
men and dogs, dogs and men, all busie.
(^Pisc.^) Sir, I am right glad to meet you, and glad to have so
fair an entrance into this dayes sport, and glad to see so many
dogs, and more men all in pursuit of the (^Otter^) ; lets       #
complement
no longer, but joyn unto them; come honest (^Venator^) , lets   #
be
gone, let us make hast; I long to be doing: no reasonable hedg
or ditch shall hold me.
(^Ven.^) Gentleman Huntsman, where found you this (^Otter^) ?
(^Hunt.^) Marry (Sir) we found her a mile from this place a
fishing; she has this morning eaten the greatest part of this
(^Trout^) ; she has only left thus much of it as you see, and   #
was
fishing for more; when we came we found her just at it: but we
were here very early, we were here an hour before Sun-rise,
and have given her no rest since we came; sure she will hardly
escape all these dogs and men. I am to have the skin if we kill
her.
(^Ven.^) Why, Sir, what's the skin worth?
(^Hunt.^) 'Tis worth ten shillings to make gloves; the gloves   #
of
an (^Otter^) are the best fortification for your hands that     #
can be
thought on against wet weather.
(^Pisc.^) I pray, honest Huntsman, let me ask you a pleasant
question, do you hunt a beast or a fish?
<P 211>
(^Hunt.^) Sir, It is not in my power to resolve you, I leave    #
it to
be resolved by the Colledge of (^Carthusians^) , who have made
vows never to eat flesh. But I have heard, the question hath
been debated among many great Clerks, and they seem to
differ about it; yet most agree that her tail is Fish: and if   #
her
body be Fish too, then I may say, that a Fish will walk upon
land, (for an (^Otter^) does so) sometimes five or six, or ten  #
miles in
a night to catch for her young ones, or to glut herself with    #
Fish,
and I can tell you that (^Pigeons^) will fly forty miles for a  #
breakfast,
but (^Sir^) , I am sure the (^Otter^) devours much Fish, and    #
kills and
spoils much more than he eats: And I can tell you, that this
Dog-fisher (for so the Latins call him) can smell a Fish in the
water an hundred yards from him ( (^Gesner^) says much farther)
and that his stones are good against the Falling-sickness: and
that there is an herb (^Benione^) , which being hung in a       #
linnen
cloth near a Fish-pond, or any haunt that he uses, makes him
to avoid the place; which proves he can smell both by water
and land; and I can tell you there is brave hunting this        #
Waterdog
in (^Corn-wall^) , where there have been so many, that our
learned (^Cambden^) says, there is a River called               #
(^Ottersey^) , which was
so named, by reason of the abundance of (^Otters^) that bred    #
and
fed in it.
   And thus much for my knowledg of the (^Otter^) , which you   #
may
now see above water at vent, and the dogs close with him; I
now see he will not last long, follow therefore my Masters,
follow, for (^Sweetlips^) was like to have him at this last     #
vent.
(^Ven.^) Oh me, all the Horse are got over the River, what      #
shall
we do now? shall we follow them over the water?
(^Hunt.^) No, (^Sir^) , no, be not so eager, stay a little and  #
follow
me, for both they, and the dogs will be suddenly on this side
again, I warrant you: and the (^Otter^) too, it may be: now     #
have
at him with (^Kilbuck^) , for he vents again.
<P 212>
(^Ven.^) Marry so he do's, for look he vents in that corner.    #
Now,
now (^Ringwood^) has him: now he's gone again, and has bit the
poor dog. Now (^Sweetlips^) has him; hold him (^Sweetlips^) !   #
now all
the dogs have him, some above and some under water; but
now, now he's tir'd, and past losing: come bring him to me,
(^Sweetlips^) . Look, 'tis a (^Bitch-Otter^) , and she has      #
lately whelp'd,
let's go to the place where she was (^put down^) , and not far  #
from it
you will find all her young ones, I dare warrant you, and kill
them all too.
(^Hunt.^) Come, Gentlemen, come all, let's go to the place
where we (^put down^) the (^Otter^) . Look you, hereabout it    #
was that
she kennel'd; look you, here it was indeed, for here's her      #
young
ones, no less than five; come let's kill them all.
