<P_210>

<heading>

CHAP. II . (WALTON-E3-H,210.3)

OBSERVATIONS OF THE OTTER AND CHUB . (WALTON-E3-H,210.4)

</heading>

<font> Venat. </font> My friend <font> Piscator </font> , you have kept
time with my thoughts , (WALTON-E3-H,210.6)

for the Sun is just rising , (WALTON-E3-H,210.7)

and I my self just now come to this place , (WALTON-E3-H,210.8)

and the dogs have just now put down an <font> Otter </font> ;
(WALTON-E3-H,210.9)

look down at the bottom of the hill there in that Meadow , chequered
with <font> water-Lillies </font> , and <font> Lady-smocks </font> ,
(WALTON-E3-H,210.10)

there you may see what work they make ; (WALTON-E3-H,210.11)

look , look , (WALTON-E3-H,210.12)

you may see all busie , men and dogs , dogs and men , all busie .
(WALTON-E3-H,210.13)

<font> Pisc. </font> 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 <font> Otter </font> ;
(WALTON-E3-H,210.14)

$let $'s {TEXT:let's} complement no longer , but joyn unto them ;
(WALTON-E3-H,210.15)

come honest <font> Venator </font> , (WALTON-E3-H,210.16)

$let $'s {TEXT:let's} be gone , (WALTON-E3-H,210.17)

let us make hast ; (WALTON-E3-H,210.18)

I long to be doing : (WALTON-E3-H,210.19)

no reasonable hedg or ditch shall hold me . (WALTON-E3-H,210.20)

<font> Ven. </font> Gentleman Huntsman , where found you this <font>
Otter </font> ? (WALTON-E3-H,210.21)

<font> Hunt. </font> Marry <paren> Sir </paren> we found her a mile
from this place a fishing ; (WALTON-E3-H,210.22)

she has this morning eaten the greatest part of this <font> Trout
</font> ; (WALTON-E3-H,210.23)

she has only left thus much of it as you see , (WALTON-E3-H,210.24)

and was fishing for more ; (WALTON-E3-H,210.25)

when we came we found her just at it : (WALTON-E3-H,210.26)

but we were here very early , (WALTON-E3-H,210.27)

we were here an hour before Sun-rise , (WALTON-E3-H,210.28)

and have given her no rest since we came ; (WALTON-E3-H,210.29)

sure she will hardly escape all these dogs and men .
(WALTON-E3-H,210.30)

I am to have the skin if we kill her . (WALTON-E3-H,210.31)

<font> Ven. </font> Why , Sir , $what $'s {TEXT:what's} the skin worth
? (WALTON-E3-H,210.32)

<font> Hunt. </font> $'T $is {TEXT:'Tis} worth ten shillings to make
gloves ; (WALTON-E3-H,210.33)

the gloves of an <font> Otter </font> are the best fortification for
your hands that can be thought on against wet weather .
(WALTON-E3-H,210.34)

<font> Pisc. </font> I pray , honest Huntsman , let me ask you a
pleasant question , (WALTON-E3-H,210.35)

do you hunt a beast or a fish ? (WALTON-E3-H,210.36)

<P_211>

<font> Hunt. </font> Sir , It is not in my power to resolve you ,
(WALTON-E3-H,211.38)

I leave it to be resolved by the Colledge of <font> Carthusians </font>
, who have made vows never to eat flesh . (WALTON-E3-H,211.39)

But I have heard , the question hath been debated among many great
Clerks , (WALTON-E3-H,211.40)

and they seem to differ about it ; (WALTON-E3-H,211.41)

yet most agree that her tail is Fish : (WALTON-E3-H,211.42)

and if her body be Fish too , then I may say , that a Fish will walk
upon land , <paren> for an <font> Otter </font> does so </paren>
sometimes five or six , or ten miles in a night to catch for her young
ones , or to glut herself with Fish , (WALTON-E3-H,211.43)

and I can tell you that <font> Pigeons </font> will fly forty miles for
a breakfast , (WALTON-E3-H,211.44)

but <font> Sir </font> , I am sure the <font> Otter </font> devours
much Fish , (WALTON-E3-H,211.45)

and kills and spoils much more than he eats : (WALTON-E3-H,211.46)

And I can tell you , that this Dog-fisher <paren> for so the Latins
call him </paren> can smell a Fish in the water an hundred yards from
him <paren> <font> Gesner </font> says much farther </paren> and that
his stones are good against the Falling-sickness : and that there is an
herb <font> Benione </font> , 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-2 by water and land ;
(WALTON-E3-H,211.47)

and I can tell you there is brave hunting this Waterdog in <font>
Corn-wall </font> , where there have been so many , that our learned
<font> Cambden </font> says , there is a River called <font> Ottersey
</font> , which was so named , by reason of the abundance of <font>
Otters </font> that bred and fed in it . (WALTON-E3-H,211.48)

And thus much for my knowledg of the <font> Otter </font> , which you
may now see above water at vent , and the dogs close with him ;
(WALTON-E3-H,211.49)

