Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/469

CAR losophers, whether man Is natural- ly carnivorous. Those who are of a contrary opinion, rest their argu- ments chiefly on the structure of the human teeth, which are mostly incisores, that is, cutters, or mo- lares, i. e. grinders, and not such as carnivorous animals are provided with : besides, it deserves to be remarked, that, even when we eat flesh, it has previously undergone an alteration by boiling, or roasting. Nevertheless, it must be allowed, that we are furnished with teeth necessary for the mastication of every kind of food, whence it may reasonably be inferred, that Nature has kindly intended, both the ve- getable and animal kingdoms, for the sustenance of mankind. CARP, or Carpio, L. is a spe- cies of the Cyprinus, a genus of fish comprising above thirty spe- cies. Carp are also called white- fish, on account of their glittering scales, and are distinguished from other fish, by having no teeth, the want of which is supplied by seve- ral small rough bones fixed in their throat. They were introduced into England during the 1 6th century. These fish are much celebrated for their longevitv, many of (hem attaining an age of from 60 to 100 years, and growing to the extra- ordinary length of six feet. They delight in muddy ponds, which are well sheltered from the wind, and into which should be thrown the liquor fromcattie-yards, mixed with clay, peas, beans, oil-cake, &c. In order to fatten them, and increase their size, the growth of grass under the water should be particu- larly attended to ; as they princi- pally feed on it during the summer months. To effect this, when the water decreases in summer, the dry, naked sides of the pond should CAR [437 be raked, and grass- seeds abun- dantly sown : these will produce a plentiful supply of herbage, which, when the pond is filled up by rains, affords a feeding place, where the fish will speedily fatten. In the winter, they crowd together in the mire under the ice, which should be occasionally opened to ad- mit air, for want of which the C3rp is often severely affe6ted. — But where it is practicable, part of the water should be drawn oft', which will be more beneficial to the fish, than to penetrate the ice. This should also be done, when the pond has been struck by lightning, or when the fish are sick, which sometimes happens, if the water become foul or turbid. Carp are much celebrated for their docility, and have been known to be so tame, as to swim to the shore, and take their food, on be- ing called, or summoned by the sound of a bell. In general, how- ever, they are extremely cunning, and difficult to be caught, except during the time of spawning. — The best season for catching carp and barbel, is the month of July, and the most proper time, at day- break. Care must be taken to use neither lead nor shot in the lines ; which ought to be proportionate to the length of the rods, and made of Indian twist, or strong pearl-co- loured silk, armed at the bottom links with sea - grass, Turkey- grass, or strong silk-worm gut, perfectly free from knots or frett- ings ; When the spot for angling is fixed upon, it is requisite, on the preceding night, to throw in a con- siderable quantity of paste, pre- pared of bread and bran, or mixed with lob-worms cut to pieces. This purpose may also be effected F { 3 by