(^Pisc.^) No, I pray Sir, save me one, and I'll try if I can    #
make
her tame, as I know an ingenious Gentleman in                   #
(^Leicester-shire^)
(Mr. (^Nich. Seagrave^) ) has done; who hath not only made her
tame, but to catch Fish, and do many other things of much
pleasure.
(^Hunt.^) Take one with all my heart, but let us kill the rest.
And now let's go to an honest Ale-house, where we may have a
cup of good (^Barley-wine^) , and sing (^Old Rose^) , and all   #
of us rejoyce
together.
(^Venat.^) Come my friend, (^Piscator^) , let me invite you     #
along
with us; I'll bear you charges this night, and you shall bear
mine to morrow; for my intention is to accompany you a day
or two in Fishing.
(^Pisc.^) Sir, your request is granted, and I shall be right    #
glad,
both to exchange such a courtesie, and also to enjoy your
company.
(^Venat.^) Well, now let's go to your sport of Angling.
(^Pisc.^) Let's be going with all my heart. God keep you all,
Gentlemen, and send you meet this day with another Bitch-Otter,
and kill her merrily, and all her young ones too.
(^Ven.^) Now, (^Piscator^) , where will you begin to fish?
<P 213>
(^Pisc.^) We are not yet come to a likely place, I must walk a
mile further yet, before I begin.
(^Venat.^) Well then, I pray, as we walk tell me freely, how do
you like your lodging and mine Hoste and the company? is not
mine Hoste a witty man?
(^Pisc.^) Sir, I will tell you presently what I think of your   #
Hoste;
but first I will tell you, I am glad these (^Otters^) were      #
killed, and I 
am sorry there are no more (^Otter-killers^) : for I know that  #
the
want of (^Otter-killers^) , and the not keeping the (^Fence     #
months^) for the
preservation of (^fish^) , will in time prove the destruction   #
of all
(^Rivers^) ; and those very few that are left, that make        #
conscience of
the Laws of the Nation, and of keeping days of abstinence, will
be forced to eat flesh, or suffer more inconveniences than are
yet foreseen.
(^Venat.^) Why, Sir, what be those you call the Fence
months?
(^Pisc.^) Sir, they be principally three, namely, (^March,      #
April^) ,
and (^May^) , for these be the usual months that (^Salmon^)     #
come out of
the Sea to spawn in most fresh Rivers, and their Fry would
about a certain time return back to the salt water, if they     #
were
not hindred by (^weres^) and (^unlawful gins^) , which the      #
greedy
Fisher-men set, and so destroy them by thousands, as they
would (being so taught by nature) change the (^fresh^) for      #
(^salt
water^) . He that shall view the wise Statutes made in the 13   #
of
(^Edw. the I.^) and the like in (^Rich. the III.^) may see      #
several
provisions made against the destruction of Fish: and though I
profess no knowledg of the Law, yet I am sure the regulation of
these defects might be easily mended. But I remember that a
wise friend of mine did usually say, (^That which is every      #
bodies
business, is no bodies business^) . If it were otherwise,       #
there could not
be so many Nets and Fish that are under the Statute size, sold
daily amongst us, and of which the (^conservators^) of the      #
waters
should be ashamed.
   But above all, the taking Fish in Spawning time, may be said
to be against nature; it is like the taking the dam on the nest
<P 214>
when she hatches her young: a sin so against nature, that
Almighty God hath in the Levitical Law made a Law against
it.
   But the poor Fish have enemies enough beside such
unnatural (^Fisher-men^) , as namely, the (^Otters^) that I     #
spake of, the
(^Cormorant^) , the (^Bittern^) , the (^Osprey^) , the          #
(^Sea-gull^) , the (^Hern^) , the
(^Kingfisher^) , the (^Gorrara^) , the (^Puet^) , the (^Swan,   #
Goose, Ducks^) , and the
(^Craber^) , which some call the Water-rat: against all which   #
any
honest man may make a just quarrel, but I will not, I will      #
leave
them to be quarreled with, and kill'd by others; for I am not   #
of
a cruel nature, I love to kill nothing but Fish.