I now see he will not last long , (WALTON-E3-H,211.50)

follow therefore my Masters , (WALTON-E3-H,211.51)

follow , (WALTON-E3-H,211.52)

for <font> Sweetlips </font> was like to have him at this last vent .
(WALTON-E3-H,211.53)

<font> Ven. </font> Oh me , all the Horse are got over the River ,
(WALTON-E3-H,211.54)

what shall we do now ? (WALTON-E3-H,211.55)

shall we follow them over the water ? (WALTON-E3-H,211.56)

<font> Hunt. </font> No , <font> Sir </font> , no , be not so eager ,
(WALTON-E3-H,211.57)

stay a little (WALTON-E3-H,211.58)

and follow me , (WALTON-E3-H,211.59)

for both they , and the dogs will be suddenly on this side again , I
warrant you : and the <font> Otter </font> too , it may be :
(WALTON-E3-H,211.60)

now have at him with <font> Kilbuck </font> , (WALTON-E3-H,211.61)

for he vents again . (WALTON-E3-H,211.62)

<P_212>

<font> Ven. </font> Marry so he do's , (WALTON-E3-H,212.64)

for look he vents in that corner . (WALTON-E3-H,212.65)

Now , now <font> Ringwood </font> has him : (WALTON-E3-H,212.66)

now $he $'s {TEXT:he's} gone again , (WALTON-E3-H,212.67)

and has bit the poor dog . (WALTON-E3-H,212.68)

Now <font> Sweetlips </font> has him ; (WALTON-E3-H,212.69)

hold him <font> Sweetlips </font> ! (WALTON-E3-H,212.70)

now all the dogs have him , some above and some under water ;
(WALTON-E3-H,212.71)

but now , now $he $'s {TEXT:he's} tir'd , and past losing :
(WALTON-E3-H,212.72)

come bring him to me , <font> Sweetlips </font> . (WALTON-E3-H,212.73)

Look , $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} a <font> Bitch-Otter </font> ,
(WALTON-E3-H,212.74)

and she has lately whelp'd , (WALTON-E3-H,212.75)

$let $'s {TEXT:let's} go to the place where she was <font> put down
</font> , (WALTON-E3-H,212.76)

and not far from it you will find all her young ones , I dare warrant
you , and kill them all too . (WALTON-E3-H,212.77)

<font> Hunt. </font> Come , Gentlemen , (WALTON-E3-H,212.78)

come all , (WALTON-E3-H,212.79)

$let $'s {TEXT:let's} go to the place where we <font> put down </font>
the <font> Otter </font> . (WALTON-E3-H,212.80)

Look you , (WALTON-E3-H,212.81)

hereabout it was that she kennel'd ; (WALTON-E3-H,212.82)

look you , here it was indeed , (WALTON-E3-H,212.83)

for $here $'s {TEXT:here's} her young ones , no less than five ;
(WALTON-E3-H,212.84)

come $let $'s {TEXT:let's} kill them all . (WALTON-E3-H,212.85)

<font> Pisc. </font> No , I pray Sir , save me one ,
(WALTON-E3-H,212.86)

and $I $'ll {TEXT:I'll} try if I can make her tame , as I know an
ingenious Gentleman in <font> Leicester-shire </font> <paren> Mr.
<font> Nich. Seagrave </font> </paren> has done ; who hath not only
made her tame , but to catch Fish , and do many other things of much
pleasure . (WALTON-E3-H,212.87)

<font> Hunt. </font> Take one with all my heart , (WALTON-E3-H,212.88)

but let us kill the rest . (WALTON-E3-H,212.89)

And now $let $'s {TEXT:let's} go to an honest Ale-house , where we may
have a cup of good <font> Barley-wine </font> , and sing <font> Old
Rose </font> , and all of us rejoyce together . (WALTON-E3-H,212.90)

<font> Venat. </font> Come my friend , <font> Piscator </font> ,
(WALTON-E3-H,212.91)

let me invite you along with us ; (WALTON-E3-H,212.92)

$I $'ll {TEXT:I'll} bear you charges this night , (WALTON-E3-H,212.93)

and you shall bear mine to morrow ; (WALTON-E3-H,212.94)

for my intention is to accompany you a day or two in Fishing .
(WALTON-E3-H,212.95)

<font> Pisc. </font> Sir , your request is granted ,
(WALTON-E3-H,212.96)

and I shall be right glad , both to exchange such a courtesie , and
also to enjoy your company . (WALTON-E3-H,212.97)

<font> Venat. </font> Well , now $let $'s {TEXT:let's} go to your sport
of Angling . (WALTON-E3-H,212.98)

<font> Pisc. </font> $Let $'s {TEXT:Let's} be going with all my heart .
(WALTON-E3-H,212.99)

God keep you all , Gentlemen , (WALTON-E3-H,212.100)

and send you meet this day with another Bitch-Otter , and kill her
merrily , and all her young ones too . (WALTON-E3-H,212.101)

