Dear Sir

I caught the Barbel (several of them) last autumn near a mill-dam and was surprised to find wheat in their stomachs—wondered how the fish could get it—but the mystery was solved by the miller, who told me “that a large quantity of wheat passed into the river from the mill” the largest Barbel (about 2 lbs) had about 200 grains of wheat in its stomach: the greater part of it was entire. If taken soon after it was swallowed, it would probably vegetate, but (as you know) the digestion of a fish is so rapid, that most seeds I imagine would soon be destroyed? Should I meet with any I will not fail to send them—

You are probably aware that a kernel of green wheat is a good bait for roach and probably some other fish— To return to the Barbel an angler of my acquaintance used to eat these fish, and contrary to the general taste he thought them excellent. On one occasion however he caught a big fish, and when he was removing the hook, a large quantity of cow^x-dung escaped from its mouth; he has never eaten Barbel since!

Ys very faithfully | Edwards Crisp ^x The cow often deposits its excrement in the water as you know.

C Darwin Esqre