   And now to your question concerning your Hoste, to speak
truly, he is not to me a good companion: for most of his        #
conceits
were either Scripture jests, or lascivious jests; for which I   #
count
no man witty, for the Devil will help a man that way inclined,
to the first; and his own corrupt nature (which he always 
carries with him) to the latter. But a companion that feasts    #
the
company with (^wit^) and (^mirth^) , and leaves out the sin     #
(which is
usually mixt with them) he is the man; and indeed such a 
companion should have his charges born: and to such
company I hope to bring you this night; for at (^Trout-hall^) , #
not
far from this place, where I purpose to lodge to night,         #
there is
usually an Angler that proves good company: and let me tell
you, good company and good discourse are the very sinews of
vertue: but for such discourse as we heard last night, it       #
infects
others; the very boys will learn to talk and swear as they      #
heard
mine Host, and another of the company that shall be nameless;
I am sorry the other is a Gentleman, for less Religion will not
save their Souls than a beggars; I think more will be required
at the last great day. Well, you know what Example is able to
do, and I know what the Poet says in the like case, which is
worthy to be noted by all parents and people of civility:
[^VERSE OMITTED^]
<P 215>
[^VERSE OMITTED^] 
   This is reason put into Verse, and worthy the consideration
of a wise man. But of this no more, for though I love civility,
yet I hate severe censures: I'le to my own art, and I doubt not
but at yonder tree I shall catch a (^Chub^) , and then we'l     #
turn to an
honest cleanly Hostess, that I know right well; rest our selves
there, and dress it for our dinner.
(^Venat.^) Oh Sir, a (^Chub^) is the worst Fish that swims, I   #
hoped
for a (^Trout^) to my dinner.
(^Pisc.^) Trust me, (^Sir^) , there is not a likely place for   #
a (^Trout^)
hereabout, and we staid so long to take our leave of your
Huntsmen this morning, that the Sun is got so high, and shines
so clear, that I will not undertake the catching of a           #
(^Trout^) till 
evening; and though a (^Chub^) be by you and many others
reckoned the worst of (^fish^) , yet you shall see I'll make    #
it a good
Fish, by dressing it.
(^Ven.^) Why, how will you dress him?
(^Pisc.^) I'll tell you by and by, when I have caught him. Look
you here, Sir, do you see? (but you must stand very close)      #
there
lye upon the top of the water in this very hole twenty          #
(^Chubs^) : I'll
catch only one, and that shall be the biggest of them all: and
that I will do so, I'll hold you twenty to one, and you shall   #
see
it done.
(^Venat.^) I marry Sir, now you talk like an Artist, and I'll   #
say
you are one, when I shall see you perform what you say you 
can do; but I yet doubt it.
(^Pisc.^) You shall not doubt it long, for you shall see me do  #
it
presently: look, the biggest of these (^Chubs^) has had some    #
bruise
upon his tail, by a Pike or some other accident, and that looks
like a white spot; that very (^Chub^) I mean to put into your   #
hands
presently; sit you but down in the shade, and stay but a little
while, and I'le warrant you I'le bring him to you.
<P 216>
(^Venat.^) I'le sit down and hope well, because you seem to be
so confident.
(^Pisc.^) Look you Sir, there is a tryal of my skill, there he  #
is,
that very (^Chub^) that I shewed you with the white spot on his
tail: and I'le be as certain to make him a good dish of         #
meat, as
I was to catch him. I'le now lead you to an honest Ale-house
where we shall find a cleanly room, (^Lavender^) in the         #
Windows,
and twenty (^Ballads^) stuck about the wall; there my Hostess
(which I may tell you, is both cleanly and handsome and civil)
hath drest many a one for me, and shall now dress it after my
fashion, and I warrant it good meat.
(^Ven.^) Come Sir, with all my heart, for I begin to be hungry,
and long to be at it, and indeed to rest my self too; for       #
though I 
have walk'd but four miles this morning, yet I begin to be
weary; yesterdays hunting hangs still upon me.