<font> Ven. </font> Now , <font> Piscator </font> , where will you
begin to fish ? (WALTON-E3-H,212.102)

<P_213>

<font> Pisc. </font> We are not yet come to a likely place ,
(WALTON-E3-H,213.104)

I must walk a mile further yet , before I begin . (WALTON-E3-H,213.105)

<font> Venat. </font> Well then , I pray , as we walk tell me freely ,
how do you like your lodging and mine Hoste and the company ?
(WALTON-E3-H,213.106)

is not mine Hoste a witty man ? (WALTON-E3-H,213.107)

<font> Pisc. </font> Sir , I will tell you presently what I think of
your Hoste ; (WALTON-E3-H,213.108)

but first I will tell you , I am glad these <font> Otters </font> were
killed , (WALTON-E3-H,213.109)

and I am sorry there are no more <font> Otter-killers </font> :
(WALTON-E3-H,213.110)

for I know that the want of <font> Otter-killers </font> , and the not
keeping the <font> Fence months </font> for the preservation of <font>
fish </font> , will in time prove the destruction of all <font> Rivers
</font> ; (WALTON-E3-H,213.111)

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 .
(WALTON-E3-H,213.112)

<font> Venat. </font> Why , Sir , what be those you call the Fence
months ? (WALTON-E3-H,213.113)

<font> Pisc. </font> Sir , they be principally three , namely , <font>
March , April </font> , and <font> May </font> , (WALTON-E3-H,213.114)

for these be the usual months that <font> Salmon </font> 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 <font> weres </font> and <font> unlawful gins </font> , which the
greedy Fisher-men set , and so destroy them by thousands , as they
would <paren> being so taught by nature </paren> change the <font>
fresh </font> for <font> salt water </font> . (WALTON-E3-H,213.115)

He that shall view the wise Statutes made in the 13 of <font> Edw. the
I. </font> and the like in <font> Rich. the III. </font> may see
several provisions made against the destruction of Fish :
(WALTON-E3-H,213.116)

and though I profess no knowledg of the Law , yet I am sure the
regulation of these defects might be easily mended .
(WALTON-E3-H,213.117)

But I remember that a wise friend of mine did usually say , <font> That
which is every bodies business , is no bodies business </font> .
(WALTON-E3-H,213.118)

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
<font> conservators </font> of the waters should be ashamed .
(WALTON-E3-H,213.119)

But above all , the taking Fish in Spawning time , may be said to be
against nature ; (WALTON-E3-H,213.120)

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 . (WALTON-E3-H,214.121)

But the poor Fish have enemies enough beside such unnatural <font>
Fisher-men </font> , as namely , the <font> Otters </font> that I spake
of , the <font> Cormorant </font> , the <font> Bittern </font> , the
<font> Osprey </font> , the <font> Sea-gull </font> , the <font> Hern
</font> , the <font> Kingfisher </font> , the <font> Gorrara </font> ,
the <font> Puet </font> , the <font> Swan , Goose , Ducks </font> , and
the <font> Craber </font> , which some call the Water-rat : against all
which any honest man may make a just quarrel , (WALTON-E3-H,214.122)

but I will not , (WALTON-E3-H,214.123)

I will leave them to be quarreled with , and kill'd by others ;
(WALTON-E3-H,214.124)

for I am not of a cruel nature , (WALTON-E3-H,214.125)

I love to kill nothing but Fish . (WALTON-E3-H,214.126)

And now to your question concerning your Hoste , to speak truly , he is
not to me a good companion : (WALTON-E3-H,214.127)

for most of his conceits were either Scripture jests , or lascivious
jests ; for which I count no man witty , (WALTON-E3-H,214.128)

for the Devil will help a man that way inclined , to the first ; and
his own corrupt nature <paren> which he always carries with him
</paren> to the latter . (WALTON-E3-H,214.129)

But a companion that feasts the company with <font> wit </font> and
<font> mirth </font> , and leaves out the sin <paren> which is usually
mixt with them </paren> he is the man ; (WALTON-E3-H,214.130)

and indeed such a companion should have his charges born :
(WALTON-E3-H,214.131)

and to such company I hope to bring you this night ;
(WALTON-E3-H,214.132)

for at <font> Trout-hall </font> , not far from this place , where I
purpose to lodge to night , there is usually an Angler that proves good
company : (WALTON-E3-H,214.133)

and let me tell you , good company and good discourse are the very
sinews of vertue : (WALTON-E3-H,214.134)

but for such discourse as we heard last night , it infects others ;
(WALTON-E3-H,214.135)

the very boys will learn to talk and swear as they heard mine Host ,
and another of the company that shall be nameless ;
(WALTON-E3-H,214.136)

I am sorry the other is a Gentleman , (WALTON-E3-H,214.137)

for less Religion will not save their Souls than a beggars ;
(WALTON-E3-H,214.138)

I think more will be required at the last great day .
(WALTON-E3-H,214.139)

