Venator.Why, Sir, what be those that you call the fence-months? Piscator.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 hindered by weirs and unlawful gins, which the greedy fishermen 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 13th of Edward the First, and the like in Richard the Second, may see several provisions made against the destruction of fish: and though I profess no knowledge 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 everybody's business is nobody's business ": if it were otherwise, there could not be so many nets and fish, that are under the statute size, solddaily 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 taking the dam on the nest 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 besides such unnatural fishermen; as namely, the Otters that I spake of, the Cormorant, the Bittern, the Osprey, the Sea-gull, the Hern, the King-fisher, the Gorara, the Puet, the Swan, Goose, Duck, 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 quarrelled with and killed by others, for I am not of a cruel nature, I love to kill nothing but fish.
And, now, to your question concerning your host.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 mixed with them, he is the man, and indeed such a companion should have his charges borne; 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 virtue.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 beggar's: 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:
many a one Owes to his country his religion; And in another, would as strongly grow, Had but his nurse or mother taught him so.
This is reason put into verse, and worthy the consideration of a wiseman.But of this no more; for though I love civility, yet I hate severe censures.I'll to my own art; and I doubt not but at yonder tree I shall catch a Chub: and then we'll turn to an honest cleanly hostess, that I know right well; rest ourselves there; and dress it for our dinner.