(^Pisc.^) Well Sir, and you shall quickly be at rest, for       #
yonder is
the house I mean to bring you to.
   Come Hostess, how do you? Will you first give us a cup of
your best drink, and then dress this (^Chub^) , as you drest    #
my last,
when I and my friend were here about eight or ten days ago?
but you must do me one courtesie, it must be done instantly.
(^Host.^) I will do it, Mr. (^Piscator^) , and with all the     #
speed I can.
(^Pisc.^) Now Sir, has not my Hostess made hast? and does not
the fish look lovely?
(^Ven.^) Both, upon my word, Sir, and therefore let's say grace
and fall to eating of it.
(^Pisc.^) Well Sir, how do you like it?
(^Ven.^) Trust me, 'tis as good meat as I ever tasted: now let  #
me
thank you for it, drink to you, and beg a courtesie of you;     #
but it
must not be deny'd me.
(^Pisc.^) What is it I pray Sir? you are so modest, that        #
methinks
I may promise to grant it before it is asked.
(^Ven.^) Why Sir, it is, that from henceforth you would allow
me to call you (^Master^) , and that really I may be your       #
Scholar.
for you are such a companion, and have so quickly caught, and
<P 217>
so excellently cook'd this fish, as makes me ambitious to be
your Scholar.
(^Pisc.^) Give me your hand; from this time forward I will be
your Master, and teach you as much of this Art as I am able;
and will, as you desire me, tell you somewhat of the nature of
most of the Fish that we are to angle for; and I am sure I both
can and will tell you more than any common (^Angler^) yet       #
knows. 


<S SAMPLE 2>

<Q E3 IS HANDO WALTON>
<N COMPLEAT ANGLER>
<A WALTON IZAAK>
<C E3>
<O 1640-1710>
<M X>
<K X>
<D ENGLISH>
<V PROSE>
<T HANDB OTHER>
<G X>
<F X>
<W WRITTEN>
<X MALE>
<Y 60->
<H OTHER>
<U NON-PROF>
<E X>
<J X>
<I X>
<Z INSTR SEC>

<P 292>
[}CHAP. IX.}]

[}OBSERVATIONS OF THE CARP, WITH DIRECTIONS
HOW TO FISH FOR HIM.}]
 
(^Pisc.^) The (^Carp^) is the Queen of Rivers: a stately, a     #
good, and
a very subtil fish, that was not at first bred, nor hath been   #
long
in (^England^) , but is now naturalized. It is said, they were  #
brought
hither by one Mr. (^Mascal^) a Gentleman, that then lived at
(^Plumsted^) in (^Sussex^) , a County that abounds more with    #
this fish
than any in this Nation.
   You may remember that I told you, (^Gesner^) says, there     #
are no
(^Pikes^) in (^Spain^) ; and doubtless, there was a time,       #
about a
hundred or a few more years ago, when there were no (^Carps^)   #
in
(^England^) , as may seem to be affirmed by S. (^Richard        #
Baker^) , in
whose Chronicle you may find these Verses.

(^Hops and Turkies, Carps and Beer
Came into^) England (^all in a year.^)

   And doubtless as of Sea-fish the (^Herring^) dies soonest    #
out of
the water, and of fresh-water-fish the (^Trout^) , so (except   #
the (^Eel^) )
the (^Carp^) endures most hardness, and lives longest out of    #
his own
proper Element. And therefore the report of the Carps being
brought out of a forraigne Country into this Nation is the more
probable.
   Carps and Loaches are observed to Breed several months in
<P 293>
one year, which Pikes and most other fish do not. And this is
partly proved by tame and wild (^Rabbets^) , as also by some    #
(^Ducks^) ,
which will lay eggs nine of the twelve months, and yet there be
other (^Ducks^) that lay no longer than about one month. And    #
it is
the rather to be believed, because you shall scarce or never
take a (^Male-Carp^) without a (^Melt^) , or a (^Female^)       #
without a (^Roe^) or
(^spawn^) , and for the most part very much; and especially     #
all the
Summer season; and it is observed, that they breed more
naturally in ponds than in running waters, (if they breed there
at all); and those that live in Rivers are taken by men of
the best palats to be much the better meat.