Well , you know what Example is able to do , (WALTON-E3-H,214.140)

and I know what the Poet says in the like case , which is worthy to be
noted by all parents and people of civility : (WALTON-E3-H,214.141)

{COM:verse_omitted}

<P_215>

{COM:verse_omitted}

This is reason put into Verse , and worthy the consideration of a wise
man . (WALTON-E3-H,215.145)

But of this no more , (WALTON-E3-H,215.146)

for though I love civility , yet I hate severe censures :
(WALTON-E3-H,215.147)

$I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} to my own art , (WALTON-E3-H,215.148)

and I doubt not but at yonder tree I shall catch a <font> Chub </font>
, (WALTON-E3-H,215.149)

and then $we $'ll {TEXT:we'l} turn to an honest cleanly Hostess , that
I know right well ; rest our selves there , and dress it for our dinner
. (WALTON-E3-H,215.150)

<font> Venat. </font> Oh Sir , a <font> Chub </font> is the worst Fish
that swims , (WALTON-E3-H,215.151)

I hoped for a <font> Trout </font> to my dinner . (WALTON-E3-H,215.152)

<font> Pisc. </font> Trust me , <font> Sir </font> , there is not a
likely place for a <font> Trout </font> hereabout ,
(WALTON-E3-H,215.153)

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 <font> Trout </font> till evening ;
(WALTON-E3-H,215.154)

and though a <font> Chub </font> be by you and many others reckoned the
worst of <font> fish </font> , yet you shall see $I $'ll {TEXT:I'll}
make it a good Fish , by dressing it . (WALTON-E3-H,215.155)

<font> Ven. </font> Why , how will you dress him ?
(WALTON-E3-H,215.156)

<font> Pisc. </font> $I $'ll {TEXT:I'll} tell you by and by , when I
have caught him . (WALTON-E3-H,215.157)

Look you here , Sir , (WALTON-E3-H,215.158)

do you see ? (WALTON-E3-H,215.159)

<paren> but you must stand very close </paren> (WALTON-E3-H,215.160)

there lye upon the top of the water in this very hole twenty <font>
Chubs </font> : (WALTON-E3-H,215.161)

$I $'ll {TEXT:I'll} catch only one , (WALTON-E3-H,215.162)

and that shall be the biggest of them all : (WALTON-E3-H,215.163)

and that I will do so , $I $'ll {TEXT:I'll} hold you twenty to one ,
(WALTON-E3-H,215.164)

and you shall see it done . (WALTON-E3-H,215.165)

<font> Venat. </font> I marry Sir , now you talk like an Artist ,
(WALTON-E3-H,215.166)

and $I $'ll {TEXT:I'll} say you are one , when I shall see you perform
what you say you can do ; (WALTON-E3-H,215.167)

but I yet doubt it . (WALTON-E3-H,215.168)

<font> Pisc. </font> You shall not doubt it long ,
(WALTON-E3-H,215.169)

for you shall see me do it presently : (WALTON-E3-H,215.170)

look , (WALTON-E3-H,215.171)

the biggest of these <font> Chubs </font> has had some bruise upon his
tail , by a Pike or some other accident , (WALTON-E3-H,215.172)

and that looks like a white spot ; (WALTON-E3-H,215.173)

that very <font> Chub </font> I mean to put into your hands presently ;
(WALTON-E3-H,215.174)

sit you but down in the shade , (WALTON-E3-H,215.175)

and stay but a little while , (WALTON-E3-H,215.176)

and $I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} warrant you $I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} bring him to
you . (WALTON-E3-H,215.177)

<P_216>

<font> Venat. </font> $I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} sit down
(WALTON-E3-H,216.179)

and hope well , because you seem to be so confident .
(WALTON-E3-H,216.180)

<font> Pisc. </font> Look you Sir , (WALTON-E3-H,216.181)

there is a tryal of my skill , (WALTON-E3-H,216.182)

there he is , that very <font> Chub </font> that I shewed you with the
white spot on his tail : (WALTON-E3-H,216.183)

and $I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} be as certain to make him a good dish of meat ,
as I was to catch him . (WALTON-E3-H,216.184)

$I $'ll {TEXT:I'le} now lead you to an honest Ale-house where we shall
find a cleanly room , <font> Lavender </font> in the Windows , and
twenty <font> Ballads </font> stuck about the wall ;
(WALTON-E3-H,216.185)

there my Hostess <paren> which I may tell you , is both cleanly and
handsome and civil </paren> hath drest many a one for me ,
(WALTON-E3-H,216.186)

and shall now dress it after my fashion , (WALTON-E3-H,216.187)

and I warrant it good meat . (WALTON-E3-H,216.188)

<font> Ven. </font> Come Sir , with all my heart ,
(WALTON-E3-H,216.189)

for I begin to be hungry , (WALTON-E3-H,216.190)

and long to be at it , and indeed to rest my self too ;
(WALTON-E3-H,216.191)

for though I have walk'd but four miles this morning , yet I begin to
be weary ; (WALTON-E3-H,216.192)

yesterdays hunting hangs still upon me . (WALTON-E3-H,216.193)

