Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1881-08-18
petent to Judge of the eating qualities of the

petent to judge of the eating qualities OF the
6nny tribe.
We were honored with an invitation to the
repast, and in company with two other gen.
tlemen, took the train for Mr.. Guthrie's, ar.
irving in due time, and to find him with the
fish already caught and placed in large tin
vessel for inspection. 1t was, indeed, a beau
ty, and would have glsddened the eye Of any
disciple of Isaak Walton. It was of the
"Mirror" variety, a correct engraving OF
which we published last June. The fish was
hatched fourteen months ago, and was one Of
the number placed in Mr.. Guthrie's pond last
January, it being then only between three and
four inches in length. On Saturday last it
measured l7s inches in length, 5inches broad
and 2! inches thick. 1t weighed 3 pounds.
As may be observed by the engraving, there
are but few scales on the fish. These are
large, and from their shining quality this va
riety takes the name of mirror" The fish
was cleaned by scalding, similar to the pro
cess of cleaning the catfish of our streams.
Opened and cleaned, it presented as fine ap-
pearance as dressed shad or any Of the
most aristocratic of the fish family. Served
and placed on the table, it is the equal of any
fish we have ever eaten, and superior to the
SAVIOR of many of the most popular varieties.
Our kind and accomplished hostess regretted
the necessity of having to serve it for the ta'
BILE so soon after dressing it, without giving it
time to be properly seasoned with salt !; but
making due allowance for this deficiency, the
eight persons who partook Of it gave but one
expression as to its merits as table food, and
that was that in point of texture Of the flesh
and flavor, it is the equal of any fresh water
fish known to our most favored streams.
Some of those who partook of this fish had
their doubts, but upon eating it they we're re-
moved and we can confidently assure any
who desire to undertake the cultivation Of the
fish, but may be deferred on account Of fears
as to inferior quality, that this need be no i'm
pediment. 1t is palatable, and all that could
be desired by the lover of the red'horse OF
brook trout, of which varieties the opinion
prevailed that it partakes
We regret that Mr.. Guthrie found but two
of the fish in his pond, on draining it last Fri
day. He attributes Redistribution of the
others to eeIs, "cooters," "or some other enemies
of the 6nny tribe in his pond, and this expe
rience shows conclusively the Importance o.
properly preparing the ponds for this purpose
and especially to protect the young fish from
depredators Those contemplating the prepa
ration of ponds are referred to our issue o.
the 9Th of last June Mr.. Hinson was more
successful than Mr.. Guthrie, having lost bu
one of the twenty placed in his pond. Mr.
Hinson feeds his regularly, having accustom
ed them to feeding place, to which they re
pair at a given signal.
Those who desire to procure the young fish
should file their applications as early as pos
sible with Hon. A. P. Butler, State Agricul
tural Commissioner, who will furnish blanks
for the purpose. He informs US that he vii
have the fish ready for distribution some
time in December or January possibly soon
er. The ponds, however, should be prepared
in advance, and every precaution taken te
protect the young fish from the depredation'
of eels and other enemies.