The Complete Angler 1653 by Izaak Walton
page 36 of 141 (25%)
page 36 of 141 (25%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
you hunt a Beast or a fish?
_H_. Sir, It is not in my power to resolve you; for the question has been debated among many great Clerks, and they seem to differ about it; but most agree, that his tail is fish: and if his 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. But (Sir) I can tell you certainly, that he devours much fish, and kils and spoils much more: And I can tell you, that he can smel a fish in the water one hundred yards from him (_Gesner_ sayes, much farther) and that his stones are good against the Falling-sickness: and that there is an herb _Benione_, which being hung in a linen 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 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 vent. _via_. Oh me, all the Horse are got over the river, what shall we do now? _Hun_. Marry, stay a little & follow, 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 _Kil buck_, for he vents again. _via_. Marry so he is, for look he vents in that corner. Now, now _Ringwood_ has him. Come bring him to me. Look, 'tis a Bitch _Otter_ upon my word, and she has lately whelped, lets 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. |
|