<font> Pisc. </font> Well Sir , and you shall quickly be at rest ,
(WALTON-E3-H,216.194)

for yonder is the house I mean to bring you to . (WALTON-E3-H,216.195)

Come Hostess , (WALTON-E3-H,216.196)

how do you ? (WALTON-E3-H,216.197)

Will you first give us a cup of your best drink , and then dress this
<font> Chub </font> , as you drest my last , when I and my friend were
here about eight or ten days ago ? (WALTON-E3-H,216.198)

but you must do me one courtesie , (WALTON-E3-H,216.199)

it must be done instantly . (WALTON-E3-H,216.200)

<font> Host. </font> I will do it , Mr. <font> Piscator </font> , and
with all the speed I can . (WALTON-E3-H,216.201)

<font> Pisc. </font> Now Sir , has not my Hostess made hast ?
(WALTON-E3-H,216.202)

and does not the fish look lovely ? (WALTON-E3-H,216.203)

<font> Ven. </font> Both , upon my word , Sir , (WALTON-E3-H,216.204)

and therefore $let $'s {TEXT:let's} say grace and fall to eating of it
. (WALTON-E3-H,216.205)

<font> Pisc. </font> Well Sir , how do you like it ?
(WALTON-E3-H,216.206)

<font> Ven. </font> Trust me , (WALTON-E3-H,216.207)

$'t $is {TEXT:'tis} as good meat as I ever tasted :
(WALTON-E3-H,216.208)

now let me thank you for it , drink to you , and beg a courtesie of you
; (WALTON-E3-H,216.209)

but it must not be deny'd me . (WALTON-E3-H,216.210)

<font> Pisc. </font> What is it I pray Sir ? (WALTON-E3-H,216.211)

you are so modest , that $me $thinks {TEXT:methinks} I may promise to
grant it before it is asked . (WALTON-E3-H,216.212)

<font> Ven. </font> Why Sir , it is , that from henceforth you would
allow me to call you <font> Master </font> , and that really I may be
your Scholar . (WALTON-E3-H,216.213)

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 . (WALTON-E3-H,217.214)

<font> Pisc. </font> Give me your hand ; (WALTON-E3-H,217.215)

from this time forward I will be your Master , and teach you as much of
this Art as I am able ; (WALTON-E3-H,217.216)

and will , as you desire me , tell you somewhat of the nature of most
of the Fish that we are to angle for ; (WALTON-E3-H,217.217)

and I am sure I both can and will tell you more than any common <font>
Angler </font> yet knows . (WALTON-E3-H,217.218)

<P_292>

<heading>

CHAP. IX . (WALTON-E3-H,292.221)

OBSERVATIONS OF THE CARP_N , WITH DIRECTIONS HOW TO FISH FOR HIM .
(WALTON-E3-H,292.222)

</heading>

<font> Pisc. </font> The <font> Carp </font> 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 <font> England </font> , but is now naturalized
. (WALTON-E3-H,292.224)

It is said , they were brought hither by one Mr. <font> Mascal </font>
a Gentleman , that then lived at <font> Plumsted </font> in <font>
Sussex </font> , a County that abounds more with this fish than any in
this Nation . (WALTON-E3-H,292.225)

You may remember that I told you , <font> Gesner </font> says , there
are no <font> Pikes </font> in <font> Spain </font> ;
(WALTON-E3-H,292.226)

and doubtless , there was a time , about a hundred or a few more years
ago , when there were no <font> Carps </font> in <font> England </font>
, as may seem to be affirmed by S. <font> Richard Baker </font> , in
whose Chronicle you may find these Verses . (WALTON-E3-H,292.227)

<font> Hops and Turkies , Carps and Beer Came into </font> England
<font> all in a year . </font> (WALTON-E3-H,292.228)

And doubtless as of Sea-fish the <font> Herring </font> dies soonest
out of the water , and of fresh-water-fish the <font> Trout </font> ,
so <paren> except the <font> Eel </font> </paren> the <font> Carp
</font> endures most hardness , (WALTON-E3-H,292.229)

and lives longest out of his own proper Element . (WALTON-E3-H,292.230)

And therefore the report of the Carps being brought out of a forraigne
Country into this Nation is the more probable . (WALTON-E3-H,292.231)

Carps and Loaches are observed to Breed several months in <P_293> one
year , which Pikes and most other fish do not . (WALTON-E3-H,293.232)

And this is partly proved by tame and wild <font> Rabbets </font> , as
also by some <font> Ducks </font> , which will lay eggs nine of the
twelve months , (WALTON-E3-H,293.233)

and yet there be other <font> Ducks </font> that lay no longer than
about one month . (WALTON-E3-H,293.234)