   And it is observed, that in some ponds (^Carps^) will not    #
breed,
especially in cold ponds; but where they will breed, they breed
innumerably; (^Aristotle^) and (^Pliny^) say, six times in a    #
year, if there
be no (^Pikes^) nor (^Pearch^) to devour their Spawn, when it   #
is cast
upon grass, or flags or weeds, where it lies ten or twelve      #
dayes
before it be enlivened.
   The (^Carp^) , if he have water-room and good feed, will     #
grow to 
a very great bigness and length: I have heard, to be much
above a yard long. 'Tis said, (by (^Jovius^) , who hath writ of
Fishes) that in the lake (^Lurian^) in (^Italy, Carps^) have    #
thriven to
be more than fifty pound weight, which is the more probable,
for as the (^Bear^) is conceiv'd and born suddenly; and being   #
born
is but short-liv'd: So on the contrary, the (^Elephant^) is     #
said to be
two years in his dams belly (some think he is ten years in it)  #
and
being born grows in bigness twenty years; and 'tis observ'd
too that he lives to the Age of a hundred years. And 'tis also
observ'd that the (^Crocodile^) is very long-liv'd, and more    #
than
that, that all that long life he thrives in bigness, and so I   #
think
some (^Carps^) do, especially in some places; though I never    #
saw
one above 23. inches, which was a great and goodly Fish: But
have been assured there are of a far greater size, and in       #
(^England^)
too.
   Now, as the increase of (^Carps^) is wonderful for their     #
number;
so there is not a reason found out, I think by any, why they
should breed in some Ponds, and not in others of the same
<P 294>
nature, for soil and all other circumstances: and as their
breeding, so are their decays also very mysterious: I have      #
both 
read it, and been told by a Gentleman of tryed honesty, that he
has known sixty or more large (^Carps^) put into several ponds
near to a house, where by reason of the stakes in the ponds,    #
and
the Owners constant being near to them, it was impossible they
should be stole away from him: and that when he has after
three or four years emptyed the pond, and expected an
increase from them by breeding young ones (for that they
might do so, he had, as the rule is, put in three Melters for   #
one
Spawner) he has, I say, after three or four years, found        #
neither
a young nor old (^Carp^) remaining. And the like I have known   #
of
one that has almost watched the pond, and at a like distance of
time, at the fishing of a pond, found of seventy or eighty      #
large
(^Carps^) not above five or six: and that he had forborn        #
longer to
fish the said pond, but he saw in a hot day in Summer, a
large (^Carp^) swim near the top of the water with a Frog upon  #
his
head, and that he upon that occasion caused his pond to be let
dry: and I say, of seventy or eighty (^Carps^) , only found     #
five or six
in the said pond, and those very sick and lean, and with every
one a Frog sticking so fast on the head of the said             #
(^Carps^) , that
the (^Frog^) would not be got off without extreme force or      #
killing:
and the Gentleman that did affirm this to me, told me he saw
it, and did declare his belief to be, (and also I believe the   #
same)
that he thought the other (^Carps^) that were so strangely      #
lost, were
so killed by frogs, and then devoured.
   And a person of honour now living in (^Worcestershire^)      #
assur'd
me he had seen a necklace or collar of Tadpoles hang like a
chaine or necklace of beads about a (^Pikes^) neck, and to      #
kill him;
whether it were for meat or malice, must be to me a question.
   But I am faln into this Discourse by accident, of which I 
might say more, but it has proved longer than I intended, and
possibly may not to you be considerable; I shall therefore give
you three or four more short observations of the (^Carp^) ,     #
and then
fall upon some directions how you shall fish for him.
