We traced the steps of some of our Scheveling companions to the
fish-market. As might be expected, the market proved commodious and
clean, and well supplied with water. Salmon was pretty common; carp was
plentiful; and a single John Dory and a single sturgeon appeared on a
stall. At some seasons, we believe, sturgeons are abundant, being taken
in numbers at the mouths of the Rhine, when about to ascend that river.
Four tame storks were stalking up and down in the market. They were in
full plumage; and did not appear to have been pinioned, so as to disable
them from flying. Their food consists wholly of the garbage which they
pick up about the fish-stalls. A small house, like a dog’s kennel, is
appropriated to their use; for the stork seems to be held as sacred by
the Dutch as by the Mahomedans.[380]
[376] _Haag_, _hag_, _haigh_, &c. are explained in the _Every
Day-Book_. Art. Hagbush-lane.--ED.
[377] _Conterminous_: bordering.--_Johnson._ ED.
[378] Le Long, indeed, puts this beyond doubt; for, writing in 1630,
he describes this avenue as being then “adorned with fine trees.”
_Kabinet van Outheden_, &c. published in 1732.
[379] Two small towns on the shore of the Frith of Forth, near
Edinburgh, chiefly inhabited by fishermen and their families.
[380] Caledonian Horticultural Tour.
* * * * *
~Michaelmas.~