And it is the rather to be believed , because you shall scarce or never
take a <font> Male-Carp </font> without a <font> Melt </font> , or a
<font> Female </font> without a <font> Roe </font> or <font> spawn
</font> , (WALTON-E3-H,293.235)

and for the most part very much ; (WALTON-E3-H,293.236)

and especially all the Summer season ; (WALTON-E3-H,293.237)

and it is observed , that they breed more naturally in ponds than in
running waters , <paren> if they breed there at all </paren> ;
(WALTON-E3-H,293.238)

and those that live in Rivers are taken by men of the best palats to be
much the better meat . (WALTON-E3-H,293.239)

And it is observed , that in some ponds <font> Carps </font> will not
breed , especially in cold ponds ; (WALTON-E3-H,293.240)

but where they will breed , they breed innumerably ;
(WALTON-E3-H,293.241)

<font> Aristotle </font> and <font> Pliny </font> say , six times in a
year , if there be no <font> Pikes </font> nor <font> Pearch </font> 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 .
(WALTON-E3-H,293.242)

The <font> Carp </font> , if he have water-room and good feed , will
grow to a very great bigness and length : (WALTON-E3-H,293.243)

I have heard , to be much above a yard long . (WALTON-E3-H,293.244)

$'T $is {TEXT:'Tis} said , <paren> by <font> Jovius </font> , who hath
writ of Fishes </paren> that in the lake <font> Lurian </font> in
<font> Italy , Carps </font> have thriven to be more than fifty pound
weight , which is the more probable , (WALTON-E3-H,293.245)

for as the <font> Bear </font> is conceiv'd and born suddenly ; and
being born is but short-liv'd : So on the contrary , the <font>
Elephant </font> is said to be two years in his dams belly
(WALTON-E3-H,293.246)

<paren> some think he is ten years in it </paren> (WALTON-E3-H,293.247)

and being born grows in bigness twenty years ; (WALTON-E3-H,293.248)

and $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} observ'd too that he lives to the Age of a
hundred years . (WALTON-E3-H,293.249)

And $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} also observ'd that the <font> Crocodile </font>
is very long-liv'd , and more than that , that all that long life he
thrives in bigness , (WALTON-E3-H,293.250)

and so I think some <font> Carps </font> do , especially in some places
; though I never saw one above 23. inches , which was a great and
goodly Fish : (WALTON-E3-H,293.251)

But have been assured there are of a far greater size , and in <font>
England </font> too . (WALTON-E3-H,293.252)

Now , as the increase of <font> Carps </font> 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 : (WALTON-E3-H,294.253)

and as their breeding , so are their decays also very mysterious :
(WALTON-E3-H,294.254)

I have both read it , and been told by a Gentleman of tryed honesty ,
that he has known sixty or more large <font> Carps </font> 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 <paren> for that they might do so , he had , as the
rule is , put in three Melters for one Spawner </paren> he has , I say
, after three or four years , found neither a young nor old <font> Carp
</font> remaining . (WALTON-E3-H,294.255)

And the like I have known of one that has almost watched the pond ,
(WALTON-E3-H,294.256)

and at a like distance of time , at the fishing of a pond , found of
seventy or eighty large <font> Carps </font> not above five or six :
(WALTON-E3-H,294.257)

and that he had forborn longer to fish the said pond ,
(WALTON-E3-H,294.258)

but he saw in a hot day in Summer , a large <font> Carp </font> swim
near the top of the water with a Frog upon his head ,
(WALTON-E3-H,294.259)

and that he upon that occasion caused his pond to be let dry :
(WALTON-E3-H,294.260)

and I say , of seventy or eighty <font> Carps </font> , 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 <font> Carps
</font> , that the <font> Frog </font> would not be got off without
extreme force or killing : (WALTON-E3-H,294.261)

and the Gentleman that did affirm this to me , told me he saw it ,
(WALTON-E3-H,294.262)

and did declare his belief to be , <paren> and also I believe the same
</paren> that he thought the other <font> Carps </font> that were so
strangely lost , were so killed by frogs , and then devoured .
(WALTON-E3-H,294.263)

And a person of honour now living in <font> Worcestershire </font>
assur'd me he had seen a necklace or collar of Tadpoles hang like a
chaine or necklace of beads about a <font> Pikes </font> neck , and to
kill him ; (WALTON-E3-H,294.264)

whether it were for meat or malice , must be to me a question .
(WALTON-E3-H,294.265)

But I am faln into this Discourse by accident , of which I might say
more , (WALTON-E3-H,294.266)

but it has proved longer than I intended , (WALTON-E3-H,294.267)

and possibly may not to you be considerable ; (WALTON-E3-H,294.268)

I shall therefore give you three or four more short observations of the
<font> Carp </font> , (WALTON-E3-H,294.269)

and then fall upon some directions how you shall fish for him .
(WALTON-E3-H,294.270)

The age of Carps is by Sir <font> Francis Bacon </font> <paren> in his
History of Life <P_295> and Death </paren> observed to be but ten years
; (WALTON-E3-H,295.271)

yet others think they live longer . (WALTON-E3-H,295.272)