   The age of Carps is by Sir (^Francis Bacon^) (in his         #
History of Life
<P 295>
and Death) observed to be but ten years; yet others think they
live longer. (^Gesner^) saies a (^Carp^) has been known to      #
live in the
(^Palatinate^) above a hundred years: But most conclude, that
(contrary to the (^Pike^) or (^Luce^) ) all (^Carps^) are the   #
better for age and
bigness; the Tongues of (^Carps^) are noted to be choice and    #
costly
meat, especially to them that buy them: but (^Gesner^) saies,   #
(^Carps^)
have no tongue like other Fish, but a piece of flesh-like-Fish  #
in
their mouth like to a tongue, and should be called a palate:    #
But
it is certain it is choicely good, and that the (^Carp^) is to  #
be
reckoned amongst those leather-mouthed fish, which I told
you have their teeth in their throat, and for that reason he is
very seldom lost by breaking his hold, if your hook be once
stuck into his chaps.
   I told you that Sir (^Francis Bacon^) thinks that the        #
(^Carp^) lives but
ten years, but (^Janus Dubravius^) has writ a Book of Fish and  #
Fishponds,
in which he saies, That (^Carps^) begin to Spawn at the age
of three years, and continue to do so till thirty: he says      #
also,
That in the time of their breeding, which is in Summer, when
the Sun hath warmed both the earth and water, and so apted
them also for generation; that then three or four               #
Male- (^Carps^)
will follow a Female; and that then she putting on a seeming
coyness, they force her through weeds and flags, where she lets
fall her Eggs or Spawn, which sticks fast to the weeds; and     #
then
they let fall their Melt upon it, and so it becomes in a short
time to be a living Fish; and as I told you, it is thought the
(^Carp^) does this several months in the year, and most         #
believe that
most fish breed after this manner, except the Eel: and it has
been observed, that when the Spawner has weakned her self by
doing that natural office, that two or three Melters have       #
helped
her from off the weeds, by bearing her up on both sides, and
guarding her into the deep. And you may note, that though
this may seem a curiosity not worth observing, yet others have
judged it worth their time and costs, to make                   #
(^Glass-hives^) , and
order them in such a manner as to see how (^Bees^) have bred    #
and
<P 296>
made their (^Honey-combs^) , and how they have obeyed their     #
King,
and governed their Common-wealth. But it is thought that all
(^Carps^) are not bred by generation, but that some breed other
ways, as some (^Pikes^) do.
   The Physicians make the (^galls^) and (^stones^) in the      #
heads of
(^Carps^) to be very medicinable; but 'tis not to be doubted    #
but
that in (^Italy^) they make great profit of the Spawn of        #
(^Carps^) , by
selling it to the (^Jews^) , who make it into red               #
(^Caviare^) , the (^Jews^)
not being by their Law admitted to eat of (^Caviare^) made of   #
the
(^Sturgeon^) , that being a Fish that wants scales, and (as may
appear in (^Levit.^) 11.) by them reputed to be unclean.
   Much more might be said out of him, and out of               #
(^Aristotle^) ,
which (^Dubravius^) often quotes in his Discourse of Fishes;    #
but it
might rather perplex than satisfie you, and therefore I shall
rather chuse to direct you how to catch, than spend more time
in discoursing either of the nature or the breeding of this
(^Carp^) ,

[^FIGURE OMITTED^]

or of any more circumstances concerning him; but yet I shall
remember you of what I told you before, that he is a very       #
subtil
Fish, and hard to be caught.
   And my first direction is, that if you will Fish for a       #
(^Carp^) , you
must put on a very large measure of (^patience^) ; especially   #
to fish
for a (^River Carp^) : I have known a very good Fisher angle
diligently four or six hours in a day, for three or four daies
together for a (^River Carp^) , and not have a bite: and you    #
are to
note, that in some ponds it is as hard to catch a Carp as in a
River; that is to say, where they have store of feed, and the
<P 297>
water is of clayish colour: But you are to remember, that I
have told you there is no rule without an exception, and
therefore being possest with that hope and patience which I
wish to all Fishers, especially to the (^Carp-Angler^) , I      #
shall tell you
with what bait to fish for him. But first you are to know,      #
that it
must be either early or late; and let me tell you, that in hot
weather (for he will seldom bite in cold) you cannot be too
early or too late at it. And some have been so curious as to    #
say,
the 10. of (^April^) is a fatal day for Carps.
