Page 134 - Chinese Porcelain Vol I, Galland

102 CHINESE PORCELAIN.

Fish.

Mr. Doolittle, p. 47, tells us that, after a betrothment, the
send to the other two
boy's family girl's family among things
" These
fish. presents are, in the Chinese view, omens of good
to the parties most intimately concerned." Figures of fish
seem to be among the charms used to keep away demons and
other evil
spirits.
Carp and perch are the two species most frequently to be
met with on " The Middle
porcelain. Of the former, Kingdom,"
"
vol. i. p. 269, saySj The family of the carps is very abundant in
the rivers and lakes of China, and some are reared in
species
fish-pools and tubs to a monstrous size. Fifty-two species are
mentioned in Richardson's list. The £old fish is the most
celebrated of this and has been introduced from China
family,
into where it was first seen towards the end of the
Europe,
seventeenth century. The effects of culture and domestication
in changing the natural form of this fish are as great as is some-
times seen in animals ; specimens are often seen without any
dorsal fin, and the tail and other fins tufted and lobed to such
a degree as to resemble artificial appendages or wings rather
than natural organs. The eyes are developed till the globe
projects beyond the socket like goggles, presenting an extra-
ordinary appearance. Some of them are so fantastic, indeed,
that would be as lusus nature were not so
they regarded they
common. The usual colour is a ruddy golden hue, but both
sexes exhibit a or blackish tint at certain of their
silvery stages
growth ; and one variety, called the silver fish, has this shade
all its life. The Chinese keep this beautiful fish in ponds in
their gardens, or in large earthenware jars, in which are placed
rocks covered with moss, and overgrown with tufts of ferns,
to afford them a retreat from the light. Specimens upwards
of two feet have been noticed, but they are no
long usually
longer in China than in Europe."
" "
Middle Kingdom," vol. i. p. 271 : The prawns, shrimps,
" "
crabs, crawfish (see No. 305), and other kinds of Crustacea
met with, are not less abundant than One of
palatable. species
crawfish, as large, but not taking the place of the lobster, called
lung hai, or dragon-crab, cuttlefish of three or four kinds, and
the are all eaten the natives.
large king-crab, by . . . Oysters