<font> Gesner </font> saies a <font> Carp </font> has been known to
live in the <font> Palatinate </font> above a hundred years :
(WALTON-E3-H,295.273)

But most conclude , that <paren> contrary to the <font> Pike </font> or
<font> Luce </font> </paren> all <font> Carps </font> are the better
for age and bigness ; (WALTON-E3-H,295.274)

the Tongues of <font> Carps </font> are noted to be choice and costly
meat , especially to them that buy them : (WALTON-E3-H,295.275)

but <font> Gesner </font> saies , <font> Carps </font> have no tongue
like other Fish , but a piece of flesh-like-Fish in their mouth like to
a tongue , (WALTON-E3-H,295.276)

and should be called a palate : (WALTON-E3-H,295.277)

But it is certain it is choicely good , and that the <font> Carp
</font> is to be reckoned amongst those leather-mouthed fish , which I
told you have their teeth in their throat , (WALTON-E3-H,295.278)

and for that reason he is very seldom lost by breaking his hold , if
your hook be once stuck into his chaps . (WALTON-E3-H,295.279)

I told you that Sir <font> Francis Bacon </font> thinks that the <font>
Carp </font> lives but ten years , (WALTON-E3-H,295.280)

but <font> Janus Dubravius </font> has writ a Book of Fish and
Fishponds , in which he saies , That <font> Carps </font> begin to
Spawn at the age of three years , and continue to do so till thirty :
(WALTON-E3-H,295.281)

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 <font> Male-Carps </font>
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 ; (WALTON-E3-H,295.282)

and then they let fall their Melt upon it , (WALTON-E3-H,295.283)

and so it becomes in a short time to be a living Fish ;
(WALTON-E3-H,295.284)

and as I told you , it is thought the <font> Carp </font> does this
several months in the year , (WALTON-E3-H,295.285)

and most believe that most fish breed after this manner , except the
Eel : (WALTON-E3-H,295.286)

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 . (WALTON-E3-H,295.287)

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 <font> Glass-hives </font> , and order them in such a manner as to
see how <font> Bees </font> have bred and <P_296> made their <font>
Honey-combs </font> , and how they have obeyed their King , and
governed their Common-wealth . (WALTON-E3-H,296.288)

But it is thought that all <font> Carps </font> are not bred by
generation , but that some breed other ways , as some <font> Pikes
</font> do . (WALTON-E3-H,296.289)

The Physicians make the <font> galls </font> and <font> stones </font>
in the heads of <font> Carps </font> to be very medicinable ;
(WALTON-E3-H,296.290)

but $'t $is {TEXT:'tis} not to be doubted but that in <font> Italy
</font> they make great profit of the Spawn of <font> Carps </font> ,
by selling it to the <font> Jews </font> , who make it into red <font>
Caviare </font> , the <font> Jews </font> not being by their Law
admitted to eat of <font> Caviare </font> made of the <font> Sturgeon
</font> , that being a Fish that wants scales , and <paren> as may
appear in <font> Levit. </font> 11. </paren> by them reputed to be
unclean . (WALTON-E3-H,296.291)

Much more might be said out of him , and out of <font> Aristotle
</font> , which <font> Dubravius </font> often quotes in his Discourse
of Fishes ; (WALTON-E3-H,296.292)

but it might rather perplex than satisfie you , (WALTON-E3-H,296.293)

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 <font> Carp </font> , {COM:figure_omitted} or of any more
circumstances concerning him ; (WALTON-E3-H,296.294)

but yet I shall remember you of what I told you before , that he is a
very subtil Fish , and hard to be caught . (WALTON-E3-H,296.295)

And my first direction is , that if you will Fish for a <font> Carp
</font> , you must put on a very large measure of <font> patience
</font> ; especially to fish for a <font> River Carp </font> :
(WALTON-E3-H,296.296)

I have known a very good Fisher angle diligently four or six hours in a
day , for three or four daies together for a <font> River Carp </font>
, and not have a bite : (WALTON-E3-H,296.297)

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 : (WALTON-E3-H,297.298)

But you are to remember , that I have told you there is no rule without
an exception , (WALTON-E3-H,297.299)

and therefore being possest with that hope and patience which I wish to
all Fishers , especially to the <font> Carp-Angler </font> , I shall
tell you with what bait to fish for him . (WALTON-E3-H,297.300)

But first you are to know , that it must be either early or late ;
(WALTON-E3-H,297.301)

and let me tell you , that in hot weather <paren> for he will seldom
bite in cold </paren> you $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be too early or too
late at it . (WALTON-E3-H,297.302)

And some have been so curious as to say , the of <font> April </font>
is a fatal day for Carps . (WALTON-E3-H,297.303)

The Carp bites either at worms or at paste ; (WALTON-E3-H,297.304)

and of worms I think the blewish Marsh or Meadow worm is best ;
(WALTON-E3-H,297.305)

but possibly another worm not too big may do as well ,
(WALTON-E3-H,297.306)

and so may a green Gentle : (WALTON-E3-H,297.307)