   The Carp bites either at worms or at paste; and of worms I
think the blewish Marsh or Meadow worm is best; but possibly
another worm not too big may do as well, and so may a green 
Gentle: And as for pastes, there are almost as many sorts as
there are Medicines for the Toothach, but doubtless sweet
pastes are best; I mean, pastes made with honey or with sugar:
which, that you may the better beguile this crafty Fish, should
be thrown into the Pond or place in which you fish for him
some hours or longer before you undertake your tryal of skill
with the Angle-rod: and doubtless if it be thrown into the
water a day or two before, at several times and in small        #
pellets,
you are the likelier when you fish for the Carp to obtain your
desired sport; or in a large Pond to draw them to any certain
place, that they may the better and with more hope be fished
for, you are to throw into it in some certain place, either     #
Grains
or Blood mixt with Cow dung, or with Bran; or any Garbage,
as Chickens guts or the like, and then some of your small sweet
pellets with which you purpose to angle: and these small
pellets being a few of them also thrown in as you are Angling
will be the better.
   And your paste must be thus made: Take the flesh of a
Rabbet or Cat cut small, and Bean-flowre, and if that may not
be easily got, get other flowre, and then mix these together,
and put to them either Sugar, or Honey, which I think better,
and then beat these together in a Mortar, or sometimes work
them in your hands, (your hands being very clean) and then
<P 298>
make it into a Ball, or two, or three, as you like best for     #
your
use; but you must work or pound it so long in the Mortar, as to
make it so tough as to hang upon your hook without washing
from it, yet not too hard; or that you may the better keep it   #
on
your hook, you may knead with your paste a little (and not
much) white or yellowish wool.
   And if you would have this paste keep all the year for any
other Fish, then mix it with (^Virgin wax^) and (^clarified     #
honey^) , and
work them together with your hands before the Fire, then 
make these into balls, and they will keep all the year.
   And if you fish for a Carp with Gentles, then put upon your
hook a small piece of Scarlet about this bigness [^FIGURE       #
OMITTED^] , it being
soked in, or anointed with (^Oyl of Peter^) , called by some    #
(^Oyl of the
Rock^) ; and if your Gentles be put two or three dayes before   #
into
a box or horn anointed with honey, and so put upon your hook
as to preserve them to be living, you are as like to kill this  #
crafty
fish this way as any other. But still as you are fishing chaw a
little white or brown bread in your mouth, and cast it into the
pond about the place where your Flote swims. Other baits
there be, but these with diligence, and patient watchfulness,
will do it better than any that I have ever practised, or       #
heard of:
And yet I shall tell you, that the crumbs of white bread and
honey made into a paste is a good bait for a (^Carp^) , and     #
you know
it is more easily made. And having said thus much of the        #
(^Carp^) ,
my next discourse shall be of the (^Bream^) , which shall not   #
prove
so tedious, and therefore I desire the continuance of your
attention.
   But first I will tell you how to make this (^Carp^) that is  #
so
curious to be caught, so curious a dish of meat, as shall make
him worth all your labour and patience; and though it is not
without some trouble and charges, yet it will recompence both.
   (^Take a^) Carp (^(alive if possible) scour him, and rub     #
him clean with
water and salt, but scale him not, then open him, and put him   #
with his
bloud and his liver (which you must save when you open him)     #
into a
small pot or kettle; then take sweet Marjoram, Time and         #
Parsley, of
each half a handful, a sprig of Rosemary, and another of        #
Savoury, bind
them into two or three small bundles, and put them to your      #
Carp, with
<P 299>
four or five whole Onyons, twenty pickled Oysters, and three    #
Anchovies.
Then pour upon your Carp as much Claret wine as will only       #
cover him;
and season your Claret well with salt, Cloves and Mace, and     #
the rinds of
Oranges and Lemons, that done, cover your pot and set it on a   #
quick-fire,
till it be sufficiently boiled; then take out the Carp and lay  #
it with the
broth into the dish, and pour upon it a quarter of a pound of   #
the best fresh
butter melted and beaten, with half a dozen spoonfuls of the    #
broth, the
yolks of two or three eggs, and some of the herbs shred;        #
garnish your dish
with Lemons and so serve it up, and much good do you.^)
Dr. T.