And as for pastes , there are almost as many sorts as there are
Medicines for the Toothach , (WALTON-E3-H,297.308)

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 : (WALTON-E3-H,297.309)

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 ; (WALTON-E3-H,297.310)

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 :
(WALTON-E3-H,297.311)

and these small pellets being a few of them also thrown in as you are
Angling will be the better . (WALTON-E3-H,297.312)

And your paste must be thus made : (WALTON-E3-H,297.313)

Take the flesh of a Rabbet or Cat cut small , and Bean-flowre ,
(WALTON-E3-H,297.314)

and if that may not be easily got , get other flowre ,
(WALTON-E3-H,297.315)

and then mix these together , (WALTON-E3-H,297.316)

and put to them either Sugar , or Honey , which I think better ,
(WALTON-E3-H,297.317)

and then beat these together in a Mortar , (WALTON-E3-H,297.318)

or sometimes work them in your hands , <paren> your hands being very
clean </paren> (WALTON-E3-H,297.319)

and then <P_298> make it into a Ball , or two , or three , as you like
best for your use ; (WALTON-E3-H,298.320)

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 ; (WALTON-E3-H,298.321)

or that you may the better keep it on your hook , you may knead with
your paste a little <paren> and not much </paren> white or yellowish
wool . (WALTON-E3-H,298.322)

And if you would have this paste keep all the year for any other Fish ,
then mix it with <font> Virgin wax </font> and <font> clarified honey
</font> , (WALTON-E3-H,298.323)

and work them together with your hands before the Fire ,
(WALTON-E3-H,298.324)

then make these into balls , (WALTON-E3-H,298.325)

and they will keep all the year . (WALTON-E3-H,298.326)

And if you fish for a Carp with Gentles , then put upon your hook a
small piece of Scarlet about this bigness {COM:figure_omitted} , it
being soked in , or anointed with <font> Oyl of Peter </font> , called
by some <font> Oyl of the Rock </font> ; (WALTON-E3-H,298.327)

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 . (WALTON-E3-H,298.328)

But still as you are fishing chaw a little white or brown bread in your
mouth , (WALTON-E3-H,298.329)

and cast it into the pond about the place where your Flote swims .
(WALTON-E3-H,298.330)

Other baits there be , (WALTON-E3-H,298.331)

but these with diligence , and patient watchfulness , will do it better
than any that I have ever practised , or heard of :
(WALTON-E3-H,298.332)

And yet I shall tell you , that the crumbs of white bread and honey
made into a paste is a good bait for a <font> Carp </font> ,
(WALTON-E3-H,298.333)

and you know it is more easily made . (WALTON-E3-H,298.334)

And having said thus much of the <font> Carp </font> , my next
discourse shall be of the <font> Bream </font> , which shall not prove
so tedious , (WALTON-E3-H,298.335)

and therefore I desire the continuance of your attention .
(WALTON-E3-H,298.336)

But first I will tell you how to make this <font> Carp </font> that is
so curious to be caught , so curious a dish of meat , as shall make him
worth all your labour and patience ; (WALTON-E3-H,298.337)

and though it is not without some trouble and charges , yet it will
recompence both . (WALTON-E3-H,298.338)

<font> Take a </font> Carp <font> <paren> alive if possible </paren>
(WALTON-E3-H,298.339)

scour him , (WALTON-E3-H,298.340)

and rub him clean with water and salt , (WALTON-E3-H,298.341)

but scale him not , (WALTON-E3-H,298.342)

then open him , (WALTON-E3-H,298.343)

and put him with his bloud and his liver <paren> which you must save
when you open him </paren> into a small pot or kettle ;
(WALTON-E3-H,298.344)

then take sweet Marjoram , Time and Parsley , of each half a handful ,
a sprig of Rosemary , and another of Savoury , (WALTON-E3-H,298.345)

bind them into two or three small bundles , (WALTON-E3-H,298.346)

and put them to your Carp , with <P_299> four or five whole Onyons ,
twenty pickled Oysters , and three Anchovies . (WALTON-E3-H,299.347)

Then pour upon your Carp as much Claret wine as will only cover him ;
(WALTON-E3-H,299.348)

and season your Claret well with salt , Cloves and Mace , and the rinds
of Oranges and Lemons , (WALTON-E3-H,299.349)

that done , cover your pot (WALTON-E3-H,299.350)

and set it on a quick-fire , till it be sufficiently boiled ;
(WALTON-E3-H,299.351)

then take out the Carp (WALTON-E3-H,299.352)

and lay it with the broth into the dish , (WALTON-E3-H,299.353)

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 ; (WALTON-E3-H,299.354)

garnish your dish with Lemons (WALTON-E3-H,299.355)

and so serve it up , (WALTON-E3-H,299.356)

and much good do you . (WALTON-E3-H,299.357)